Presonus Studio Studio Channel Preamp

[mikeddd]

What's interesting is that even though the manual says don't plug in active instruments to the front panel, there's a -20db attenuation button right there. As far as I know, the button affects both front and rear panel inputs. So why the concern over which input to plug into? By the way: I wonder the actual maximum output voltage is on the TS/XLR outs? The manual does not say...strange...or not by accident? Let me look at the Eureka manual...these two are much more the same than different. *edit* They both say the same thing: "Output headroom +22dBu" Does that translate into a voltage somehow?

Thanks for the info on the mystery device,Stingray69. No such thing as too much EQ; better to have and not need than the reverse.

 

[Zooberwerx]

What's interesting is that even though the manual says don't plug in active instruments to the front panel, there's a -20db attenuation button right there. As far as I know, the button affects both front and rear panel inputs. So why the concern over which input to plug into? By the way: I wonder the actual maximum output voltage is on the TS/XLR outs? The manual does not say...strange...or not by accident? Let me look at the Eureka manual...these two are much more the same than different. *edit* They both say the same thing: "Output headroom +22dBu" Does that translate into a voltage somehow?

Thanks for the info on the mystery device,Stingray69. No such thing as too much EQ; better to have and not need than the reverse.

I'm running back and forth betweenst my computer and Studio Channel (henceforth known as the "SC") checking this stuff out as we go. The 20 dB attenuation button has no effect on the rear input but there's a dramatic difference on the front / instrument input.

Riis

 

[mikeddd]

Really? That is interesting. At first I thought that the manual says nothing about that. (cont'd after quotes)

For the front panel input it says:

Instrument Input. The ¼” TS connector on the front panel is for use with a passive instrument (guitar,bass, etc.). When an instrument is plugged into the instrument input, the microphone preamp is bypassed, and the Studio Channel becomes an active instrument preamplifier. NOTE: Active instruments are those that have an internal preamp or a line level output. Active instruments should be plugged into a line input rather than into an instrument input. Plugging a line level source into the instrument inputs on the front of the Studio Channel not only risks damage to these inputs but also results in a very loud and often distorted audio signal. (In other words, don’t plug a line level source into the front panel jack)

For the -20dB pad it says:

-20 dB Pad. This button attenuates the input signal by 20 dB. The pad can be used to keep a hot
signal from overdriving the microphone preamp

But after reading over it a few times, it does say that the rear input is the MIC preamp input. And when an input is plugged into the front panel Instrument input, the the MIC preamp is bypassed. AND that the -20db pad is to keep the MIC input from overloading. But you're saying that the -20 button has no effect on the rear input? Possibly the -20 button only will work if you're using the rear input AND it's a balanced XLR conneciton? Have you tried with a balanced XLR source, or just a 1/4" TS connection? That could be why the -20 button is attenuating your input when plugging into the rear of the unit.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Really? That is interesting. At first I thought that the manual says nothing about that. (cont'd after quotes)

For the front panel input it says:


For the -20dB pad it says:


But after reading over it a few times, it does say that the rear input is the MIC preamp input. And when an input is plugged into the front panel Instrument input, the the MIC preamp is bypassed. AND that the -20db pad is to keep the MIC input from overloading. But you're saying that the -20 button has no effect on the rear input? Possibly the -20 button only will work if you're using the rear input AND it's a balanced XLR conneciton? Have you tried with a balanced XLR source, or just a 1/4" TS connection? That could be why the -20 button is attenuating your input when plugging into the rear of the unit.

I'm a bit confused but I'll stand by my observations. The -20 dB has no effect on the rear-mounted 1/4" line input but the 80 hz HPF does. Go figure! I have an application question posted on the Presonus users' forum...let's see what responses pop up. If I'm switching back and forth between active and passive basses, must I change input jacks as well?

I rolled an old JAN Philips into the slot. Different but nothing to get excited about. The tube drive starts to get a little hair once you hit 40%...warm but not out of control. You do loose some articulation & finger tone.

The compressor works as described although I didn't care for the EQ > Compressor option. The Auto EQ is great if you're not comfortable dinkin' around with attack & release times. Set your threshold and ratio, let the Auto function do its thing. I have a minor gripe with most Auto comps as they tend to blunt the "front end" attack.

