VTP-1 Dual Vacuum-Tube Preamp/EQ/Converter

January 18, 1996 -- Offering a unique blend of essential components for the digital studio, DigiTech's new VTP-1 incorporates a vacuum tube mic preamp, tube line amp/DI, flexible EQ section and an 18-bit A/D converter, all in an attractive 2U chassis.

The VTP-l's dual preamp stages integrate contemporary low-noise, high-gain electronics with a classic high-voltage 12AX7 vacuum tube input circuit. Perfect for warming up digitally recorded vocal tracks, front panel Gain and Trim controls allow the user to dial in just the right amount of tube-saturation to program material. The wide gain range of the VTP-1 enables warmth to be added to both microphone and line level signals.

Each flexible preamp control section offers front panel switches for mic/line input select, phase invert, 20 dB pad and 48-volt phantom power. Signal levels are visually displayed via twin illuminated analog W meters, with red Clip LEDs to display transient peaks.

The VTP-1 also functions as a tube DI box, allowing synthesizers, guitars or bass to be run directly into a recording device. Not only does this warm up the instrument tracks, but in bypassing the extra gain stages of a console, the cleanest possible signal path is provided.

The DigiTech unit's versatile EQ section consists of four bands-two fixed and two sweepable--with each band offering up to 15 dB of boost or cut. Fixed low and high bands are shelved at 80 Hz and 15 kHz respectively. The sweepable low-mid band features a six-octave range from 50 Hz to 3.2 kHz, while the high-mid band can be swept over five octaves from 500 Hz to 18 kHz. A switchable 75 Hz, 12 dB/octave low-cut filter is also included to eliminate microphone handling noise and rumble. A front panel EQ in/out switch further allows easy assessment of equalizer modifications.

Unique to the VTP-1 is its on-board 18-bit A/D converter, which allows program material to be output directly to digital in either AES/EBU or S/PDIF fromats. Sampling rate (44.1 or 48 kHz) is switch selectable, while digital outputs may be used simultaneously if desired. A balanced, post-EQ send and return loop allows external processors, such as a compressor/limiters or de-easers, to be inserted into the signal path leading to the digital and analog outputs.

For those who prefer the sound that only transformers can achieve, the VTP-1 can be fitted with an option that bypasses the electronic balancing stages and replaces them with high-precision transformer-balancing circuits.

Boasting a Signal-to-Noise ratio of less than 100 dB "A" weighted and a THD of 0.02 percent (user-adjustable to 4.0 percent), the VTP-1 features a frequency response of +0, -1 dB, 15 Hz to 300 kHz. The manufacturer's suggested list price on the VTP-1 is $999.95.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digitech.com.