The Launcher is a single-channel, inline microphone preamp with a fixed 26dB of gain, built around a single custom hand-wound transformer and a proprietary Soyuz circuit. There are no knobs or mode switches - it's a single-function box that sits between a microphone and the input of an interface, console, or PA system. It requires 48V phantom power to operate, which powers the Launcher circuit only.
Extra gain for dynamics and ribbons without a separate preamp
Low-sensitivity dynamic and passive ribbon mics - the SM7B being a common example - often push an interface's built-in preamp near the top of its gain range, which raises the noise floor and eats into available headroom. Adding 26dB ahead of that preamp takes the load off it, letting it run in a more linear part of its range instead of maxed out. The result is a lower noise floor and a noticeably cleaner signal reaching the interface or console, without buying a separate tube or transformer-based preamp.
Transformer color instead of a sterile, transparent boost
Unlike gain boosters built for maximum transparency, the Launcher deliberately imparts the character of its hand-wound transformer into the signal - a light saturation and density that becomes more noticeable as the source is driven harder. That solves a specific problem for engineers chasing the tone of preamps found in classic analog consoles without investing in expensive multichannel studio gear - the Launcher just patches into the existing chain with a dynamic or ribbon mic. It isn't intended for condenser microphones, since it doesn't pass phantom power through to the mic.
KEY FEATURES
- Single-channel, inline microphone preamp
- Fixed 26dB of gain, no adjustment
- Single custom hand-wound transformer
- Proprietary Soyuz circuit
- 48V phantom power required for operation
- Designed for dynamic and ribbon microphones
- Rugged, compact chassis for stage and studio use
- Includes a soft zippered carrying pouch
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: single-channel inline microphone preamp
- Channels: 1
- Gain: 26dB, fixed
- Transformer: 1, hand-wound, proprietary Soyuz design
- Powering: 48V phantom (required)
- Phantom power pass-through to microphone: none
- Recommended sources: dynamic and passive ribbon microphones
- Controls: none (no knobs or switches)
- Connectors: XLR input and output
- Included accessories: carrying pouch
