Anthony DeMaria Labs ADL-700 is a single-channel, valve-driven channel strip combining a high-voltage Class A microphone preamplifier, a custom FET compressor, and a four-band semi-parametric equaliser in a single professional unit. Released in 2012, the Anthony DeMaria Labs ADL-700 was developed in direct response to demand from engineers and producers who wanted the sound of the ADL-600 in a more compact, fully featured channel strip format.
At the heart of the Anthony DeMaria Labs ADL-700 is a single-channel version of the ADL-600 preamplifier, co-designed by PreSonus and valve-circuit designer Anthony DeMaria. The preamp operates with ±300 V power rails and employs a fully discrete Class A topology using two 6922 valves and one 12AT7 per channel. This high-voltage architecture delivers exceptional headroom, low noise, and a modern, linear valve sound that remains warm, smooth, and detailed across the full dynamic range.
The dual-transformer design provides excellent isolation and common-mode rejection, resulting in an ultra-quiet signal path with a large, authoritative tone. Reviewers consistently highlighted the preamp’s clarity, dynamic range, and low noise performance, noting that it delivers a refined and contemporary valve character rather than exaggerated coloration. Artists and producers praised its ability to produce smooth acoustic instruments and clear, powerful vocals with minimal effort.
Flexibility is a defining characteristic of the Anthony DeMaria Labs ADL-700. Separate balanced microphone, balanced line, and instrument inputs can remain connected at all times, with an input source selector routing the chosen signal through the channel strip. Four selectable microphone input impedances allow subtle tonal shaping at the source, while stepped gain control and variable trim provide precise level management throughout the signal path. A fully variable output attenuator enables accurate gain staging into converters or downstream equipment.
The integrated FET compressor offers continuously variable attack, release, threshold, ratio, and make-up gain, along with a soft-knee compression curve. Its fast and repeatable response makes it well suited to vocal control and dynamic instruments, with the option to stereo link two units for matched stereo operation. The four-band semi-parametric equaliser provides wide frequency coverage and generous boost and cut, allowing detailed tonal shaping without compromising the integrity of the valve signal path.
Features
- Single-channel high-voltage Class A valve channel strip
- Discrete valve microphone preamplifier based on the ADL-600
- Custom FET compressor with soft-knee response
- Four-band semi-parametric equaliser
- Selectable microphone input impedance
- Separate mic, line, and instrument inputs with input source selector
- Stepped gain control with variable trim and output attenuation
- Stereo-linkable compressor
- Wide frequency response and high headroom performance