Studio Projects VTB1 Variable Tube Microphone Preamp
Shape guitar, bass, and vocal sounds with a turn of the VTB1's Tube Drive knob. This mic preamp/DI lets you blend in a little (or a lot) of tube distortion.
Overall User Ratings (based on 26 ratings)
Submitted January 5, 2011 by a customer from msn.com
"Worth every penny and more!"
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I expect it to last......
Sound
I am giving the VTB1 a 10 for sound because for $149 bucks it is extremely quiet, very clean and uncolored on the solid state side w/o being harsh, has more gain than moist will need, and has a variety of musical tones from clean to warm and fuzzy. It is a very musical preamp with a wide ranges of possible sounds making it extremely useful for a variety of needs.
Features
I am surprised at some of the lower feature ratings. All the standard features are there (pad, 48volt, phase reverse, direct/instrument selector, input impedance selector, meter select), plus you can also simultaneously use all three outputs and use the insert jack a total of three different ways including as a straight path out from just the pre and pre gain. That is more flexibility than many much higher priced units and a lot more than anyone should expect from such an inexpensive yet extremely quiet and nice sounding pre amp. As for the on/off switch, just plug it into a power strip with a switch...DUH! One final note, ignore anything you have read about modding this thing with Burr Brown op amps. I bought 4 before buying and when I opened it imagine my surprise to find it already has the Burr Browns in all four slots! The stock tube is a Sovtek 12AX7LP, already a premium tube but I did install the LPS version of the same tube which is the newer and slightly more musical of the two. I mean really, what else could people possibly want for $149???
Ease of Use
It doesn't get much easier! I do recommend going to the website though. It has a more extensive manual with more wiring options.
Quality
So far so good! It is built like a tank, even on the inside and I anticipate quite a few years of use.
Value
It is easily worth more, perhaps even twice as much...
Manufacturer Support
I am not impressed with their support. I asked about the BB mods before I bought the unit. Instead of telling me it already had them, the response was "open it up and leave it open so you can decide" instead of telling me it now comes with them. When I asked them about it, they support guy said "well, you were bound and determined to replace them". I told him not if he had said it already had them...
Musical Background:
Recording Engineer, musician, live sound tech
Musical Style:
just about anything....
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Submitted March 19, 2005 by a customer from mailinator.com
"Beats all others in its price range"
I like it but could be warmer. Sometimes its a little to sterile but overall you won't find a quiter, cleaner preamp with this much headroom.
Sound
Its a good sound for the price. Only tube preamp probably worth anything in this price range. It is very low noise and has a great deal of headroom/gain. My only gripe is that it could handle low end a little better. The tube blend does warm the sound but only a little. Mine usually stays parked at 12 o'clock.
Features
For the price you do get a lot of good features like high pass filters, phantom power, etc.
Quality
ugly but built like a tank!
Value
good investment for the price. probably won't get much better till you break $500 or $1000
Manufacturer Support
haven't needed it but have exchanged emails with studio projects before and it takes 'em a few days to respond
The Wow Factor
I'm thinking about picking up another so I have a stereo setup for running overheads.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Screamo
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Submitted May 26, 2012 by Mark D in Orlando, FL
"WOW!!!"
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I've been reading up A LOT on the "bargain" tube pre buzz surrounding the pro audio forums and communities. Let me tell you....THIS THING IS ALL THE HYPE!!! Studio Projects is known for their high quality/ low cost pro audio products. I have recorded on numerous mic pres and tube pres before, including but not limited to; Avalon, Universal Audio, Grace, Focusrite and other high end tube pres. This tube pre is FANTASTIC for the price and quality!!!! The vocals recorded on this thing were indeed "warm" when the tube was fully engaged. I have read up on many reviews and seen a couple on YouTube and they pretty much all point out how nice and this tube pre is for the price....but not how great it is.
I do understand that it all boils down to preference and budget, but I give credit where credit is due. I recorded vocals in the rock, pop, R&B, hip hop and dance genres and it gave a full spectrum of sounds with or without tube action.
