The H-Labs PRE169S Microphone Preamp is your dual-channel ticket to legendary console tone, merging analog warmth and modern clarity for unparalleled studio performance!
Experience the next evolution of the classic Studer 169 console sound with the dual-channel H-Labs PRE169S Microphone Preamp! Capturing that unmistakable “vintage console vibe” and marrying it with modern reliability, this powerful unit offers everything from warm, musical coloration to detailed, crystal-clear headroom. Its discrete transistor design and generous dynamic range make vocals stand out with rich character, while drums and instruments gain punch and definition that cut through any mix. Users rave about the “massive sweet spot” and “effortless shaping” that let them dial in just the right amount of harmonic saturation—perfect for everything from subtle enhancements to full-on analog warmth. Whether you’re laying down vocal tracks, re-amping guitars, or pushing drum overheads to new sonic heights, the PRE169S brings a proven studio pedigree into your rack. With rock-solid build quality, intuitive controls, and that iconic Studer-inspired tone, it’s no wonder this preamp is winning praise across industry forums, blogs, and reviews. Step up your front-end game today and discover how the PRE169S can transform your sessions into vibrant, professional-level recordings - available now at Front End Audio, where top-notch gear and expert support are always our priority!
Rack mounted Preamp
H-Labs very first rack-mount mic preamp, featuring a pair of our best-seller PRE169s in a small 1U format! A lot of gain, an exceptional musicality, an output attenuator to get the best out of big output transformers, a tunable high-pass filters - 2 channels of high-quality sound and build to get the best out of every voice and instrument.
Inspiration
Inspired by the legendary Studer 169 mixing console, the PRE169S input stage is a near perfect replication of the original Studer© design and its fairly transparent sound with massive gain range. To add more fatness, we put a (BIG) Carnhill transformer in the output section - the same you can find in Neve 51-series console - to create a truly versatile mic preamp.
H-Labs PRE169S Microphone Preamp Features
- The perfect input section for ribbon mics and low level sources, with more than 67dB gain.
- A very musical 12dB/octave High Pass Filter, tuneable from 20 to 315Hz, to clean that messy low end.
- A simple front panel DI input, but try it... you could fall in love with that big transformer sound!
- Two massive Carnhill VT24499 transformers that gives the PRE169S it's unique character.
- Neutrik NTM-4 input transformers for almost unsaturable input gain.
- An old-fashioned assembly of 100% discrete THT components through the audio path.
H-Labs PRE169S Microphone Preamp Specifications
- Max Gain: 67dB
- Pad: -33dB
- Output Level: 0 to -30dB
- Input Transformers: Neutrik NTM-4
- Output Transformers: Carnhill VT24499
- Frequency Response (1kΩ load): ±1dB from 6.2Hz to 25KHz
- Mic Input Impedance: 1.2kΩ
- DI Input Impedance: > 1.0MΩ
- Output Impedance: < 20Ω - Transformer balanced
- Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): -125dBu @ max gain (Mic input)
- Max Input Level: +9dBU without PAD | +18dBU with PAD
- Max Output Level: +22dBU without PAD | +19dBU with PAD
- Worldwide Compatible Power Supply: 100-240V | 50-60Hz
- Dimensions (1U rack): 483x260x44mm | 19.0x10.2x1.7in
- Weight: 4.3kg | 9.4lb
H-Labs PRE169S Microphone Preamp Includes
- H-Labs PRE169S Microphone Preamp
- Power Cable
- Manufacturer Warranty
Sign Up for exclusive sales and offers!