PRE169
Microphone Preamplifier
The PRE169 is a compact yet formidable microphone preamp inspired by the legendary Studer 169 console. Delivering over 67 dB of clean, usable gain, it excels with everything from delicate ribbon microphones to dynamic and DI sources. Its near-perfect Studer-style input stage provides clarity and headroom, while a large Carnhill output transformer adds weight, colour, and unmistakable musicality. With a variable high-pass filter and flexible gain staging, PRE169 moves effortlessly from transparent precision to rich, vintage character — all in a rugged 500-series format built for modern studios.
Studer-Inspired Input Stage
PRE169 is built around a near-perfect replication of the legendary Studer 169 console input stage, delivering a naturally open, transparent sound with an exceptionally wide gain range suited for modern and vintage microphones alike.
Massive Output Transformer Character
To complement its clean input stage, PRE169 features a large Carnhill VT24499 output transformer, the same family used in classic Neve 51-series consoles. This allows you to dial in anything from pristine neutrality to rich, harmonically dense coloration.
Ribbon-Friendly High Gain Performance
With over 67 dB of available gain and a highly stable transformer-balanced input, PRE169 excels with low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones, providing ample headroom and low noise without saturation artifacts.
Musical Low-End Control
A discrete 12 dB/octave high-pass filter, continuously variable from 20 Hz to 315 Hz, makes it easy to remove unwanted rumble and tighten low frequencies while preserving musical weight and depth.
Compact Versatility, Studio-Grade Build
Despite its compact 500-series format, PRE169 delivers the flexibility of a full console channel, including DI input, pad, polarity control, and transformer-driven output character, all built from fully discrete through-hole components.
FEATURES
- Studer 169–inspired discrete input stage with wide, transparent gain range
- Over 67 dB of gain, ideal for ribbon, dynamic, and low-level sources
- Large Carnhill VT24499 output transformer for musical coloration
- Continuously variable 12 dB/octave high-pass filter (20–315 Hz)
- Transformer-balanced microphone input and output stages
- Dedicated DI input with rich transformer character
- Pad and polarity controls for flexible signal management
- 100% discrete through-hole audio path
- API-style 500-series format for easy integration
- Designed and assembled in France using European-sourced components
Specifications
| Format | API® style 500 series |
| Maximum Gain | 67 dB |
| Pad | -33 dB |
| Output Level Control | 0 to -30 dB |
| Phantom Power | +48 V |
| Polarity | Phase reverse switch |
| High-Pass Filter | Discrete 12 dB/octave, variable 20 Hz – 315 Hz |
| Input Transformer | Neutrik NTM-4 |
| Output Transformer | Carnhill VT24499 |
| Frequency Response | ±1 dB from 6.2 Hz to 25 kHz (1 kΩ load) |
| Mic Input Impedance | 1.2 kΩ |
| DI Input Impedance | > 1.0 MΩ |
| Output Impedance | < 20 Ω, transformer balanced |
| Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) | -125 dBu @ max gain (mic input) |
| Power Consumption | 120 mA (peak 215 mA) |
| Manufacturing | Designed and assembled in Saint-Vérand, France using parts sourced from France & Europe |
