Offering a tribute to some of the most legendary tones in rock history, the Vintage Microtubes from Darkglass Electronics is a compact preamp pedal capable of reproducing the warm tubelike tones and organic dynamic response of classic tube amps and tape machines. With four simple controls, you can shape the ultimate bass tones.

The Drive knob controls the amount of saturation, while the Era knob interacts with the Drive knob to shape the character of the preamp, letting you dial in everything from the warm midrange of '70s amps to the punchy and metallic tones of the '80s and '90s. You can also use the Blend knob to control a precise wet/dry mix. Finally, the Level knob controls the volume of the driven signal.

Iconic Rock Sounds for Bass    Tubelike Warmth and Natural Dynamics    Drive Controls Saturation Level    Era Shapes Character: '70s to '90s Tones    Blend for Wet/Dry Mix    Level Sets Volume of Overdriven Signal

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. When we record with Audacity it only records one side of the speaker on both tracks, ignoring the other side, meaning it is not stereo and only one side of the track can be heard. What is the problem, usb cable or usb output port from the preamp?

A: Check your computer settings - assuming Windows, go to Control Panel-Hardware and Sound-Sound-Recording. Select the USB Audio CODEC and click Properties, then Advanced. Make sure the Default Format is 2-channel. I do this every time I want to record something - most times the setting will be remembered, but every so often it will revert to 1-channel. Very annoying if I've recorded 5 albums before I notice!

Q: 2. Will this preamp boost an XLR signal a further distance than without using it? I have to cover a distance of ~300ft and am trying to assure no loss of signal.

A: The Rolls Mini-Mic Preamp is not really designed for boosting signal on a long cable run. For 300 feet, you should use high quality shielded audio cables to avoid signal loss and if you do need to increase the gain without adding noise, you might want to try the Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator (B&H # CLCL1) which improves signal-to-noise ratio and improves the performance of passive microphone signals by driving stronger, cleaner signals over longer XLR cable runs.

Q: 3. will this work with a phono level turntable without a preamp?

A: Yes--this IS a preamp. It has RCA jacks IN (left and right stereo) and preamp OUT (also RCA jacks). And USB OUT to your computer. And headphone OUT with a volume control in order to monitor. It is a standard stereo mini jack (3.5mm), not 1/4 inch. The headphone level control does not affect the level of the USB out. You can also select Phone or Line INPUT on the front panel, with a GAIN control. I use it to record from a turntable with magnetic cartridge to my MAC computer, while I monitor the audio from the turntable with a stereo headset. Works like a charm.

Q: 4. Can I plug in a thumb drive to this unit and record vinyl directly on to the thumb drive? I ask so that I can use the the drive drive in my auto to listen to vinyl lps.

A: No

Q: 5. Which Rolls preamps are battery powered?

A: NO LO SE

Q: 6. How much power does this draw?

A: Rolls does not specify. It is very low ()14-24 VDC. Please refer to the schematic below:a href= http://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/89467.pdf target= _blank http://static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/89467.pdf/a

Q: 7. Does it require any additional software?

A: Software CD included with this product.

Q: 8. I have just realised that these are incopatible with my Klark Teknick CT1 Mic Booster as the CT1 requires 48V phantom power and the Rolls MP13 provides 24V. Can you recommend a quiet, affordable alternative?

A: ART Tube MP Preamplifier B&H # ARTUBEMP Single-Channel Tube-Based Hand-Selected 12AX7A Vacuum Tube Variable Input & Output Gain Control Ideal as a Tube DI Box XLR & 1/4" Connections Inexpensive, Professional Performance Exceptionally Low Noise A Staple in Many Studios

Q: 9. Needing a amplified microphone to do voiceover on live dvd recording?

A: You don't need it, but a pre amp is a good idea!

Q: 10. Will this work well an integrated amp & turntable? Forgive my ignorance but would this connect to the amp in the phono ports & then to the turntable? Thanks.

A: It will, and yes.. turntable to preamp, preamp to integrated amp. This pre-amp does not have a ground, though, so either your turntable has to have an internal ground, so do, or you will need to ground it to your amp.