Retro 500PRE Microphone Preamplifier

The Retro 500PRE takes the circuit design of the Sta-Level and condenses it into a single-width 500 Series module. Its three-tube gain stage delivers the same depth and musicality associated with the original. As with every Retro product, the focus is on capturing the emotion of the performance. While distortion, noise, and frequency response measure superbly, the true character of the Retro 500PRE lies in how its tubes gracefully limit signals at +18 dBu. Whether used for clean gain or driven into saturation, the 500PRE avoids the brittle, synthetic qualities often found in solid-state amplifiers, preserving transient detail with ease.

Beyond tracking, the Retro 500PRE excels as a high-energy limiter during mixdown. By design, it embodies the natural limiter effect of tube amplifiers, making it an ideal tool for thickening and energising a wide range of sources.

The Retro 500PRE is built to operate within the power constraints of an API 500 rack. Each unit draws 160 mA, a little above the 130 mA VPR specification, so Retro Instruments recommend racks with stable linear power supplies such as those from API. With proper power management, the Retro 500PRE and rack combination will provide years of reliable use.

At its core, the Retro 500PRE uses three 12AT7 valves, supplied as TAD new-production models but easily replaceable with new-old-stock if desired. The soft-start circuitry reduces stress on both the valves and the power supply, ensuring longevity. Under typical operating conditions, the valves are expected to last many years. Once powered, the 500PRE warms up and reaches full performance in under a minute.

Features

• Based on the circuit topology of the classic Sta-Level
• Three-tube gain stage using 12AT7 valves for rich harmonic character
• Graceful tube limiting begins at +18 dBu for natural saturation
• Functions as both a microphone preamp and a mix-time limiter
• Preserves transient detail without harshness or brittleness
• Hand-wired construction with high-quality components throughout
• Uses high-grade Cinemag input and output transformers
• Stainless steel case for durability and shielding
• American-made circuit board and soft-start circuitry to extend tube life
• Compatible with standard API 500-series racks
• Recommended for use with linear-powered racks for optimal performance
• Fast warm-up time under one minute
• Includes new production TAD 12AT7 tubes with long lifespan