Retro Powerstrip Tube Channel Strip

The Retro Powerstrip is a full-featured recording channel that combines the sonic character of a vintage tube studio into a single 2U rackmount unit. Designed as an all-in-one “channel strip” or “studio in a box,” it integrates a Class-A tube microphone preamplifier, a Pultec-style passive tube equaliser, and a British-inspired variable-mu tube compressor. With ample gain and versatile connections, it accommodates any microphone or instrument, while a balanced line-level input makes it equally useful during mixdown.

Every stage of the Retro Powerstrip has been designed for musicality and authenticity. The preamp delivers transformer-coupled warmth with phantom power, while the EQ provides classic low and high frequency boost and cut options with genuine Pultec curves and feel. The compressor offers six selectable time constants, along with a sidechain high-pass filter at 90 and 250 Hz, giving engineers fine control over dynamics. Both the EQ and compressor can be bypassed independently, making the unit flexible in any workflow.

Connectivity is comprehensive, with a front-panel instrument input, rear XLR mic and line inputs, and both line-level and low-level balanced outputs. The design minimises heat generation, supports both modern and NOS tubes without alignment, and allows tube enthusiasts to tailor tonal character to taste. Additional features include phase reversal, a subsonic high-pass filter with alternate LF boost character, easy-to-recall 100-position knob scales, and robust transformer balancing to eliminate hum and noise.

Built in the USA with steel chassis construction, high-stability components, and full factory support, the Retro Powerstrip is engineered to provide years of reliable use both in the studio and on stage.

Features

• Transformer-coupled Class-A tube microphone preamp with phantom power
• Pultec-style passive EQ with authentic controls and curves
• Variable-mu tube compression in the classic British style
• Front-panel 1/4″ instrument input with rear panel loop-through
• Rear XLR mic and line inputs with fully-floating transformer-balanced output
• Subsonic high-pass filter with interstage coupling for tonal shaping
• LF boost: 20, 30, 60, 100 Hz; LF cut: 20, 30, 60, 100 Hz
• HF boost: 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 kHz
• HF cut: 5, 10, 20 kHz
• Six selectable compressor attack/release time constants
• Compressor sidechain high-pass filter: 90 Hz and 250 Hz
• 100-position recallable knob scales
• Independent bypass switches for EQ and compressor
• Phase reversal switch
• Front panel meter zero trim
• IEC mains power input with 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz support
• Compatible with current and NOS tubes; no alignment needed for tube changes
• Looped instrument input for connection to stage amps
• Low-level balanced output for processed stage amp feed
• Design minimises tube heat build-up
• High-stability components throughout
• Heavy-duty steel chassis
• Manufactured in the USA
• Full factory support available