- Pure Class A, 100% discrete design.
- Variable gain preamp to +30dB..
- Dual microphone and line outputs.
- Very low noise (-100dB) and high headroom (+30dB).
- DC coupled Class A output for superior bass.
From the Manufacturer
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The U5 high-voltage DI-preamp combines a unique passive tone
selector with a variable gain preamp and filter. The high input
impedance accepts a wide variety of signal levels and instruments
from acoustic guitars to high-output active bass guitars and
keyboards. The U5 direct box is loaded with sonic character and
user features professionals demand.
Sonic Excellence
The Avalon U5 Pure Class A instrument DI & preamplifier is the
most powerful direct box available today. Designed to optimize
absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the U5
includes many features and sonic excellence unequaled by lesser
designs. The U5 is ideal for bass guitar and acoustic
instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers and low
output pickups.
Features include state-of-the-art, high input impedance input
stage for zero load effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards,
100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers, practical user
features and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high
performance audio for many years.
Designed for Deep & Controlled Bass
Avalon U5 DI-preamps have been in use around the world since
1995. They have found their way into the world's leading
musicians rigs and sessions and been featured on
thousands of the best selling (and sounding) albums and live
performances.
Minimum Signal Path Design
The U5 includes a variable gain Class A preamplifier to boost
low level pickup signals and a high level speaker input for
capturing the live sound of the instruments amplifier. Six
passive tone-EQ curves are also included to enhance a variety of
acoustic and electric instruments. A high-cut switch eliminates
unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, while a
headphone monitor amp has been included for personal listening.
Twin DC coupled Class A output amplifiers drive both low level
microphone preamp inputs and high level +4dB inputs for direct to
tape or processing. The active-to-thru switch selects
either the instrument input directly or sends the
boosted-equalized signal to the amplifier via the front panel
jack. A ground isolation switch eliminates any possible earth
loop or AC buzz problems with complete safety.
U5 Features:
* Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
* Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
* Variable gain preamp to +30dB.
* Dual microphone and line outputs
* Hi-Z 3,000,000 ohm input impedance
* Very low noise -100dB
* High headroom +30dB
* Six tone bank selections.
* DC coupled Class A output for superior bass * High cut switch
eliminates noise
* LED active signal indicator
* Headphone monitor output jack
* Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
* High level 400 watt speaker input
* Active to thru selector - ground isolation switch
* 100% discrete power supplies for audio path
* Internal toroidal power supply for low noise
* Long lasting, stainless steel hardware U5 Specifications:
* Circuit Topology: 100% discrete, high-voltage Class A
* Gain: Switched 3dB steps, maximum gain +30dB
* Input Impedance: 3 ,000,000 ohm unbalanced (single ended)
* Maximum Input Level: +24dBu unbalanced, 400w speaker input
* Output Connectors (2): XLR type, pin 2 hot electronic balanced
* Maximum Output Level (Class A): +30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600
ohms (mic and line out)
* Headphone Output: 0.5w into 600 ohms
* Noise 20kHz Unweighted: -100dBu minimum gain position
* Distortion THD, IMD: 0.1% at +10dB
* Frequency Response, -/+0.5dB: 5Hz to 100kHz
* Frequency Response, -3dB: 1Hz to 500kHz (input band limited)
* High Cut Filter: -3dB at 8kHz minimum phase design
* Tone Selector: Six position rotary switch, all passive filters
* AC Power: Internal toroidal AC supply
* Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in (216 x 88 x 305mm)
* Weight-Packed: 12lbs (5.4kg)
* Rack kit (1) RM-1: Single U5 19 inch rack kit
(holds one half rack unit)
* Rack kit (2) RM-2: Dual U5 19 inch rack kit (holds
two half rack units)