The V5 B runs the same circuit as the standard V5, in a black front panel finish for studios building a uniform, dark rack aesthetic. It addresses a common project studio problem: one preamp has to handle a microphone, a guitar through DI and a line-level signal, each at a different input impedance, without buying a separate DI box or an extra input equalizer. The input transformer comes from the same line used in the VT-737SP, giving a consistent tonal reference across the Avalon catalog.
Impedance Matching for Every Source
The microphone input switches between HiZ and LoZ modes, letting you load a ribbon mic that needs high impedance correctly, as well as a condenser or dynamic mic that performs better at a lower one. Instead of one compromise input, the engineer picks the mode to match the specific microphone and cable. The 10M Ω DI input takes a guitar or synth signal without loading the pickup, and an independent input pad attenuates line, instrument and mic separately, so overload from hot sources stops being a concern.
Tone Bank and Re-Amp Without Extra Gear
Instead of a single low-cut filter, the V5 B offers a passive bank of ten EQ curves selected right at the input stage, removing the need for a separate equalizer when shaping a source quickly. A -3dB high-cut filter at 3.7kHz reduces noise from single-coil pickups and unwanted acoustic pickup. A transformer-isolated re-amp output lets you record a dry guitar signal and play it back through an amp later without a separate re-amp box, and a built-in headphone amp allows monitoring during tracking without engaging an audio interface.
The output runs fully discrete, DC-coupled Class A circuitry, giving controlled, well-defined low end. A large, illuminated VU meter with dual peak LEDs lets you track level without watching the DAW screen. A toroidal power transformer and discrete high-voltage supply keep the unit's self-noise low, and sealed silver relays in the signal path guarantee switching free of pops and artifacts.
KEY FEATURES
- Single channel Pure Class A preamplifier, 100% discrete, black finish
- Separate inputs: mic XLR HiZ/LoZ, line XLR and TRS, instrument DI 1/4 inch
- Independent input pad for line, instrument and mic
- Passive Tone Bank with 10 selectable EQ curves
- High-cut filter -3dB at 3.7kHz for pickup noise reduction
- Transformer-isolated re-amp output
- Built-in headphone monitor amp
- Polarity reverse switch
- DC-coupled, fully discrete Class A output
- Large VU meter with dual peak LEDs
- Toroidal power transformer and sealed silver relays
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: single channel DI-RE-MIC preamplifier
- Color: black
- Line input: balanced 6,000 Ω, XLR/TRS, gain -3dB to 36dB, max input 47dB
- Instrument DI input: unbalanced 10,000,000 Ω, TRS, gain 2dB to 42dB, max input 36dB
- Microphone HiZ input: balanced 6,700 Ω, XLR, gain 20dB to 60dB, max input 23dB
- Microphone LoZ input: balanced 1,760 Ω, XLR, gain 26dB to 66dB, max input 19dB
- Input pad: line -13dB, instrument -10dB, mic -15dB
- Phantom power: +48V
- Format: half rack, optional RM-1 (single) and RM-2 (dual) 19 inch rack mount kits
- Country of manufacture: USA
