The unit addresses a problem most home and project studios run into: one preamp has to handle a vocal mic, a guitar through DI and a line-level feed from an external source, each sitting at a different input impedance. The V5 solves this with separate paths for mic, line and instrument rather than a single compromise input. The input transformer is the same part used in the VT-737SP, giving a consistent sonic reference point across Avalon's product line.
Impedance Matching for Every Source
The microphone input runs in two impedance modes, HiZ and LoZ, letting you set the load correctly for ribbon mics that need a high impedance as well as condenser or dynamic mics that prefer a lower one. Instead of settling on a compromise single input, the engineer switches modes to match the specific microphone and cable. The 10M Ω DI input accepts a guitar or synth signal without loading down the pickup, and a switchable pad attenuates line, instrument and microphone signals independently, so overload at the input stops being an issue with hot sources.
Tone Bank and Re-Amp Output Without Extra Boxes
Instead of a single high-pass filter, the V5 offers a passive bank of ten EQ curves selected right at the input stage, without reaching for a separate equalizer. 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 makes monitoring during tracking possible without engaging the interface.
The output stage runs in fully discrete, DC-coupled Class A circuitry, giving controlled, well-defined low end. A large VU meter with dual peak LEDs gives a fast level reference without checking the DAW. An internal toroidal power transformer and discrete high-voltage supply keep self-noise low, and sealed silver relays in the signal path allow switching without artifacts.
KEY FEATURES
- Single channel Pure Class A preamplifier, 100% discrete
- Separate inputs: mic XLR HiZ/LoZ, line XLR and TRS, instrument DI 1/4 inch
- Switchable input pad with independent attenuation 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
- 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
