In recent years, the analog voice processor has become an indispensable direct link between microphone and multi-track recorder, enabling engineers to capture the highest quality vocal sound on tape or hard disc-without the compromises in sound quality that most mixing consoles impose. Going straight to multi-track through a well-designed voice processor has unlocked the true potential of microphones and transformed the sound of modern vocal recordings.
TL Audio has long recognized the benefits of this approach, including high-quality mic preamps on every Valve Classics product since the original EQ-1 Dual Valve Equalizer was launched in 1993. The VP-1 is the latest addition to the Valve Classics range, and combines all the best elements of the PA-1 pentode preamp, C-1 compressor, and EQ-2 parametric equalizer to create a truly flexible and spectacular-sounding valve front end for any audio system.
The VP-1 features seven valve stages, run from a stabilized 250v DC supply. The first stage is a Siemens EF86 pentode in the front end of the preamp, followed by six Sovtek ECC83/12AX7A stages: one in the secondary stage of the preamp, one in the compressor, and four in the EQ section.
