Behringer MIC500USB Audiophile Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Preamp Modeling

Tubes can really warm up a signal fast, giving it depth and character. Though transistors have succeeded the technology, many musicians agree that tubes deliver a far superior sound. The TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC500USB's handselected 12AX7 vacuum tube gives everything from microphones to acoustic or bass guitars that vintage tube vibe - in a dependable and ultra-affordable package.

The MIC500USB is perfect for studio and live applications. The balanced XLR and ¼" TRS inputs give you maximum flexibility in either scenario. It derives its personality from a hand-selected 12AX7 tube with UTC technology for superior tube character and low-noise operation. The MIC500USB is ideally suited for use with standard digital recorders and sound cards, imbuing signals with the warmth, presence and classic tubecompression that will bring your digital tracks to life.

The incredible MIC500USB's controls consist of switches for +48 V phantom power, 20 dB pad, Phase Reverse and Limiter; plus vintage-style Gain and Output knobs. An 8-segment LED meter provides accurate monitoring of output levels. And when used as a high-end DI (Direct Injection) box in the studio or on the stage, the MIC500USB delivers flawless performance and outstanding signal integrity. Thanks to the builtin USB audio interface, you can connect directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the MIC500USB can be recorded directly to your hard drive.

To help you get the most from your new MIC500USB, They've provided 16 unique preamp voicings that cover a wide range of applications - including vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keyboards and more. Options include Neutral, for a more natural sound; Warm, for adding the warmth typically associated with analog signals and vacuum tubes; Warm + Limiter, for additional warmth when working with high volume levels, sounds with frequent signal peaks, or directly recording an instrument with a mic (e.g., drums); and Limiter, for adding density and a consistent output level of all notes/sounds below clipping.

Because you'll want to take full advantage of your MIC500USB's recording and podcasting potential, they've included all the software you'll need for audio recording, editing and even podcasting - all free of charge and downloadable from behringer.com. You'll be ready to go live on your PC or Mac right out of the box! They've also provided a free download of more than 150 virtual instruments and FX plug-ins - turning your computer into a powerful home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.

Features:

• High-end pre-amplification for all microphone, instrument and line-level sources. Specifically designed for studio-grade condenser mics
• Perfectly matches your studio, live and hard disk recording set-up
• Ultra-flexible Preamp Modeling allows you to optimize your recordings
• Choose between 16 preamp voicings designed for electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass guitars, drums, vocals and more
• Built-in USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer. Free audio recording, editing and podcasting software plus 150 instrument/effect plug-ins downloadable at behringer.com
• Powerful Phones output with Level control and Direct Monitor select
• Hand-selected 12AX7 vacuum tube with UTC technology for exceptional warmth and lowest noise
• Ensures outstanding signal transparency when used as a high-end DI-box
• Sophisticated output limiter prevents the output signal from clipping
• Dedicated low cut filter eliminates unwanted noise, e.g. floor rumble
• +48 V phantom power, Phase Reverse switch and 20 dB Pad for utmost flexibility
• Highly accurate 8-segment LED level meter
• Balanced inputs and outputs on ¼" TRS and XLR connectors
• 3-Year Warranty Program
• Designed and engineered in Germany

Specifications:

• Input
• Type: 1x XLR (mic), 1x ¼" TRS (Line), 1x ¼" TRS (Hi-Z), 2 Channels from USB
• Input Impedance: Mic in: 3 kΩ Balanced / 1.5 kΩ unbalanced; Instrument in: 800 kΩ
• Maximum Input Level: Mic: +1 dBu / Line: +22 dBu; Hi-Z: +12dBu with pad
• Phantom Power: +48V switchable, mic input
  
  Output
• Type: 1x ¼" TRS, Direct Output; 1x ¼" TRS Stereo, headphone output; 2 channels to USB
• Output Impedance: Direct out: 480 Ω balanced, 240 Ω unbalanced; Headphone out: 24 Ω min
• maximum Output Level: +22 dBu Direct output; +22 dBu headphone output
  
  Controls
• Gain: Variable (+26 dB to +60 dB)
• Preamp Mode Control: Selection of various preamp models for microphone and instruments
• Input level LED's: -24, -18, -12, -6, 0, +6, +12, Clip (dB)
• Computer Bus Connectivity Type: USB 2.0, type B
  
  Switches
• 20 dB Pad: Level attenuation (20dB)
• +48 V: +48V phantom power
• Low Cut: High-pass filter (cut-off frequency 90 Hz)
• Phase Reverse: Phase Reverse (180°)
• Direct monitor: Headphone mono mix of Mic/Hi-Z preamp out and Line in
  
  System Data
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB, A-weighted @ -20 dBu input level
• Frequency Response (headphones out, direct monitor): 10 Hz - 71 kHz (+0/-3 db) (mic input); 10 Hz - 71 kHz (+0/-3 db) (Hi-Z input); 10 Hz - 65 kHz (+0/-3 db) (line input)