Retro Instruments 500PRE – All-Tube 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier
The Retro Instruments 500PRE is a premium all-tube microphone preamplifier for the 500 Series format, bringing legendary Retro Instruments tone and warmth into a compact modular design.
Designed with the same sonic character as the brand’s flagship studio preamps, the 500PRE delivers rich harmonics, silky transients, and exceptional low-end depth — perfect for vocals, instruments, and full-range sources alike.
With genuine high-voltage tube operation and custom transformers, it captures the unmistakable Retro analog sound in a space-efficient format for modern studios.
Key Features
- All-tube Class A circuit featuring high-voltage operation for authentic analog tone and headroom.
- 500 Series module design, fully compatible with any standard 500 rack chassis.
- Custom input and output transformers deliver warm saturation and musical compression.
- Variable gain control (up to +70 dB) for microphones, instruments, and line-level sources.
- High-impedance DI input on the front panel for direct bass, guitar, and synth recording.
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Polarity invert and pad switches for flexible tracking setups.
- True high-voltage tube topology — no starved-plate emulation — for genuine analog performance.
- Ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, and electric bass — adding unmistakable Retro tube character.
- Hand-built in the USA using premium components and precision-matched tubes.
Applications
- Vocals: Smooth, warm, and detailed tube tone for natural, intimate performances.
- Instruments: Capture guitars, bass, keys, and strings with harmonic richness and depth.
- Drums: Add body and punch to kick, snare, and overheads.
- Line Processing: Use as a line driver to add tube saturation to mixes or buses.
Technical Specifications
| Unit Type | All-Tube Microphone Preamplifier (500 Series) |
|---|---|
| Circuit Type | Class A, high-voltage dual-triode tube design |
| Gain Range | Up to +70 dB |
| Inputs | Microphone (XLR), Hi-Z Instrument (¼” front-panel) |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR |
| Controls | Gain, Pad (-20 dB), Polarity, 48V Phantom Power, DI Input |
| Tubes | 2 × NOS miniature dual triodes |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.5 dB |
| Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) | -125 dBu (A-weighted, 150 Ω source) |
| Input Impedance | 1.5 kΩ (Mic), 1 MΩ (Instrument) |
| Power Requirement | Standard 500 Series ±16V & +48V rails (internal high-voltage conversion) |
| Format | Single 500 Series slot |
| Origin | Hand-built in the USA |
Why Choose the Retro Instruments 500PRE?
The Retro Instruments 500PRE offers true tube sound in the convenient 500 Series format — no emulation, no compromise.
It’s a versatile preamp that adds warmth, harmonic richness, and musical dynamics to any source, from vocals to synths.
Whether used in tracking, mixing, or as a tone-shaping insert, the 500PRE delivers the unmistakable Retro Instruments analog signature that defines countless hit records.