{"product_id":"retro-instruments-500-pre","title":"Retro Instruments 500 PRE","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetro Instruments 500 PRE\u003c\/strong\u003e is a microphone preamplifier that fits the Sta-Level circuit topology into a single 500-series slot. A three-tube gain stage on three 12AT7s keeps the detail and depth of the company's full-sized designs. A gain switch selects between a two-stage configuration at 48 dB and a three-stage configuration at 76 dB, while a continuously variable output attenuator sets the level going into whatever comes next in the chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA preamp that becomes a limiter after the session\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than clipping hard, the tubes limit gracefully from +18 dBu with headroom to +24 dBu, and that behaviour was kept in the design deliberately. In practice the same module you track a vocal through can work at mix time as a high-energy limiter for fattening tracks. The output attenuator lets you overdrive the tube stage without clipping the gear downstream, so tone is chosen independently of the level sent to a converter. In the LOW position the two-stage configuration accepts signals up to +10 dBu without overload, which makes it a useful line stage for finished tracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMind the rack power budget\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe module draws 160 mA, slightly above the 130 mA allowed by the VPR specification, so the manufacturer recommends racks with a quiet linear supply, the API models among them. With that condition met the circuit runs reliably for years, and soft-start circuitry limits stress on the tubes and the supply at switch-on. Warm-up to full performance takes under a minute, so the module does not force you to power up long before a session. The 12AT7 tubes are available both in current production and as new old stock, which leaves room for tailoring the sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSta-Level circuit topology in a single-width 500-series module\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree 12AT7 tubes in the gain path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain switch: 48 dB two-stage, 76 dB three-stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGraceful tube limiting from +18 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinuously variable output attenuator for overdriving the stage without clipping the chain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhantom power and polarity switch on the front panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft-start circuitry, warm-up under a minute\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e600 Ohm transformer balanced output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain: 48 dB two-stage, 76 dB three-stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal harmonic distortion: below 0.05% at +4 dBu output, 20-20,000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: +\/- 0.25 dB, 20-20,000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEquivalent input noise: -128 dB with 150 Ohm termination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTypical output level: +4 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTube limiting threshold: +18 dBu, clipping headroom to +24 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput level range: -72 dBu to +12 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput impedance: above 1000 Ohms, 20-20,000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput impedance: 600 Ohms, transformer balanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower consumption: +\/-16 V at 155 mA and 48 V at 3 mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControls: input level, gain select, phantom power, polarity, output level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.1 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Retro Instruments","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54598556287313,"sku":"14906","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/RetroInstruments500PRE1.jpg?v=1786975403","url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/fr\/products\/retro-instruments-500-pre","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}