Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier has been discontinued, here are some related products you might like:
Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier
Features
- Mic, Instrument, & Line Inputs
- Up to 71dB of Gain
- Output Gain Attenuator
- Switchable Discrete Op Amp
- Switchable Input Impedance
Description
The TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier from Warm Audio is a single-channel mic preamplifier this is designed to provide a wide range of tonal options for mic, instrument, and line-level sources. It is capable of up to 71dB of input gain, and employs an output attenuator, allowing you to drive your input signal harder for colour and saturation while keeping your signal from peaking.
The TB12 Tone Beast lives up to its name by allowing you to select between two different discrete op amps, two different output transformers that can be bypassed altogether, two input impedance settings for dynamic, condenser, or ribbon mic optimisation, and two different capacitors. The preamp is capable of producing coloured, vintage-style tones with early break up and clean, transparent modern tones. Thanks to its front-panel Hi-Z instrument input, the preamp can be used to record DI tracks, while the rear-panel 1/4" line input allows you to use the TB12 to provide colour or warm up previously recorded tracks.
The rear-panel insert send and receive 1/4" connectors let you integrate an external signal processor, such as an AEQ or compressor, into the TB12's signal flow before the output transformers. The unit features 48V phantom power, a high-pass filter at 80Hz, a 20dB pad, and a polarity reverse switch.
Features
Op Amps Switch
This switch allows you to choose between 2 completely different discrete analogue operational amplifiers. One of the op amps is built to the schematic of the classic 1731 style op amp, using a Melcor 1731, and the other to the schematic of the 918, employing Dean Jensen's 918. The 1731 has a more noticeable "vintage tone," breaking up faster and providing a more coloured sound. The 918 is more linear/transparent, and does not break up as quickly
Both op amps are socketed and use the classic 2520 6-pin footprint. This allows users to remove the op amps easily (without soldering), and replace them with their own op amps of choice
Output Transformer Switch
This feature allows you to switch between 2 CineMag output transformers of different tone/make. The 100% steel core transformer sounds more "vintage" with a "mid-forward" tone. The 50% nickel core transformer has a "cleaner" tone than the steel, providing more highs and lows, and was custom designed by CineMag specifically for the Tone Beast
The nickel version uses a laminating method that gives the signal a more linear response than the steel option, but still treats the signal slightly, giving your signal a smoothness
The Output Transformer Bypass Switch removes both the nickel and steel transformers from your output signal, and provides a transparent tone. Please note bypassing the output transformers will result in an 8dB drop in level
Tone Switch
When engaged the input impedance of the Tone Beast is 150 ohms. When disengaged the input impedance of the Tone Beast is 600 ohms. The 150 ohm (switched-in) setting increases the gain of the Tone Beast by +6db changing the maximum gain from +65 to +71db. This feature will make a noticeable tone change to most microphones and instruments. The microphone, line and Hi-Z inputs are all altered by this feature
The 600 ohm impedance setting is recommended for condenser and dynamic microphones, and 150 ohms is recommended for ribbons. This switch is labelled "Tone" for a reason though, we so experiment with both settings on all sources to find the best possible tone for your mixes
Capacitor Switch
This switch changes 2 capacitors in the circuit from Tantalum to Electrolytic. The "vintage" setting is for tantalum capacitors, the "clean" setting is for electrolytic. Of all the tone features provided in the Tone Beast this option is the most subtle but still noticeable to many ears depending on the source being treated
Specifications
Type | Discrete 312 preamp design with coupled CineMag Transformers |
Input | 1x front-panel XLR microphone input 1x front-panel 1/4" (6.3 mm) Hi-Z instrument input 1x rear-panel XLR microphone input 1x rear-panel 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS line input |
Output | 1x rear-panel balanced XLR line output 1x rear-panel balanced 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS line output |
Gain | 71 dB |
Transformer | Selectable steel or 50% nickel CineMag output transformers Selectable transformer bypass |
Op Amp | Selectable between 1731 and 918 style; socketed and swappable with your choice of 2520 6-pin footprint op amps |
Impedance | Input Impedance: switchable between 150 and 600 Ω (labelled "Tone" on front-panel) |
Capacitors | Switchable between Tantalum and Electrolytic for different characters |
High-Pass Filter | 80 Hz |
Polarity Reverse | Yes |
Phantom Power | +48 V |
Output Attenuation | Yes; allows for saturation flexibility of both the op amps and transformers |
Insert | 1x 1/4" (6.3 mm) insert send 1x 1/4" (6.3 mm) insert receive |
Pad | 20 dB |
VU Metre | LED |
Power | External line-lump 24 V AC power transformer for low noise |
In The Box
- Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier
- 24 VAC Power Transformer
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Details
- Product: Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier
- Manufacturer: Warm Audio
- Model: TB-12 Tonebeast
- SKU: TB-12 Tonebeast
- RM Product #: 45233