The EQ is really strange; I recommend you read the manual a couple of times. The mid band is a true para EQ with freq., bandwidth, and gain. The bass and treble may be used for shelving (freq. "shoulder", gain) or in Peak mode with a fixed Q of 0.7. I had the most success with the bass in Peak mode and treble in Shelving mode. Honestly, manipulation of the treble control produced only subtle changes in the overall tone. A little bit goes a long way: I found no need to boost or cut any selected band by more than 1-2 dB.

Riis

 

[mikeddd]

Wow, you got a lot done in a short amount of time! You was a bass playin', knob-twiddlin' son of gun for the past few hours! Thanks for the details. What brand is the stock tube? I'm thinking about buying another tube while buying the SC itself.

So how was the tone itself? Better than a pedal, I hope? You're running the SC into a...I can't remember. Crest CA-something?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Wow, you got a lot done in a short amount of time! You was a bass playin', knob-twiddlin' son of gun for the past few hours! Thanks for the details. What brand is the stock tube? I'm thinking about buying another tube while buying the SC itself.

So how was the tone itself? Better than a pedal, I hope? You're running the SC into a...I can't remember. Crest CA-something?

Hey, I'm off for a couple days hence the trial. Nothing worse than somebody showing up at a gig with a piece of untested equipment. No markings on the tube...probably a Chinese Sovtek knock-off. Don't be in a hurry to swap it. I'm using a Crest CA-6 but the first field trial will be paired with a QSC RMX 2450. That's another thing: my findings are based on what I could pull off within the confines of my rumpus room / office. All bets are off when I hit the Moose Lodge this Saturday. What's important is that I know how the box responds to different settings.

Here's the pisser: I only paid $130 for this thing. Had to meet the the seller in one of Norfolk's diciest neighborhoods so it was a fair trade-off.

Riis

 

[mikeddd]

No markings at all on the tube, huh? Hmm. I wonder if it is a plain 12AX7 or an "A" or "EH" variant. Guess I will stick with stock for now.

The Moose Lodge huh? I used to belong to a Moose Lodge in Queens, NY many, many years ago. Never really knew what they did there. I was young...and imbibing away most of the time back then. LOL! I'll be very curious to hear how it does with your QSC RMX2450. I won't have mine for at least 2 weeks.

You got a great deal; $130 for this thing, as long as it's in good condition (and yours certainly sounds like it is) is a steal. I checked EBay and there's no deals to be had on it. I'll just buy one new. Of course, I'm sure next week all the etailers will have some 20% off coupon and I'll be pissed off. Oh well; thems the breaks in GAS Land. Off to order.

 

[Supertanker]

Couple quirks I noticed...

*Per the manual, active instruments should be plugged in the rear input jack, not the instrument jack on front of the console.

I always plug into the front with both active and passive basses and never use the 20db button, for what it's worth...

I A/B'd TS and TRS output cables and heard no discernible change in ouput. Some components, such as the Demeter HBP-1, tout a 3-6 dB increase in output when using balanced cables. I really need to go on-line for some additional set-up assistance.

I discovered the same thing, which works great for my setup with the GX5; running 1 cab on each channel with both outputs from the studio channel...

Before spending money on both a Presonus and RPM, I'd see what the Studio Channel can do on its on and go from there.

Absolutely!

 

[thudfromafar]

The "active instrument" issue was discussed in another thread. It's a pretty fair conclusion that if you're not clipping the preamp, there is no harm in running an active bass into the front "instrument" jack. Someone (bongomania I think it was) suspected it was just a mishap with whoever wrote the manual...

I'm skeptical of how much difference it makes to change the pre-amp tube, since this is a "starved-plate" tube preamp design. Therefore the tube won't have a huge effect on the signal. If I had to do it again, I'd just keep the stock tube in there because there's less a chance they would reject warranty-repair based on "user modifications." It may sound a little different with a different tube, but I don't think it would be much a difference at all, and maybe not even better at all. If you do change/experiment with the tube, be sure to save the old one.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I always plug into the front with both active and passive basses and never use the 20db button, for what it's worth...



I discovered the same thing, which works great for my setup with the GX5; running 1 cab on each channel with both outputs from the studio channel...

I'll let you know what I hear re: inputs.

You can run your GX5, both channels, from a single input. The manual shows a single XLR feed from your preamp to Channel 1 and a 1/4" TRS jumper between the Channel 1 & 2 inputs. You may want to check with TBer Bob Lee on this but I bet you can run a 1/4" TRS cable from the SC's ouput to the GX5's Channel 1 input and then run a short XLR jumper between Channels 1 & 2. This would free up your SC's XLR output for its intended purpose: feed to the PA / FOH.

