Classic, discrete 3 band EQ/Pre, with hi pass filter. Fat and pillowy low end, with the perfect midrange points and sweet top end.
After the class A series Neve eq's like the 1073's, 1066's etc., these class AB mic pre / eq's are the next most desirable. They use a similar mic amp circuit to the 1081 eq's and have transformer balanced mic, line inputs and transformer balanced outputs.
The 1272 preamp is comprised of the same 283 card which the 1073 uses. Used as a preamp, it seems to add subharmonics to the low end which rounds out the bottom end a little bit. It smoothes the top end which gives the highs a silky sheen. The 1272 also compresses transients a little bit. It is a smooth, fat., larger than life sound.
The V72 and the V72s are highly sought after because they set the benchmark for high quality studio equipment and have also been used by most of the European Recording Studios like EMI, Decca/Telefunken, etc. and consequently with productions for the Beatles, Pink Floyd and many others.
The tone of the 212L mic preamp finds its roots in the classic API 2488 series all discrete recording consoles, best known for the famed "LA" sound. This same mic preamp design is packaged into a compact module with features like a continuously adjustable Gain control and a unique 5 segment LED VU meter on each panel. The API 212L microphone pre-amplifier is an integral part of the famous Legacy Series Console and articulates high frequencies with great detail, while delivering the big sounding, warm bottom end that API is famous for.
The Chandler Limited TG2 is a recreation of the rare EMI TG12428 pre amp used in EMI/Abbey Road recording and mastering consoles used in the late 60's and early 70's. The sound was used on many famous recordings done at Abbey Road including The Beatles "Abbey Road" and Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon."
The Universal Audio 2-610S is a two-channel tube microphone preamplifier based on the legendary Universal Audio 610 modular console.
A classic design by Bill Putnam:
Designed by Bill Putnam, the Universal Audio 610 was among the first modular recording consoles. Early Universal Audio consoles were used in all of Putnam's studios including Universal Recording in Chicago and United Western in Los Angeles. Many prominent engineers such as Bruce Swedien began their careers in these studios with this classic rotary knob console. The UA 610 was particularly well noted for its preamplifier, and has left its mark on countless classic recordings from Sinatra to Pet Sounds to Van Halen to LA Woman.
The Universal Audio M610 is mono version of the 2-610 , with a simplified EQ section. Other than that, the sound and features are identical to the 2-610. It has the same vibrant high frequency response and deep, gorgeous low end that has graced countless recordings and continues Universal Audio’s reputation for sonic excellence.
The Summit Audio Dual Tube Preamplifier will add that elusive warmth, richness, and depth to your digital recordings. Incredible easy to use, the TPA-200B is a hybrid of vacuum tube and solid state technologies, offering the warm sound of tubes while providing the reliability of solid state components.
The Summit Audio TPA-200B Dual Tube Preamplifier combines the best of two worlds: vacuum tubes and high quality solid state. This unique combination creates an environment that yields the warmth associated with tubes without the inherent high frequency loss while providing the reliability of solid state components.
There is little doubt in the minds of many engineers and producers that vacuum tubes possess a unique sound quality providing a "warmer, more alive" sound. Combining eight active tube stages and the low noise and reliability of solid state electronics, the Drawmer 1960 provides the ultimate direct interface between the sound source and the recording medium. The Drawmer 1960 is a two channel unit with each channel comprised of a completely natural sounding "soft knee" vacuum tube compressor and an extremely low noise microphone pre-amplifier with switchable 48 volt phantom power.