PreSonus
PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL Vacuum-Tube Channel Strip - Blue
★★★★★
Phantom power
Warm up your recordings with the PreSonus STUDIOCHANNEL's Class A vacuum-tube preamp, VCA compressor, and 3-band parametric EQ in one rack unit.
$349.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
High-voltage Class A 12AX7 vacuum-tube mic/instrument Preamplifier
Gain, tube drive, HP filter, -20 dB pad, Phantom power, polarity reverse3-band EQ features variable-q on mid-band w/ peak/shelving on high- and low-bands
Variable VCA compressor with auto attack/release and soft/hard Knee
3-Band EQ with parametric mid and semi-parametric, shelving/peak low and high bands
Instrument, line, and mic inputs
1U 19” rack-mountable, rugged steel chassis
Specifications
Preamp Type
High-voltage Class A 12AX7 vacuum tube
EQ
3-band: variable-Q parametric mid, semi-parametric high and low with peak/shelving
Compressor
Variable VCA with auto attack/release, soft/hard knee
Inputs
Mic, instrument, line
Phantom Power
48V
Pad
-20 dB
High-Pass Filter
Yes
Polarity Reverse
Yes
Form Factor
1U 19" rack-mountable
Chassis
Rugged steel
Brand
PreSonus
Model
STUDIOCHANNEL
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Combines a tube preamp, compressor, and parametric EQ in a single 1U rack space, reducing the need for multiple outboard units
- The Class A 12AX7 vacuum tube adds genuine analog warmth and harmonic character to recordings
- Variable-Q mid-band EQ and switchable peak/shelving on high and low bands provide flexible tone shaping
- Accepts mic, instrument, and line inputs, making it versatile across a wide range of recording sources
- Rugged steel chassis is built to withstand regular studio and live use
👎 Cons
- Only a single channel, so recording multiple sources simultaneously requires additional units
- The vacuum tube will eventually need replacement and adds to long-term maintenance costs
- No digital output options — analog-only outputs mean you still need a separate audio interface for computer recording
- At 1U, the front panel is densely packed, which can make precise adjustments difficult in dim environments
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum tube does the STUDIOCHANNEL use?
The STUDIOCHANNEL uses a high-voltage Class A 12AX7 vacuum tube in its preamplifier section, which is a widely trusted tube type known for adding musical warmth and harmonic richness to audio signals.
Can the STUDIOCHANNEL accept both microphone and instrument signals?
Yes, it includes dedicated mic, instrument, and line inputs, so you can run microphones, guitars, basses, keyboards, or other line-level sources directly into the unit without needing a separate DI box.
Does the compressor offer manual control or is it fully automatic?
The VCA compressor features variable threshold and ratio controls along with an auto attack/release mode, plus switchable soft and hard knee settings, giving you a blend of hands-on control and convenient automatic operation.
Will the STUDIOCHANNEL fit in a standard equipment rack?
Yes, it is a 1U 19-inch rack-mountable unit housed in a rugged steel chassis, so it fits into any standard studio or live-sound equipment rack.
Does it provide phantom power for condenser microphones?
Yes, the STUDIOCHANNEL includes 48V phantom power, a -20 dB pad, a high-pass filter, and polarity reverse on the preamp section, making it ready for use with condenser microphones right out of the box.
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