Riis

 

[Supertanker]

I'll let you know what I hear re: inputs.

You can run your GX5, both channels, from a single input. The manual shows a single XLR feed from your preamp to Channel 1 and a 1/4" TRS jumper between the Channel 1 & 2 inputs. You may want to check with TBer Bob Lee on this but I bet you can run a 1/4" TRS cable from the SC's ouput to the GX5's Channel 1 input and then run a short XLR jumper between Channels 1 & 2. This would free up your SC's XLR output for its intended purpose: feed to the PA / FOH.

Riis

I've done that. It doesn't sound as good.

I also run a Zoom B9 which has a DI that I send to FOH...

 

[Zooberwerx]

Quick....I need an answer before I blow something up.

Any reason you couldn't / shouldn't run the Studio Channel in a bass amp's FX loop to access just the EQ section? The unit does accept line level signals and, to the best of my knowledge, I can defeat the tube drive and compressor. The ART Pro Channel (?) was better equipped for this as each section had dedicated send & return jacks...IIRC.

Riis

 

[Supertanker]

Quick....I need an answer before I blow something up.

Any reason you couldn't / shouldn't run the Studio Channel in a bass amp's FX loop to access just the EQ section? The unit does accept line level signals and, to the best of my knowledge, I can defeat the tube drive and compressor. The ART Pro Channel (?) was better equipped for this as each section had dedicated send & return jacks...IIRC.

Riis

You should be able to run the preamp though your FX loop without a problem...

You are correct on the Pro Channel...

 

[thudfromafar]

I got home thursday and saw a FedEx label on my door, wasn't sure what package I was supposed to be expecting lately... figured it must have been the studio channel. Checked online and yeah, why else would I be receiving a package from baton rouge, LA? Anyways... I signed the little stub and left it on my door to have it delivered.

Figured it was ok since I've had a bunch of packages left at my doorstep (not necessarily at my discretion) and they were always still there later in the day. Basically my door is around the building and inside it... it's hidden/inaccessible and nobody goes into here except the few floors of people above me to do their laundry.

I checked my door periodically thru the day and never saw anything, the same ticket was on my door. Checked fedex.com around 7pm with the tag number... it said the day before "required signature" but then, that same day: "delivered" at 6pm. Checked outside my door and nothing. Someone must have stolen it within 1 hour. Needless to say, I'm pretty angry. And I can't really blame fedex cuz I signed the thing to leave it there.

Maybe there was an error and it wasn't actually delivered, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if (and I'm pretty sure) it just got stolen by a neighbor who was doing their laundry. Probably cuz it was in a package that looked like something expensive, like a laptop or something. People in chicago are always ready to take your stuff. I had something similar happen to my bike last year, left it on the bike rack in a neighbors-only area for a few hours without the lock set. Due to where it was and how close you had to look to see that it wasn't locked up, it could have only been one of a few neighbors who just jumped at the quick opportunity. Either that or someone from the outside was constantly checking our bike rack -- right in our hidden apartment quad area -- for loose bikes...... which I suppose could have happened to my preamp yesterday but it seems even less likely....... man, people suck

I'm going to contact fedex and see if maybe it just wasn't delivered... otherwise I'm not really ready to go around to all my neighbors asking if they stole my package.....

 

[Supertanker]

... which I suppose could have happened to my preamp yesterday but it seems even less likely....... man, people suck

I'm going to contact fedex and see if maybe it just wasn't delivered... otherwise I'm not really ready to go around to all my neighbors asking if they stole my package.....

That bites! I had a UPS package stolen before. My door was virtually impossible to see like yours.
In my complex I think thieves watched for the trucks and they know when you're not there and BAM!

The store reshipped immediately and my apartment was marked by UPS to never leave packages.

The UPS driver also stopped by to talk to me, which I thought was a nice touch.

Let's hope you get your preamp quickly...

 

[thudfromafar]

Ok... I kinda jumped the gun. Getting my bike stolen last year has left me scarred and paranoid of leaving things unstrapped outside. I had the package in front of my door this morning. Dunno if it was delivered to the wrong unit on friday, or if it was never delivered at all, even though they said they did. In any case, I'm not asking questions, and I'm happy to say that I have my studio channel back! On the return receipt it says "replaced tube" so I think that means the problem was just a bad tube.