I will say that I had to fiddle with power adapter plug in the back of the unit to turn it on ( I almost sent it back thinking it was a defective unit when it didn't turn on at first). It also should've come with a power on/off switch but whatev'!!
Give about a half hour to an hour to warm this baby up. It comes with a great Sovtek stock tube which is nice. The features are pretty standard on this baby. If you don't have the money to spend on the other above named tube pres, then definitely give this mic pre a go. It is also incredibly quiet....like really quiet!
Love it!!!!!
Sound
Incredible, warm and oh so fuzzy...:)
Super quiet as well!
Features
Phase reverse, low cut filter, Hi-Z, 48v, meter input/out, impedance switch (50 or 200 ohms), input gain, output gain, tube drive knobs.
Ease of Use
A baby dragon could operate this thing!
Quality
You could probably stop a home invader with this thing and then plug it back up for a session within minutes of the assault! Super warrior tough!
Value
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!
Manufacturer Support
Dunno yet!
The Wow Factor
The wow factor was like the first time I had a funnel cake at the fair.....scrumdeliciously Earth shattering..... hehehe...well maybe not like that, but close!
Musical Background:
Professional vocalist, pianist, composer, music producer and sound engineer.
Musical Style:
Classical (Opera), rock, r&b, soul, inspirational, dance, hip hop....and everything in-between!!
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Submitted February 6, 2012 by greg c in sellersburg, IN
"Great features and value"
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I purchased the VTB1 for use as a tube preamp for my modest home studio. I chose this product over the many sub-$100 preamps because of its feature set and the build quality.
Features- I like the fact that you can switch the LED meter to indicate either the input or output reading. Both of these are essential to setting levels properly. I also liked the additional input/output jack capability of this unit. It offers more patching flexibility. Also, most users of the sub-$100 preamps complained of the need to replace the tube with a 'better' tube. Users of this product did not have the complaint.
Build quality- No plastic here, but a nice metal case.
Nice product for the price. I like it a lot.
Musical Background:
keyboard player for 40+ years
Musical Style:
Rock, Pop, Contemporary Christian, Jazz
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Submitted March 27, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"A dark horse in a field of cheapie tube preamps --worth checking out"
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My main preamp is currently the Art MPA II. But, this unit is my number 2, and I use it a lot. I wold probably replace it if lost, though by then I might want to upgrade some more...
Sound
Over the past year, I have bought pretty much one of every make of cheap preamp out there, including this one. How does it rate? Second highest, after the Art MPA II. (Yes, that unit is 2x the price, but that unit also has two channels.) If you are looking for a single channel unit, go for this one, but only if you are willing to change the tube. It comes with a pretty good tube, a Russian Sovtek, but unfortunately that tube is not well matched to the unit, in my option. You may have read other reviews that talk about the sound needing to be warmer --that is the tube. After trying a number of varieties, I swapped mine out for a Groove Tubes Gold. I know, I know, Groove Tubes are not always the greatest tubes, but the Gold series is solid, and the dark sound nicely toned down the somewhat harsh clangy circuitry. It's a totally new unit!
Features
The solid state - tube mix control is unique and useful. Just be aware that you have to choose a tube that mixes well with the solid state harmonics (you have to do this by ear --no other way).
Ease of Use
Pretty easy... unless you want to change the tube, which is a pain for sure. Of all the various preamps I own, this one requires the most disassembly to change the tube. It's not that hard, though, just a lot of screws and such. You have to basically take it all apart.
Quality
This product is well made and the components inside are good quality.
Value
This product is more expensive than the other cheapie units out there, but it is worth it, especially if you are willing to change the tube for a warmer sounding one --see my comments on the sound.
Manufacturer Support
Have not had to deal with support.
The Wow Factor
No sex appeal at all. Some kitsch appeal... Could have done without the corny blue LEDs that glow inside, but then again, they are so corny that I let them be. The whole design is so uncool that it is (almost) cool.
