The Retro 500PRE is a 500 series microphone preamp that brings the circuit character of the classic Sta-Level into a compact, single-slot module. Featuring a three-tube gain stage with three 12AT7 tubes, the 500PRE delivers detailed, full-bodied sound with a smooth, natural saturation that avoids the harshness of solid-state designs.
It gracefully limits signals at +18 dBu, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities from clean gain to rich harmonic overdrive. Transient response remains clear and uncompressed, ensuring musicality across all applications.
Beyond tracking, the Retro 500PRE doubles as a high-energy limiter during mix sessions, thanks to the natural compression behaviour of its tube circuit. It operates at 160 mA and is best paired with high-quality, linear-powered racks such as those from API. With soft-start circuitry to prolong tube life and a warm-up time of under one minute, the Retro 500PRE is both practical and sonically powerful.
Features
- Based on the circuit topology of the classic Sta-Level
- Three-tube gain stage using 12AT7 valves for rich harmonic character
- Graceful tube limiting begins at +18 dBu for natural saturation
- Functions as both a microphone preamp and a mix-time limiter
- Preserves transient detail without harshness or brittleness
- Hand-wired construction with high-quality components throughout
- Uses high-grade Cinemag input and output transformers
- Stainless steel case for durability and shielding
- American-made circuit board and soft-start circuitry to extend tube life
- Compatible with standard API 500-series racks
- Recommended for use with linear-powered racks for optimal performance
- Fast warm-up time under one minute
- Includes new production TAD 12AT7 tubes with long lifespan
