PreSonus Digitube Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp

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3-band EQ. S/PDIF digital output.

Born from the award winning BlueTUBE, the DigiTUBE adds a 3-band EQ, which is fully sweepable with overlapping bands for maximum tone shaping, and 24-bit digital output. The 24-bit digital output via S/PDIF makes the DigiTUBE the perfect front end for soundcards and digital recorders. Other offerings include an XLR analog output and a TRS insert point that allows patching in a compressor or other outboard effect unit.

Features
Tube preamp with 70dB of gain and 22dB of headroom

Fully sweepable 3-band EQ with bypass switch

Insert point after mic preamp for patching in a compressor/limiter or other outboard device

24-bit digital output via S/PDIF

Word clock input and output via BNC connectors

Rackmountable via optional BMRA rack adapter

Input
XLR Impedance: 5k W
High Z " Impedance: 1Meg W
Connector: Neutrik Combo

Front Panel Controls
Tube Drive: 0dB to +30dB
Gain: 0dB to +40dB
-20 dB Pad
+48V Phantom Power
EQ In/Out Selector
80Hz High Pass Filter
Low EQ Band (+/-12dB): 30Hz-1kHz
Mid EQ Band (+/-12dB): 900Hz-5kHz
High EQ Band (+/-12dB): 3kHz-15kHz

Rear Panel Controls
Sample Rate Selector: 44.1kHz/48kHz
Internal/External Clock: 44.1kHz/48kHz only
BNC External Clock Input

Output
Analog XLR Balanced: 51W Impedance
Analog 1/4" TRS Insert: Tip = Out, Ring = In, Sleeve = GND
Digital S/PDIF: (RCA Connector)

Meters
Power Indicator: LED
8-Segment LED: -28dBu to +18dBu
Power Supply
Power: 15W
Type: Linear
Input: 18VAC/1000mA

Performance
THD+Noise (Unweighted): 0.05% at 0dB Tube Drive, 10% at 30dB Tube Drive
Noise Floor: -94dB
Signal to Noise: >90dB
Power Supply Rejection: >98dB
Amplifier Type: Dual Servo

Physical
Weight: 8 lbs.
Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1.75 in.
Mounting: Universal Rack Tray Insert
Chassis: Steel
Panel: Brushed Aluminum

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 225-216-7887
Web: https://support.presonus.com

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars. (7 ratings)
Submitted July 20, 2004

"Could use improvement"

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
It does what I need it to do, and I run it through a t.c. electronic triple-c anyway, so it helps shape the sound via multi-band compression.
Sound
Not the greatest 12AX7 tube, but it does add warmth. The EQ ... leaves a bit to be desired. You cannot really isolate frequencies where you want to cut or boost; the bandwidth (Q) is fixed.
Features
What was Presonus thinking? They named it Digitube, so the features clearly advertised are "digital" and "tube". It has word clock input, which works fine. However, if you decide to mount this in the BMRA, your bnc connector will no longer latch on because the bracket comes down too low and protrudes. I ended up cutting out a notch in the BMRA with my jigsaw. Presonus obviously never tried to mount the Digitube in their very own mounting bracket. Another big problem - why no power button? The manual indicates that one of the factors which determines how long the tube lasts is how often it is used. Simply powering on the unit puts the tube in use. I have to unplug the adapter until I'm ready to use this device because I don't want to burn out the tube.
Quality
Sturdy metal box.
Value
Maybe I should have experimented with the Art DPS II also.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed it, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
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