Product Category: Mic Preamps

Presonus Eureka Studio Channel

The Eureka is a professional recording channel strip containing a discrete class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier, compressor, and three-band parametric equalizer. The microphone preamplifier features variable input impedance so that the Eureka can be matched and "tuned" for all types of microphones and recording applications. The Class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier also features "SATURATE" which adjusts the drain current on the input FET amplifier to simulate of the effects of tape saturation and tube "warmth".

The Eureka's ultra fast compressor has both soft and hard knee compression as well as a separate make up gain stage and hi-pass side chain compression to deliver hard pumping to ultra transparent compression and everything in between. The Eureka's three-band fully parametric EQ gives you variable Q (bandwidth) on each band as well as an EQ pre COMP switch to put the EQ before the Compressor in the signal path. The equalizer has overlapping frequency selection on each band for total tonal control and shaping.

The Eureka is loaded with microphone, line and instrument input so you can use it as a front end preamplifier for recording with microphones, guitars, keyboards, synths as well as a compressor/equalizer on a single channel during mixdown. The Eureka also has balanced send and return jacks so that you can insert your favorite outboard processor before the compressor/EQ to further enhance and customize your sound.

An optional 24 Bit/192kHz digital output card (AD192) is available for the Eureka to further optimize sonic performance. The Eureka's AD192 digital output card is loaded with both SPDIF and AES/EBU outputs, word clock I/O as well as a balanced TRS line input so that only one output card is necessary when using two Eureka's in stereo or dual mono situations.

REVIEW:

A great tool! - Tape Op Magazine
"The first thing that struck me about this unit, given its cost, was the number of features one might not expect. Variable mic input impedance allows you to select between five different ohm values, though I usually found 1500 to be best. +22 dBu of headroom meant I never heard a snare mic crap out the pre, and this without engaging the 20 dB pad. The compressor has a soft knee option, plus a variable hi-pass filter (10 Hz to 10 kHz) built into the side chain for frequency dependent compression. The three band parametric EQ has variable Q (width) on each band! You can even select if the EQ is pre or post compression, and whether the old-style VU meter is output level or gain reduction. But is this box good at what it does? I think it’s very good. The mic preamp, which has an input transformer, provides 55 dB of gain. With the sound of the preamp I never felt as if it was compromising any of the sources I recorded - the lows and highs were solid – and it was similar to my Allen & Heath Saber console’s pres."

• Class A High Headroom Transformer Coupled Microphone Preamplifier
• Variable Microphone Input Impedance
• Variable SATURATE control (simulates tape saturation and tube warmth)
• Fully Variable Compressor with Hi-pass Side Chain
• Three Band Fully Parametric Equalizer
• EQ Pre or Post Compressor
• High Headroom Output Section
• Very Low Noise Design
• Internal Power Supply
• Transparent, wide range performance
• Optional 24-Bit/192k Digital Output Card (AD192)

MORE INFO:

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