SM Pro Audio TB202 2-Channel Tube Microphone Preamp/Compressor
Switchable phantom power per channel. Switchable phase reversal. optical compressors. independant EQ circuitry.
Overall User Ratings (based on 22 ratings)
Submitted October 27, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com
"$1,000 sound for a quarter of the price."
I would definitely replace it with another one exactly the same. My recordings havent been better. I own an A.R.T. MP studio and that is retired in the closet forever.
Sound
This product has an excellent smooth sounding compression. I tried it with the Behringer B-1 and it sounded exceptional for a budget microphone like that. The Slow Release setting is the best if you really want to make a certain instrument stand out.
Features
The Equalization is the best feature. I like being able to adjust and equalize my microphone like a mixer. The only thing that it doesn't have is de-essing but this preamp sounds so clear I don't really think it even needs de-essing. I was really impressed.
Quality
Nothing has broken on me yet. Everything looks built really well.Nice Maroon finish.
Value
Excellent value, this definitely rivals the Focusrite optical preamps and is $400 cheaper.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to contact them at all.
The Wow Factor
This will bring you the big sound you have been searching for in professional recordings. You Want It!!!
Musical Background:
Home Studio owner
Musical Style:
Metal
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Submitted April 26, 2005 by a customer from pioneer.com
"Good buy."
Sound
For a nice rich sound, turn up the INPUT knob very high ~9, turn up COMPRESSION knob (to 5 for vocals and 10 for acoustic guitar), and then turn the OUTPUT down low to reduce the volume to the final desired level. This drives the tubes, compresses the signal and give a nice rich sound. Use equalizer to bring the mids down a bit and perhaps add some highs. Excellent EQ section!
The signal path listed here gives a very rich/expensive sounding mix for reasonable prices: SM58 Mic (channel 1) Taylor 714CE (channel 2) into SM TB 202 preamp/compressor into Behringer Mixer into QMS Power Amp into Mackie Speakers.
Features
Simple yet has all the necessary features
Musical Background:
Semi pro - Solo Acoustic and Classic Rock Trio
Musical Style:
Classic Rock / Acoustic
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Submitted February 2, 2009 by a customer from avhypermedia.com
"How do they rate this only an 8? DO THE MATH!"
Just a real sleeper for the money. Once it catches on look out. Super clean with an excellent optical compressor that gives excellent real world results plus a very practical sweet sounding eq section. Whats not to love ESPECIALLY at this price point. Buy a dozen and turn on your closest musical buddies! You'll end up named in their wills!
Sound
Superb for this price point. Crystal clear, nice tube warmth when set correctly. For me it adds a real nice presence on vocals making them very friendly in the mix.
Features
In your face simplicity married to practicality.
Ease of Use
Couldn't be any simpler.
Quality
Surprisingly well made!
Value
Please...What do YOU think?
Manufacturer Support
They have been total class with me, I've become a fan.
The Wow Factor
I got it!!! Now you get it.
Musical Background:
Composer
Musical Style:
ALL
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Submitted September 28, 2008
"Extremely economical for all the features! Great Unit!!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
yeah this is about nine. i like it a lot, couldnt be much better.
Sound
Super Clear, but warm as well. the eqs are solid and at strategic frequencies: 80hz 1.8k and 8k. nice i like it
Features
Compessor is decent, i run pro tools LE off a macbook so my processing resources are limited so i just use the eq and compressors on this baby instead of using a plug in
Ease of Use
pretty easy. just make sure your connections are right and everything is appropriate for everything else.
Quality
for the price, you simply cannot beat it.
Value
for the price, you cant beat it.
Manufacturer Support
warranty seems fair
The Wow Factor
this is a decent looking unit, and super practical.
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