Warm Audio TB12
The TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier from Warm Audio is a single-channel mic preamplifier this is designed to provide a wide range of tonal options for mic, instrument, and line-level sources. It is capable of up to 71dB of input gain, and employs an output attenuator, allowing you to drive your input signal harder for color and saturation while keeping your signal from peaking.
The TB12 Tone Beast lives up to its name by allowing you to select between two different discrete op amps, two different output transformers that can be bypassed altogether, two input impedance settings for dynamic, condenser, or ribbon mic optimization, and two different capacitors. The preamp is capable of producing colored, vintage-style tones with early break up and clean, transparent modern tones. Thanks to its front-panel Hi-Z instrument input, the preamp can be used to record DI tracks, while the rear-panel 1/4" line input allows you to use the TB12 to provide color or warm up previously recorded tracks.
The rear-panel insert send and receive 1/4" connectors let you integrate an external signal processor, such as an EQ or compressor, into the TB12's signal flow before the output transformers. The unit features 48V phantom power, a high-pass filter at 80Hz, a 20dB pad, and a polarity reverse switch.
Type | Discrete 312 preamp design with coupled CineMag Transformers |
Input |
1x front-panel XLR microphone input 1x front-panel 1/4" (6.3 mm) Hi-Z instrument input 1x rear-panel XLR microphone input 1x rear-panel 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS line input |
Output |
1x rear-panel balanced XLR line output 1x rear-panel balanced 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS line output |
Gain | 71 dB |
Transformer |
Selectable steel or 50% nickel CineMag output transformers Selectable transformer bypass |
Op Amp | Selectable between 1731 and 918 style; socketed and swappable with your choice of 2520 6-pin footprint op amps |
Impedance | Input Impedance: switchable between 150 and 600 Ω (labeled "Tone" on front-panel) |
Capacitors | Switchable between Tantalum and Electrolytic for different characters |
High-Pass Filter | 80 Hz |
Polarity Reverse | Yes |
Phantom Power | +48 V |
Output Attenuation | Yes; allows for saturation flexibility of both the op amps and transformers |
Insert |
1x 1/4" (6.3 mm) insert send 1x 1/4" (6.3 mm) insert receive |
Pad | 20 dB |
VU Meter | LED |
Power | External line-lump 24 V AC power transformer for low noise |
Packaging Info | |
Package Weight | 5.9 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.3 x 12.7 x 2.7" |