Kerwax Replica Rev C

Kerwax Replica Rev C is a 2-channel tube line preamplifier with an M/S mode, built to add tube colour and harmonic saturation at line level rather than to boost a microphone signal. Unlike a standard mic preamp, it sits at +4 dBu nominal line level, so it works on a console send/return, a mix bus insert, or a mastering signal path. Within the Kerwax lineup, it's the only product operating at line level rather than mic level.

Tube colour where you'd normally only have a converter

Two 12AX7-type (ECC83/7025) tube stages per channel drive adjustable harmonic saturation, and a switchable L/R or M/S mode lets you colour the stereo bus differently from the mono centre and the sides, without a separate M/S encoder ahead of it. A ±10 dB shelving EQ on highs and lows, plus a switchable 80 Hz or 120 Hz high-pass filter at 6 dB/octave, give extra tone-shaping before the signal ever reaches an A/D converter.

A 5U chassis instead of the usual 1U box

Unlike most colour preamps housed in 1U or 2U enclosures, the Replica Rev C fills a full 5U of rack space, a consequence of the transformers and tube power supply built for extra headroom (maximum output level +20 dBu). It's designed and hand-built in France from locally sourced parts. It's a practical choice on a vocal or drum bus, where the priority is adding tube character quickly without patching through a separate stereo processor, and the large 5U format leaves room for future rack expansion.

KEY FEATURES

• 2-channel tube line preamplifier
• L/R or M/S mode for stereo processing
• 12AX7 (ECC83/7025) tubes per channel
• Adjustable high/low shelving EQ, ±10 dB
• Switchable high-pass filter, 80 Hz / 120 Hz at 6 dB/octave
• Independent gain and output control per channel
• 5U rack format
• Designed and hand-built in France

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: 2-channel tube line preamplifier
• Tubes: 12AX7 / ECC83 / 7025
• Frequency response: 30 Hz – 27 kHz (-1.5dB)
• Maximum output level: +20dBu
• Nominal line level: +4dBu
• I/O: 2x balanced XLR in, 2x balanced XLR out
• Dimensions: 483 x 342.5 x 222mm
• Weight: 10.6kg
• Power: 115/230V AC, 27W draw