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Roll Music Systems RMS5A7 Tubule 500 Series Microphone Preamp
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August 9, 2010
Product Features
Pad, 48v, phase reverse, solid construction, definite tube sound.
Pad, 48v, phase reverse, solid construction, definite tube sound.
First Impressions
This Preamp has a very specific visualcvibe due to the use of retro style switches for the phantom, phase reverse and -20 db pad switches. They are nicely reminiscent of some vintage consoles from the 70’s. They have a small colored mechanical button that pops up inside the clear cover that indicates that the switch is engaged. Very easy to see and not as distracting as some lights can be. The unit is hefty and well built and has an input trim control that makes setting record level very easy. It seats easily in my 500 rack and all pots and switches are obviously pro quality.
This Preamp has a very specific visualcvibe due to the use of retro style switches for the phantom, phase reverse and -20 db pad switches. They are nicely reminiscent of some vintage consoles from the 70’s. They have a small colored mechanical button that pops up inside the clear cover that indicates that the switch is engaged. Very easy to see and not as distracting as some lights can be. The unit is hefty and well built and has an input trim control that makes setting record level very easy. It seats easily in my 500 rack and all pots and switches are obviously pro quality.
In Use
This pre has a definite sound. It’s big and open with a lively presence. I was tracking a female vocalist and she suggested that we try a different mic since the one that were using didn’t seem inspiring enough. Instead of switching mics, I changed to a different preamp. I recorded her through the Tubule and she was much happier, as was I. After a few weeks with the unit I have decided that the Tubule is definitely an all around performer. I used it with great success on guitars kick drum and vocals. The low end on the kick tracks was big and clean with a lively but not clicky top end. One of the best features is the variable input level which allows quick, precise record level setting. The Tubule also has plenty of headroom. I never heard any distortion unless I deliberately overloaded the unit just to check it’s character when overdriven. This preamp represents the pinnacle of the old school Hi Fi tube design and sound. When I used it alongside a comparable solid state pre, the Tubule easily demonstrates the reason that high quality tube pre’s are often preferred.
This pre has a definite sound. It’s big and open with a lively presence. I was tracking a female vocalist and she suggested that we try a different mic since the one that were using didn’t seem inspiring enough. Instead of switching mics, I changed to a different preamp. I recorded her through the Tubule and she was much happier, as was I. After a few weeks with the unit I have decided that the Tubule is definitely an all around performer. I used it with great success on guitars kick drum and vocals. The low end on the kick tracks was big and clean with a lively but not clicky top end. One of the best features is the variable input level which allows quick, precise record level setting. The Tubule also has plenty of headroom. I never heard any distortion unless I deliberately overloaded the unit just to check it’s character when overdriven. This preamp represents the pinnacle of the old school Hi Fi tube design and sound. When I used it alongside a comparable solid state pre, the Tubule easily demonstrates the reason that high quality tube pre’s are often preferred.
PROS
Great sounding pre with all of the standard pro features, has a great blend of character and clean
Great sounding pre with all of the standard pro features, has a great blend of character and clean
CONS
no front panel DI
no front panel DI
Conclusion
If you have a need for a top shelf tube pre, this one is definitely worth serious consideration. It sounds big with a smooth, open top end that is particularly flattering to vocals, kick drum and bass guitar. It’s no one trick pony and could be a go-to standard for any studio.
If you have a need for a top shelf tube pre, this one is definitely worth serious consideration. It sounds big with a smooth, open top end that is particularly flattering to vocals, kick drum and bass guitar. It’s no one trick pony and could be a go-to standard for any studio.
Buy the
Roll Music RMS5A7 Tubule Tube Microphone Preamp
at Front End Audio