The Launcher Deluxe is a two-channel, inline microphone preamp and passive line-level saturator built around four hand-wound toroidal transformers, two per channel. Each channel switches independently between two operating modes: Launcher, which adds 26dB of gain, and Saturate, which runs passively without any level boost. The unit sits between a microphone and the input of an interface, console, or preamp via front-panel Neutrik combo jacks (XLR/TRS) and rear XLR outputs.
Extra gain headroom for low-output sources
Launcher Mode addresses a specific problem - low-sensitivity ribbon and dynamic mics often push an interface preamp near the top of its gain range, which raises the noise floor. Adding 26dB ahead of the preamp takes that load off it and lets it run in a more linear part of its range, into a load above 1kOhm with a maximum output level of 8.3dBV at 0.5% THD. This mode requires 48V phantom power per IEC 61938, but that voltage powers the Launcher circuit only and doesn't reach the connected microphone.
Transformer color without touching gain structure
Saturate Mode addresses a different problem - adding transformer coloration to a condenser mic, synth, or DAW output without disturbing the existing gain staging. The circuit runs fully passively and doesn't need phantom power to operate; if the connected microphone requires 48V, it passes straight through the unit unaffected. That makes it practical to leave the Launcher Deluxe permanently patched into a stereo mix bus, a keyboard rig, or a pedalboard, adding saturation without having to retrim levels anywhere else in the chain.
KEY FEATURES
- Two-channel inline preamp and passive line-level saturator
- Independent Launcher/Saturate mode selection per channel
- Four hand-wound toroidal transformers
- Launcher Mode: 26dB of gain for dynamic and ribbon microphones
- Saturate Mode: passive coloration without gain boost, for condensers and line-level sources
- Phantom power pass-through in Saturate Mode
- Neutrik combo XLR/TRS inputs, XLR outputs
- Compact chassis for stage and studio use
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: two-channel inline preamp and line-level saturator
- Channels: 2, independently switchable mode
- Modes: Launcher / Saturate
- Frequency range: 10Hz - 20kHz (-1dB)
- Launcher Mode gain: 26dB (load above 1kOhm)
- Maximum output level: 8.3dBV at 0.5% THD
- Output noise level: 8 uV (JIS-A)
- Powering: 48V phantom per IEC 61938 (Launcher Mode)
- Electrical impedance: 1kOhm
- Transformers: 4, hand-wound toroidal
- Inputs: 2x Neutrik combo XLR/TRS (1/4-inch jack)
- Outputs: 2x XLR
- Weight: approx. 900g
