The Gainlab Audio Bishop is a fully valve channel strip featuring a three-tube preamp, dual slope optical compressor, high-pass filters, and a dynamic Air Band, combining vintage warmth with innovative tone-shaping tools.
The Gainlab Audio Bishop All Tube Channel Strip is a flagship unit designed to deliver far more than the functionality of a traditional channel strip. At its core is a fully valve-based microphone preamplifier employing three vacuum tubes, offering microphone, line, and instrument inputs.
Instrument sources benefit from a dedicated drive control, allowing discrete analogue coloration, while the stepped gain selector with its illuminated dual-scale ring provides up to +60 dB of gain. Standard functions such as phase reverse, pad, and phantom power are included, with precision control ensuring high-quality performance across all input types.
Beyond its preamplifier section, the Gainlab Audio Bishop integrates Gainlab’s unique dual slope optical compressor. Inspired by the much-loved LA-2A topology, it introduces a second slope for expanded creative control.
With options for character, timing, and threshold adjustments, the compressor offers flexibility ranging from smooth levelling to bold, modern dynamics. Dual GR meters provide detailed feedback, while the main VU meter shows output level.
Additional tone-shaping tools include a selectable high-pass filter at 120 Hz or 80 Hz and the Dynamic Air Band. The Air Band operates as a familiar high-frequency enhancer, but when paired with the compressor it reacts dynamically to gain reduction, delivering distinctive presence and air to vocals and instruments.
Built with Gainlab’s rugged construction standards and premium components, the Gainlab Audio Bishop is designed to provide long-lasting reliability and sonic excellence.
Features
Download the User Manual in PDF format.
$4,492 Inc GST