Musical Background:
lifelong amateur musician
Musical Style:
jazz
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Submitted July 21, 2005 by a customer from sbcglobal.net
"My Best Sub-$100 Purchase Ever..."
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Having trouble with low record levels on your acoustic guitar? Is your vocal mic a little too crisp and edgy sounding? Want a fat bass tone without the bass amp? This unit solves a lot of problems at a great price. Buy and enjoy!
Sound
Very clean and quiet pre-amp. The variable mix of tube and solid state tone gives this box a lot flexibility.
Features
At this price...nothing else comes close.
Quality
Very well built. All controls are rock solid. Not the prettiest knobs and switches I have ever seen but they all look like they can take years of use without a problem.
Value
I'd give it more than a "10" if I could. Great tone...nice features...quiet operation. Its the best under $100 piece of gear I own.
Manufacturer Support
No support issues so far.
The Wow Factor
Its a fine tool for recording. Its a must have for home studios. I use it for mics, acoustic guitar, and its really nice as a direct box for my bass. I'll even give it an extra point for the cool blue glow from inside the box. I'm considering buying another so I can have a stereo pair of them.
Musical Background:
Active musician and home studio engineer
Musical Style:
Christian, Jazz, and Country
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Submitted May 22, 2005 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Nothing short of sweet"
I probably won't be searching for another preamp for a while, I'll just continue filling my rack with these babies!
Sound
From ultra-clean on full solid state setting, to flavorful distortion on all tube, and anything in between! Super low noise floor across the board!
Features
Can't beat the features in the price range... heck even out of the price range most don't come with all the features. Would like to see Studio Projects make a rack mountable stereo version someday!
Quality
Heavily built, will have no problem lasting many years in my studio!
Value
Like I said, you cannot beat this preamp for the price, it sounds amazing!
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to use it...
The Wow Factor
I like equipment that looks all business, no dainty designs needed. The blue LEDs glowing inside do give a neat effect.
Musical Background:
Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
All styles of music, voice overs
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Submitted May 27, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"potentialy highly flexible and worth $100"
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
if some thing happens to this unit, i will replace it. now that i am doing 16 track recoerdings and i dont want to use plain interface preamps, i have been trying out my luck with low end tube pres (mainly for all the drum mics) and this and the hhb radius 5050 are my newest additions. the hhb sounds nothing like this unit. note that TL Audio still selles the same unit but only in white for $450. its a condenser mic pre and i have no opinion on that one yet, but using gtr it sound nothing like the vtb1
Sound
i used it with guitar direct recording and it had a highly unexpected chubby mellow overdrive that makes you want to listen to guitar allday. the player simply fell into a groove and ended up writing a whole new song simply by inspiration of the guitar tone. cool in its own rite. i have not used the unit for mic/vox recording yet, bet i am sure that i will find a use for it if not on thre main vox, for sure on backing vox.
Features
no on / off button, the tube blend knob brings gtr like overdrive to the signal. the buttons and knobs are not as "cheap" to the touch as the picture makes them look. the tube is baclit by a blu light which shines through the tiny grill on the front panel, and an insert. good enuf for me.
Quality
no historical data on this to judge from. but the knobs are detented increments, for a 100 bucks i think the build quality id great.
Value
well worth a $100
Manufacturer Support
i have no idea
The Wow Factor
unless you make a hit record, it is definatly not gonna get you laid
Musical Background:
actiev musician / wanne be engineer
Musical Style:
rock folk electronic todo bien
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Submitted December 13, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
Studio Projects VTB1 Pre Customer Review
Good for professional works. Strongly recommended for serious recordings. It works perfect for instruments and especially with violins. I haven't listened better sound than this for violins and classical guitars. Regarding the vocals... use it with a dynamic microphone and you will not regret it.
Sound
The sound is really good. No hiss noise no parasites If other people give a low rate to the sound that maybe means they ask for extra features No It doesn't have. It's just a simple preamp with a good and warm sound
Features
It could have more features such like compressors, limiters... but for that price I don't complain...
