doctor ordered . Check out the video below to hear more about this cool example of a Tube Stage Preamp in action ( jump to 2:08 ):
Not only is the Tube Stage Preamp available on the Allen & Heath Avantis , but even the SQ Series has an option for adding on this powerful tool . Here is a little description of the on-board plugin from the SQ product manager , Keith Johnson :
“ There are 6 different types ( topologies ) of preamp to choose from , and you will find you get more drive as you move through these . Tube Stage interacts with the hardware preamp , so once you have selected a topology , set up your hardware preamp gain and use the ‘ Fine Control ’ to adjust . You will also notice that the ‘ Fine Control ’ pot changes function as you change model and you can use this to dial in the compression , thickness , bias or drive . The ‘ Level ’ pot is then used as a make-up gain control . That ’ s it !
So it ’ s a creative tool that can be used to add musical compression and distortion , or you can go all out and really overdrive the signal ! My advice would be to have a play on a range of sources , see how it sounds with all the different topologies and then you ’ ll know the palette of preamp sounds you have available when it comes to mixing . There are no rules – though I ’ m sure the members of the community will be able to give some examples of how they ’ re using theirs .”
So when you come across sources that need
a bit more richness and body or even a healthy dose of some ‘ hair ’ on the signal , it may pay off to reach for the tube emulation ( or actual tube preamp ) gain and experiment . As Keith says , there are no rules when it comes to creative sonic tools . If it works for the musical setting and the venue , go for it ! Happy mixing !
Jeff Hawley A 20-year music industry veteran — equally at ease behind the console , playing bass guitar , leading marketing teams or designing award-winning audio products . He currently heads up the marketing for Allen & Heath in the US .
Photo : Thomas Jackson , TyneSight Media
120 April 2024 Subscribe for Free ...