The HLabs PRE169S is a dual-channel 1U rack-mount microphone preamplifier housing a pair of the best-selling HLabs PRE169 modules. Inspired by the legendary Studer 169 mixing console, the HLabs PRE169S input stage is a faithful recreation of the original design, offering transparent sound and a massive gain range.
To enhance the sonic palette, HLabs added Carnhill VT24499 output transformers, the same used in Neve 51-series consoles, introducing warmth, fatness, and a uniquely versatile tone.
Designed to handle everything from ribbon microphones and low-level sources to instruments, the HLabs PRE169S delivers exceptional musicality and precision.
Each channel features a highly musical 12 dB/octave high-pass filter, tunable from 20 Hz to 315 Hz, along with a front-panel DI input that benefits from the big transformer character. Internally, Neutrik NTM-4 input transformers provide virtually unsaturable headroom, while the audio path is built entirely with 100% discrete through-hole components.
The HLabs PRE169S also includes independent phantom power, polarity switches, earth lift, and a universal power supply. Built with reliability and professional sound quality in mind, it offers two channels of high-quality preamplification in a compact format.
Features
- Studer 169-inspired input stage with over 67 dB gain
- Carnhill VT24499 output transformers for rich tonal character
- Neutrik NTM-4 input transformers for unsaturable input gain
- 12 dB/octave high-pass filter, tunable from 20 Hz to 315 Hz
- Front-panel DI input with transformer-driven sound
- Independent +48 V phantom power per channel
- Polarity switch and earth lift on XLR outputs
- 100% discrete through-hole audio path
- Universal 100–240 V power supply