Orange Acoustic Pre Stereo Valve Preamp Direct Box
No longer available at zZounds
Add the tone magic of vacuum tubes to your acoustic playing with this Orange pre. A 12AX7 tube in channel A adds warmth and smooths out your overall sound.
Overview
The Orange Acoustic Pre is the world's first stereo valve acoustic preamp/active DI, offering supreme clarity and unrivalled performance for uncompromising performers. Engineered for both stage and studio use this valve design affords acoustic players the same warmth, natural compression and rich harmonics previously only available to electric guitarists and hi-fi audiophiles.
Channel A is a unique ECC83/12AX7 valve channel for active and passive instruments. The valve circuitry operates in a totally different way to most electric guitar amplifiers and has been designed to amplify a much wider frequency range in order to capture every subtle nuance of acoustic instruments. The tonal effect of the valve can be fine-tuned with the preamp's 'Heat' control which adjusts the negative feedback applied to the valve. This can be used to revoice this channel depending on the playing style. Backing off the Heat offers a warmer attack for flatpickers, whilst turning it up adds more presence and sparkle for fingerstyle.
The analog solid state Channel B has a different, slightly softer character with outstanding clarity. This channel has inputs for either a microphone or an instrument, and features switchable 48V phantom power. Both channels can be used independently or blended together - perfect for the modern player who combines multiple sound sources.
Each channel has a three-band EQ with a semi-parametric mid control, plus switches to correct feedback issues on stage and phasing problems… read more between dual-source pickups. The tone shaping options have been voiced to perfectly control the natural body and 'air' of acoustic instruments, whilst the on-board stereo reverb adds stunning ambience if desired.
On the rear, the preamp features flexible routing options, including independent effects loops and balanced DI outputs for each channel. Handmade in the UK the Orange Acoustic Pre has already been a hit with major artists. Prototypes have already gone straight into the touring rigs of Stevie Wonder for use with his Harpejji and fingerstyle jazz guitarist Martin Taylor MBE. read less
Channel A is a unique ECC83/12AX7 valve channel for active and passive instruments. The valve circuitry operates in a totally different way to most electric guitar amplifiers and has been designed to amplify a much wider frequency range in order to capture every subtle nuance of acoustic instruments. The tonal effect of the valve can be fine-tuned with the preamp's 'Heat' control which adjusts the negative feedback applied to the valve. This can be used to revoice this channel depending on the playing style. Backing off the Heat offers a warmer attack for flatpickers, whilst turning it up adds more presence and sparkle for fingerstyle.
The analog solid state Channel B has a different, slightly softer character with outstanding clarity. This channel has inputs for either a microphone or an instrument, and features switchable 48V phantom power. Both channels can be used independently or blended together - perfect for the modern player who combines multiple sound sources.
Each channel has a three-band EQ with a semi-parametric mid control, plus switches to correct feedback issues on stage and phasing problems… read more between dual-source pickups. The tone shaping options have been voiced to perfectly control the natural body and 'air' of acoustic instruments, whilst the on-board stereo reverb adds stunning ambience if desired.
On the rear, the preamp features flexible routing options, including independent effects loops and balanced DI outputs for each channel. Handmade in the UK the Orange Acoustic Pre has already been a hit with major artists. Prototypes have already gone straight into the touring rigs of Stevie Wonder for use with his Harpejji and fingerstyle jazz guitarist Martin Taylor MBE. read less
Specs
- Channel A:
- Gain: Input level to Channel A
- Heat: Varies valve gain in upper frequencies adding harmonics and compression
- Bass: Low shelf +/-12 dB below 680 hZ
- Treble: High shelf +15 dB Above 680 hZ
- Mid: +/-18dB @ frequency selected by Freq control
- Freq: Selects centre frequency for Mid control (180Hz - 1.8kHz)
- Channel B:
- Gain: Input level to Channel B
- Bass: Low shelf +/-12 dB below 680 hZ
- Treble: High shelf +15 dB Above 680 hZ
- Mid: +/-18dB @ frequency selected by Freq control
- Freq: Selects centre frequency for Mid control (180Hz - 1.8kHz)
- Master:
- Reverb: Controls the level of the on-board digital reverb
- Line Volume: Controls the output level of the unbalanced mono line output
- Main Volume: Controls the output level of the balanced XLR outputs
- Switches:
- +48V On: Activates 48V phantom power on Channel B's XLR input
- Phase Inv A: Inverts the phase of Channel A
- Phase Inv B: Inverts the phase of Channel B
- Mute: Mutes both channels at the FX Loop send (Reverb/Delay tails and loop pedals will still be audible)
- Gnd Lift A: Lifts the ground of Channel A's XLR output
- Gnd Lift B: Lifts the ground of Channel B's XLR output XLR
- Connections:
- Input A: 1/4" Jack input to Channel A
- Input B: 1/4" Jack and XLR inputs to Channel B (not to be used simultaneously)
- Mute Footswitch: Allows the mute function to be controlled by a latching footswitch (such as the FS-1)
- FX Loop Send A: Connects Channel A to the input of an effects unit. The Send can also be used as an unbalanced output for Channel A (post-EQ, pre-Reverb).
- FX Loop Return A: Connects the output of an effects unit to Channel A output
- FX Loop Send B: Connects Channel B to the input of an effects unit. The Send can also be used as an unbalanced output for Channel B (post-EQ, pre-Reverb).