 

[Supertanker]

"Delivered" and no package?

I would have thought the same thing...

 

[Zooberwerx]

I've been using the Presonus / Crest / Acme B-4 rig (no addt'l processing) for the last handful of gigs with good results, overall. It was a little tough establishing the proper balance betweenst the gain and compressor sections as I don't fully trust the analog needle display. Here goes nuttin':

*Gain - 40 (1:00). Seems a little high to me but that's what it takes to get mild compression deflection even with the comp threshold at -12 to -15.

*Tube - 30% to 40%. Adds character w/o overdriving.

*Comp Threshold -12 to -15. Again, this appears abnormally low but required for any needle deflection whatsoever.

*Ratio - 4:1 to 5:1....whatever works for you.

*Attack - 10:00 (medium / fast). I use the auto-mode.

*Release - 2:00 (medium / slow).

*Soft - In or out? I have no preference but the soft-knee response is very musical to my ears.

*Auto - Preset attack and release. Lazy man's way-out but it works for me.

*EQ > Comp Invert - I've used this a couple times but it tends to blunt high end definition IMO...which may be a good thing depending on the desired effect. Again, very musical provided you don't induce any overwhelming squash 'n swell.

*Gain Reduction / Meter: Okay, the needle looks really cool but an LED bargraph would be more practical. Just sayin'...

*Low Freq - This is a toughy as my rig requires no boost in this arena. Just the opposite, I need to remove certain problem freq's to minimize stage boom ("where's the boom?" Marvin the Martian). I've been using the shelving control at ~40-50 hz with 1-2 dB of attenuation with some success but, next gig, I think I'll try the "Peak" mode. I'm not sure how well this will work with a fixed Q of 0.7.

*Mid Freq - Fully parametric with freq, Q, and gain. Set @ ~2 khz with 2 db of attenuation, fairly narrow bandwidth. Attenuation at lower freq's sucks the life right out of the D & G strings. I use the A / 7th fret, D string as a reference point and adjust accordingly.

*High Freq - 2 dB of attenuation at ~6 Khz in shelving mode produces nice transparent presence.

As always, YMMV. Keep in mind that I'm playing in a country band and simply adore some of the Nashville-recorded bass tones (Sarah Evans, Travis Tritt, amongst others).

Riis

 

[mikeddd]

That's an awesome writeup, Riis; thanks very much for posting all of the settings you are using. After quite a bit of initial knob-twiddling I decided to try out the "electric bass" suggested settings right out of the manual. I really wish the front panel was labeled better. It's very difficult to set knobs to exact frequencies/db levels when there's a "lot of speace" between the numbers and the settings are not linear.
I also agree with you on the VU meter; looks cool but is pretty much useless. A standard bar of 8-10 LEDs would be much more useful.

Maybe it's my other gear or my bass or my technique but I don't really like the sound of the SC by itself. It just sounds "vanilla." I just can't seem to get the EQ tweaked to my liking. With a VT Bass set to "SVT style settings" in front of it it sounds fantastic. Very warm but yet still articulate. I have tried to tweak the EQ on the SC to a "SVT type setting" but just couldnt' get there. Maybe I just don't have Jedi EQ Skills?

I will give your settings a shot, though. That is, as soon as I see my gear again. I am in the process of moving...really moving. As in from overseas back to the states. My SC and other "big gear" is being shipped and I won't see it for a month or so. I WILL remember this thread, however, and your settings. Just for the record I'm not going to be totally gear-less. I had the foresight to ship a bass, my Shuttle 6.0 and a little 1x10 cab to my friend's house. It's waiting there for me already. Shipping my 6U rack with the SC/amp/etc in it and 212 cab by mail wasn't really going to happen.

Thanks again for posting your detailed settings; I'm looking forward to trying them out.

 

[Supertanker]

Maybe it's my other gear or my bass or my technique but I don't really like the sound of the SC by itself. It just sounds "vanilla." I just can't seem to get the EQ tweaked to my liking.

For me a big part of changing that "vanilla" tone was tube roll.

It was like I pulled the covers off the thing, it really came alive.

A night and day difference...

Almost any tube is better than the stock one.

I have a NOS Sovtek 12AX7LPS in mine right now...