Ease of Use
Nothing hard
Quality
I think it's ok. No problems yet after a year. My old preamp died very soon, but this one is perfect. It all depends your personal expectations.
Value
It's ok for that price.
Manufacturer Support
No idea
The Wow Factor
I love the old style look of it.
Musical Background:
Musician, Music teacher, songwriter, music engineer
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted December 22, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Great Pre For Anyone On A Tight Budget!!"
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I'll have it for as long as it lasts and would not hesitate to buy another one if this one broke or was stolen.
Sound
The VTB-1 is an excellent sounding pre for the money. I also have a Great River ME-1NV and although the GR is tops the VTB-1 for is a great bang for the buck.
Features
Very good features. Tube blend adds some nice warmth but this pre sounds better in solid state mode. The tube blend is nice but be careful not to add to much or the sound becomes grainy. Less is more in this case.
Quality
Excellent quality for the money. I highly recommend this pre if you're on a budget.
Value
Exceptional value.
Manufacturer Support
I remain neutral as I've never needed to use support.
Musical Background:
Songwriter, Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
Country, Soft Rock and Folk
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Submitted August 9, 2007 by a customer from gmail.com
"Perfect for my needs."
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It does just what I hoped it would. I'll keep it and use it, should anything happen to it I'd look to replace it with the same thing.
Sound
Main need is for voice over narration on video projects. Computer sound card has too much "white noise" at decent mic input levels so I needed a preamp to boost the mic so I could pull the mic input gain down on the sound card. This product works great for me in that role. Surprising how good it makes some cheap mics sound!
Features
Most useful feature for me is the level of gain control with both input and output controls. Second most useful is the tube blend control. A little tube goes a long way on my mics.
Ease of Use
Very easy to use. Had it working and was testing various settings in minutes.
Quality
Solid sturdy feel. My use will keep it by the computer almost all the time. But this thing feels like it is built well. Power cord could be heavier, though
Value
Exellent value IMO
Manufacturer Support
Just got it.
The Wow Factor
Eye appeal of the item in photos helped sell it to me.
Musical Background:
Video production
Musical Style:
Can't even whistle...
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Submitted March 12, 2006 by a customer from gmail.com
"Grand product, Studio Projects impresses"
Great thing to start with if you only need to record vocals for your tracks.
Sound
The sound quality is just beautiful. If you don't want to buy an expensive mixer just to record your voice, buy this.
Features
The tube is great, aprox. everything you need to make your voice sound sweet and warm.
Ease of Use
Even a baby would figure this thing out.
Quality
Great quality, the best for the price.
Value
Great price. If you dont need more than I mic recording slot, buy this one instead than a mixer.
Manufacturer Support
Havent used this.
The Wow Factor
I got a mixer now because I need the slots.
Musical Background:
Producer
Musical Style:
Hiphop, rnb, retro
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Submitted June 25, 2006
"a review"
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It's a good piece of hardware
Sound
It's probably not the best sounding piece of equipment in the world, but it sounds very nice
Features
It's a preamp and that's all it is. There's not much to it. It's got phantom power, inputs and outputs and the tubes are pretty cool (notice the LED in the back of the chasis however...)
Ease of Use
Very easy to use... I can't imagine why it would be hard
Quality
Built very well and solid.
Value
Comparatively its good.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to deal with them.
The Wow Factor
I guess so
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Submitted January 2, 2005 by a customer from AOL.COM
"a great preamp and this is no B.S."
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yes i will keep it, i love the sound it gives, maybe buy another one for my drum kit.a great pre amp.
Features
i use it in live performence, the sound is great, nice and full, plenty of tube, used with THD shure wireless, sm 86 shure.
Quality
it is very well made, very road worthy.
Value
yes it is worth the price and then some.
Manufacturer Support
have not needed any support yet.
Musical Background:
active musician, recording.
Musical Style:
50 and 60,s doo wop, classic rock
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