The Presonus Studio Channel is a channel strip that features a tube preamp a VCA compressor and a 3-band parametric EQ. The tube preamp section features two knobs: Gain and Tube Drive which allows you to adjust the amount of signal that hits the tube circuitry opening up a wide range of sonic options. The VCA compressor section is well-suited to help all different kinds of audio sit nicely in a mix whether its percussion with fast transients or smooth and silky vocals. The parametric EQ features a custom amplifier with a gain control on each of the 3 bands with a variable Q knob on the mid frequency. Full Featured VCA Compressor The compressor in the Studio Channel is a fully variable ultra-fast and smooth VCA-based circuit with all of the controls needed for a wide range of compression settings: ratio threshold attack release and gain make up. The VCA-based compressor is known for musicality as well as ultra fast attack with the ability to tame the fastest transients. From slap bass to snare drum to vocals the Studio Channels compressor stage allows you to record as needed without clipping giving you total dynamic control. Three Band Parametric EQ The equalizer in the Studio Channel has the ability to chop out unwanted frequencies as well as tailor your tone to enhance your sound. The custom-designed amplifiers in the EQ deliver sweet-sounding gain ultra smooth highs deep solid lows and clear midrange. The mid-band of the EQ section has variable Q for controlling the width around the center point of the selected frequency. High and low frequency bands give you the option for selecting peak/dip or shelving frequencies. Enhance your signal path The Studio Channel noticeably outperforms preamplifiers that are built-in to most recording interfaces and affordable mixers. If you add a VCA-based compressor and studio-grade equalizer to the class A tube preamp and you get not only big fat tube tonality but also complete control of your tone and sounds. Since much of the recording process is accomplished one track at a time you need a signal path that can deliver a variety of high quality tones and sounds which is why the Studio Channel is the perfect tool for any studio. Class A Tube Preamplifier The Studio Channel has everything needed to deliver big tone. The preamplifier stage of the Studio Channel is based on the award winning BlueTube preamplifier with a high output 12AX7 vacuum tube operating on voltages double than all other preamplifiers in its class delivering high headroom and big tone. Dual control Gain and Tube Drive enables a wide range of sounds from transparent and clear to edgy and overdriven. Features 1 channel with Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument preamplifier Gain control with +10 dB to +54 dB gain range Tube Drive control 48V phantom power switch 80 Hz high-pass filter -20 dB pad Polarity-reverse switch Fully Variable VCA compressor Attack Release Ratio Threshold and (makeup) Gain Auto Attack/Release switch Soft/Hard Knee switch Bypass switch 3-band parametric equalizer Gain Frequency and Q controls (mid band) Gain and Frequency controls (low and high bands) Shelving/peak switches (low and high bands) Switchable pre-/post-compressor Bypass switch Master level control Backlit VU meter Gain Reduction to Meter switch (selects gain reduction or output gain) Input/Output 1 unbalanced 1/4″ instrument input (front panel) 1 balanced 1/4″ line input 1 balanced XLR mic input 1 balanced 1/4″ line output 1 balanced XLR line output Physical 1U 19″ rack-mountable rugged steel chassis Sealed detented metal rotary controls External 16 VAC power supply Specifications Number of Channels: 1 Inputs: 1 XLR 1 Unbalanced 1/4″ TS Outputs: 1 XLR 1 Balanced 1/4″ TRS Frequency Response: 10Hz to 50kHz Noise: -96dBu Gain Range: -6dB to +66dB (+/- 10dB trim on line input) Maximum Output: +22dBu Phantom Power: +48V Threshold Range: -40dBu to +2dBu Ratio: 1-10 (1:1 to 2:1) Attack Time: 0.1 to 200ms Release Time: 0.05ms to 3S Sidechain: No Frequency Bands: Low frequencies = variable from 40Hz to 500kHz Mid frequencies = variable from 200Hz to 3kHz High frequencies = variable from 2kHz to 20kHz Range (Boost/Cut): Low and high frequencies = variable between +/-10dB Mid frequencies: variable from -10dB to +10dB