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Samson C-Valve Tube Microphone Preamp

Variable gain and variable tube process saturation for adding harmonics. 19 People rated this product:

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zZounds is an
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Adds the warmth of analog tubes to digital recordings.

A true tube pre-amp that provides pure signal and silky sound. It features variable gain and variable tube process saturation for adding harmonics. Regardless of which mic you use, it will maintain detail and transparency. 48-Volt phantom power, phase and peak limiter round out the control set. A large analog VU output meter and a 6-segment LED input meter make it easy to adjust the gain. Use its insert points along with a C Class Compressor for a direct path to a gorgeous front end sound. The C-valve provides a digital output as well. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Samson products.

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Samson Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 631-784-2200

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Customer Reviews

4 out of 5 (19 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read all 4 Samson C-Valve Tube Microphone Preamp Reviews

"You Get What You Pay For!"

Sound: I've been testing a pair of C Valves here in my studio, since for whatever reason my church bought four of them, and hardly used them before putting them on the shelf. I got curious about why, but I think it's becoming clear...this is not even passable as pro gear, even though the 24/96 SPDIF out is a nice touch. The tube saturation is not bad sounding, but no matter how I set them I get this contrived "dry signal + tube grit", instead of a nice subtly colored sound. I've also had ground hum issues no matter what I do (ground lift, different circuits, etc). That's not acceptable in my studio! The limiter is a nice feature, and is fine if you want a hard-edged bulldozer of a limiter, but don't expect it to be subtle; It's not. Feature: Has everything a decent mic pre should have: 48v Phantom power, low cut (with selectable frequency), phase invert, even a limiter. The Digital output is nice. I wish it did other frequencies besides 48kHz and 96kHz, as I don't prefer to work in either one of those - 44.1 or 88.2 is my preference. The metering looks cool, but is not very useful. It doesn't seem to reflect what I'm seeing/hearing out of the board. Ease of Use: Simple and straightforward - seemingly. However, I've had difficulty finding settings that didn't give an air of "hey! I'm a cheap tube preamp!" The gain staging is a little tricky if your goal is to use the limiter, but not have it slammed the whole time. Quality: It's built very nice for the price, no doubt about that. It's good looking gear. I'm not too upset about having wall-wart power supplies. The connectors are decent quality, and the pots/knobs feel solid. In use is where the cheapness becomes apparent. Value: Solidly built, good looking, and the sound isn't bad - it just isn't good, and definitely not "pro" - but for the price who could really argue? Manufacturer Support: From what I hear, Samson support is pretty good. I haven't personally used them however. I couldn't imagine calling them up and saying "hey, this C-Valve sounds like a cheap generic piece of gear" and them saying anything besides, "well, you should have known that." The Wow Factor: Well, it looked like it would be more useful than it actually has turned out to be. I'd say a lot of these have been sold on price alone, since it's rock-bottom. Overall: It is what it is. If not for the ground issues (which maybe there's a remedy that I haven't tried yet), these would be great for any situation where you just needed mic preamps with phantom power - like a live 2-track recording or something. Don't expect super quality sound for this price - that's just asking too much. You get what you pay for, it's been proven time and time again.

Style of Music: Funk/Soul/Gospel/Hip-Hop/Pop

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"Great for converting analog audio to digital spidf."

Sound: No fat broad sound or tube like boost, but clean loudness and signal path specially thru digital outs (s/pdif). I was hopping for a sweeter sound, but I can honestly say is the best one in this price range (I had own several brand names, this one is not bad, better than presonus). I think sometimes expect miracles out of a pre-amp, is just a signal booster and suppose to be transparent, it does that. There are better choices at higher price ranges. Feature: Great analog plus spdif outs, can be linked with another c valve to use stereo feat. and has side chain capabilities. Ease of Use: Yes. is just knobs that are label. no complicated science. Quality: Metal case, strong, rack mountable or stackable. Value: Unbeatable audio productg for the price give, 24bit 96kh spidf out, that alone well worth the price. Manufacturer Support: Have never used support. The Wow Factor: Good product, if I had the money I would have bought a focusrite channel strip. Overall: I hope it last, can't afford to buy another one.

Style of Music: Latin, Jazz, Worship, rock & alternative.

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Read all 4 Samson C-Valve Tube Microphone Preamp Reviews

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Available on
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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!: No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery: We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!: Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.

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