Mic Pre

Avid’s Pro Tools | Carbon interface gave Pro Tools users a powerful, DSP-accelerated hardware option that integrates smoothly with their DAW of choice, but it’s about to get a lot more exciting. Enter the new Pro Tools | Carbon Pre ($2,999), an expander unit that adds eight mic preamps, network connectivity, and more to the Carbon ecosystem. If you’re all-in on Pro Tools, this is the perfect unit to add to your rack for more inputs and greater flexibility. Continue reading →

Since the 1970s, API has been synonymous the “the sound of rock and roll,” partly thanks to their legendary 312 preamp, which can be heard on countless chart-topping hits over the years. Today, API Audio has announced the new API 3122V ($2,085.25), a two-channel version of the classic 312 preamp that fills the gap between four-channel 3124V and individual 500 Series modules.  Continue reading →

Black Friday is officially underway at Vintage King and we've got loads of deals on microphones, audio interfaces, software and more. Today on the blog, we're going to be breaking down all of the different ways you can save on outboard gear during our sale. We're talking compressors, EQs, mic pres, racks and so much more. Continue on below to find out how you can save. Continue reading →

In early August, API introduced API Select, a series of six releases that combined technology purchased by the storied brand over the years with homegrown innovations. The API Select lineup includes the T12 Tube 2-Channel Mic Preamplifier, T25 2-Channel Tube Compressor, SR22 Dual-Channel Compressor, SR24 Dual Channel Equalizer, TranZformer GTR Pedal and TranZformer CMP Pedal. There's been lots of hype about all six releases, but the most fervor surrounds the T12 and T25. The T12 is a dual mic preamp with a tube-based circuit featuring 12AT7WC and 12BH7 tubes, in addition to proprietary API input transformers and custom transformers on the output stage. The T25 is a dual channel FET feedback-style comp/limiter with a Class-A tube output stage that packs a custom API transformer and the same dual-triode vacuum tubes as the T12. Continue reading →

API has announced the introduction of the API Select range, a new product lineup that breaks from the brand's classic mold. These fresh offerings incorporate unique technology that API has purchased through the decades with its own homegrown designs. "Over the years, we’ve acquired the technology and experience to engineer and produce audio products that don’t necessarily conform to API’s classic component structure or topography," API President Larry Droppa says. “API Select gives us the opportunity to offer gear that’s very high quality, but that’s different from API’s legendary line of classic products." Continue reading →

In a short period of time, Julian Traverse has made a name for himself around the world with the brilliant Traverse Analogue 652 dual-channel mic preamp. Traverse Analogue's reputation is staked on boutique-level craftsmanship and the 652's tube-based circuitry, which lights up any source passing through it with plenty of rich harmonic content. We recently sat down to talk with Julian about the company, his journey into pro audio, his mentors, and more. Watch our demo of the Traverse Analogue 652 below and continue on after to read our full Behind The Gear conversation. Continue reading →

Since bursting onto the pro audio scene in 2018, Cranborne Audio has firmly entrenched itself with a bevy of fantastic releases. One of its most notable products is the Camden 500. This microphone preamp has quickly joined the ranks of the Neve 1073LB and Rupert Neve Designs 511 as one of the best-selling 500 Series modules at Vintage King. The reason for the success of the Cranborne Audio Camden 500 is no secret. The module offers the polar extremes of the mic preamp world by giving engineers both extremely clean sounds and vintage warmth. When designing the module, Cranborne Audio elected to go transformerless, which guarantees an extremely transparent and linear sound. The Camden 500 preamp has low-noise and low-distortion performance for a stunning level of clarity. Continue reading →

Helios fans rejoice! After a sneak preview at the 2020 NAMM Show, the pro audio world is now getting its formal introduction to the new H2 Audio line. Led by Grammy-award winning producer/Acme Audio owner Al Sutton and Q2 Audio's Tim Mead, H2 Audio is reviving many of Dick Swettenham's classic console designs for the 500 Series format. For those unfamiliar with Helios, Dick Swettenham was a maintenance engineer at EMI Abbey Road Studios in the early 1950s before moving onto Olympic Sound Studios in 1958. The engineer would start the Helios brand in 1969 and go on to create the "Type 69" console, a desk used by everyone from Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones to Bob Marley and Black Sabbath. Continue reading →

As more recording and mix studios move to hybrid workflows, one thing is for sure... No one is leaving behind their analog outboard gear completely. Digital may be easier and getting closer in sound, but most engineers prefer to have a rack of analog goodies at the ready for working on tracks. 2020 was another banner year for outboard gear at Vintage King and we are going to break down our top ten best-selling mic pres, compressors, and EQs below. Continue on to find out what tried-and-true classics from Neve, API and Rupert Neve Designs made the list, in addition to some newer offerings from Solid State Logic, Radial Engineering and Cranborne Audio. Continue reading →

Based in Pennsylvania, D.W. Fearn has garnered a reputation over the years for being one of the finest purveyors of tube recording equipment. Known for essentials like the VT-1 and VT-5, D.W. Fearn gear can be found in control rooms all over the world and is easily recognizable by the brand's iconic red finish. The company was originally started in 1993 by owner and namesake Doug Fearn. Doug spent the better part of a few decades making his own gear before enlisting brothers Geoff and George Hazelrigg of Hazelrigg Industries to help in the manufacturing and marketing of his equipment. Continue reading →