The HLabs CS169 Recording Channel fuses iconic Studer 169 warmth with modern precision, delivering an all-in-one solution that ignites every track you record!
Unleash the timeless power of the Studer 169 console in a sleek, all-in-one format with the HLabs CS169 Recording Channel! Built on a discrete transistor design that consistently turns heads! The CS169 merges a stellar mic preamp with a musical EQ for that authentic “vintage console vibe” enhanced by modern clarity and reliability. From lush vocals to punchy drums and shimmering guitars, it delivers a massive sweet spot, letting you dial in anything from subtle warmth to full-bodied color without losing definition. Recording and mixing engineers rave about the “rich harmonic depth” and “super smooth top-end,” highlighting its ability to bring tracks forward in the mix without sounding harsh or hyped. Whether you’re tracking a live band or crafting intimate studio sessions, the CS169 grants you the powerful tonal shaping and warm presence of a legendary desk, all in one channel strip. Elevate your recordings instantly - experience the magic of the CS169 at Front End Audio, where premium gear and expert support ensure you capture your signature sound in every session!
Versatile Channel Strip
The CS169 packs our PRE169 and EQ169 circuits that were inspired by the Studer 169 console in a convenient 1U rack format. This makes it a versatile channel strip with very high quality sound and construction - your next deserted island preamp.
Inspiration
While "vintage sound" is often synonymous with warmth (lack of highs...) and harmonic distortion, the Studer© 169 console offers a neutral, very open and wide sound, true to the recorded sources. This is what has made it so successful for recording classical and jazz music, and what makes it so sought-after today. It sounds really different from what you can record through a 1073 or 312 - surely, a must-have addition to your preamplifier rack.
HLabs CS169 Recording Channel Features
- The perfect input section for ribbon mics and low level sources, with more than 67dB gain.
- The perfect combination of our tunable high-pass Filter and the 3-band EQ section to get the spark right from the recording.
- A simple front panel DI input, but try it... you could fall in love with that big transformer sound!
- A massive Carnhill VT24499 transformers that gives the PRE169 it's unique character.
- Independent inputs and outputs for PRE & EQ section for flexible routing - recording, mixing, reamping...
- An old-fashioned assembly of 100% discrete THT components through the audio path.
HLabs CS169 Recording Channel Specifications
- Microphone Preamp & DI
- Max Gain: 67dB
- Pad: -33dB
- Output Level: 0 to -30dB
- Input Transformer: Neutrik NTM-4
- Output Transformer: 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
- Semi-Parametric EQ (based on the original Studer 169 console circuit)
- High Shelf: ±15dB @ 20kHz
- "Presence" Filter: ±11dB @ 150 to 7000Hz (continuously variable) - Q ≈ 1.0
- Low Shelf: ±15dB @ 20Hz
- Max Level (input & output): +22dBU
- Input Impedance: 48kΩ
- Output Impedance: 50Ω
- Frequency Response (1kΩ load): ±0.5dB from 5.4Hz to 25kHz
- SNR: >105dB (0.2% THD)
- General
- Worldwide Compatible Power Supply: 100-240V | 50-60Hz
- Dimensions (1U rack): 483x260x44mm | 19.0x10.2x1.7in
- Weight: 3.9kg | 8.6lb
HLabs CS169 Recording Channel Includes
- HLabs CS169 Recording Channel
- Power Cable
- XLR Linking Cable
- Manufacturer Warranty
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