- FX Loop Return B: Connects the output of an effects unit to Channel B output
- Line Output: Mixes both channels for a mono unbalanced 1/4" output Jack
- Main Output A: Individual balanced XLR output for Channel A
- Main Output B: Individual balanced XLR output for Channel B
- Power: 12V DC 2.1mm DC socket for connecting the supplied 12VDC centre negative power supply
- Channel A input impedance: 2.2 mohms
- Channel B xlr input impedance: Minimum 6 kohms
- Channel b jack input impedance: 2.2 mohms
- Fx send level: -10dbu
- Fx send impedance: Sub 150 ohms
- Fx return level: -10dbu
- Fx return impedance: 10 kohms
- Line output level: -10dbu
- Line output impedance: sub 150 ohms
- Main output level: +4dbu
- Main output impedance: sub 60 ohms
- Dimensions: 29x15x9cm (11.41 x 5.90 x 3.54?)
- Weight: 2.5kg (5.51lbs)
- Gain: Input level to Channel A
- Heat: Varies valve gain in upper frequencies adding harmonics and compression
- Bass: Low shelf +/-12 dB below 680 hZ
- Treble: High shelf +15 dB Above 680 hZ
- Mid: +/-18dB @ frequency selected by Freq control
- Freq: Selects centre frequency for Mid control (180Hz - 1.8kHz)
- Channel B:
- Gain: Input level to Channel B
- Bass: Low shelf +/-12 dB below 680 hZ
- Treble: High shelf +15 dB Above 680 hZ
- Mid: +/-18dB @ frequency selected by Freq control
- Freq: Selects centre frequency for Mid control (180Hz - 1.8kHz)
- Master:
- Reverb: Controls the level of the on-board digital reverb
- Line Volume: Controls the output level of the unbalanced mono line output
- Main Volume: Controls the output level of the balanced XLR outputs
- Switches:
- +48V On: Activates 48V phantom power on Channel B's XLR input
- Phase Inv A: Inverts the phase of Channel A
- Phase Inv B: Inverts the phase of Channel B
- Mute: Mutes both channels at the FX Loop send (Reverb/Delay tails and loop pedals will still be audible)
- Gnd Lift A: Lifts the ground of Channel A's XLR output
- Gnd Lift B: Lifts the ground of Channel B's XLR output XLR
- Connections:
- Input A: 1/4" Jack input to Channel A
- Input B: 1/4" Jack and XLR inputs to Channel B (not to be used simultaneously)
- Mute Footswitch: Allows the mute function to be controlled by a latching footswitch (such as the FS-1)
- FX Loop Send A: Connects Channel A to the input of an effects unit. The Send can also be used as an unbalanced output for Channel A (post-EQ, pre-Reverb).
- FX Loop Return A: Connects the output of an effects unit to Channel A output
- FX Loop Send B: Connects Channel B to the input of an effects unit. The Send can also be used as an unbalanced output for Channel B (post-EQ, pre-Reverb).
- FX Loop Return B: Connects the output of an effects unit to Channel B output
- Line Output: Mixes both channels for a mono unbalanced 1/4" output Jack
- Main Output A: Individual balanced XLR output for Channel A
- Main Output B: Individual balanced XLR output for Channel B
- Power: 12V DC 2.1mm DC socket for connecting the supplied 12VDC centre negative power supply
- Channel A input impedance: 2.2 mohms
- Channel B xlr input impedance: Minimum 6 kohms
- Channel b jack input impedance: 2.2 mohms
- Fx send level: -10dbu
- Fx send impedance: Sub 150 ohms
- Fx return level: -10dbu
- Fx return impedance: 10 kohms
- Line output level: -10dbu
- Line output impedance: sub 150 ohms
- Main output level: +4dbu
- Main output impedance: sub 60 ohms
- Dimensions: 29x15x9cm (11.41 x 5.90 x 3.54?)
- Weight: 2.5kg (5.51lbs)
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 404-303-8196
Web: https://orangeamps.com/support/
Phone: 404-303-8196
Web: https://orangeamps.com/support/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(1 ratings)
Submitted August 26, 2020 by JK Richard in Orlando, FL
"Bloody Brilliant"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought the this for plugging acoustic/electrics into - it also sounds amazing for electrics - bringing out the characteristics of humbuckers or single coils - just enough warmth and drive from the tube for harmonically beautiful drive and plenty of reverb - a little for jazz , then jumper the effects loop, use both balanced outputs to frfr speaker cabs- crank the tube and ‘verb for surf rock... and that’s only using the onboard reverb and mini tube without engaging separate A or B effects loops. Color me impressed, this ‘acoustic’ pre by Orange is Bloody Brilliant.
Sound
The sound is clean, crisp, and when driven the individual overtones and character of pickups is really evident.
Features
Most useful feature is secretly being a DI box - I can easily bridge gain stage requirements AND have independent effects loops.
Ease of Use
Great sounds are very easy to get - there is t a way to switch between favorite presets, which would be a useful performer feature.
Quality
Built like a tank.
Value
For an acoustic performer this is an easy win - bring the Orange acoustic pre - connect direct to FOH. I think this could be a secret weapon of electric guitarists.
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
10/10 thank you to Pete Thorn and Mary Spender for their Youtube reviews of this product.
Musical Background:
Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Percussion
Musical Style:
Blues, jazz, rock, flamenco, Afro-cuban
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