RETRO INSTRUMENTS PowerStrip — Preamp / DI
RETRO INSTRUMENTS PowerStrip — Preamp / DI
Retro Instruments PowerStrip is a single-channel tube recording channel strip in a 2U rack unit combining three discrete sections: a transformer-coupled Class-A tube microphone preamplifier with phantom power and a front-panel instrument/DI input, a passive program EQ inspired by the Pultec EQP-1A, and a British variable-mu tube compressor influenced by the Altec 436B and Fairchild 660/670.
Specifications
Format
| Channels | Single-channel |
|---|---|
| Device type | Tube |
| Rack format | 2U 19-inch rackmount, all-steel chassis |
| Digital io | None |
Preamp
| Topology | Transformer-coupled Class-A tube microphone preamplifier |
|---|---|
| Phantom power | Yes |
| Inputs | Rear XLR mic and line inputs; front 1/4-inch instrument/DI jack with feed-thru and Hi-Z out |
| Transformers | Cinemag mic and line input transformers; fully floating transformer-balanced line output |
Equaliser
| Eq type | Passive program EQ inspired by the Pultec EQP-1A; multi-tapped custom inductor on an LCR circuit |
|---|---|
| Lf boost frequencies | 20, 30, 60, 100 Hz |
| Lf cut frequencies | Complementary cut at 20, 30, 60, 100 Hz |
| Hf boost frequencies | 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 kHz |
| Hf cut frequencies | Complementary cut at 5, 10, 20 kHz |
| High pass filter | Interstage-coupled subsonic high-pass filter |
| Bypass | Independent EQ bypass |
Compressor
| Topology | British variable-mu tube compressor influenced by Altec 436B and Fairchild 660/670 |
|---|---|
| Time constants | Six selectable compressor attack/release time constants |
| Sidechain hpf | 90/250 Hz compressor high-pass sidechain filter |
| Bypass | Independent compressor bypass |
| Metering | VU meter reads gain reduction only |
Other Controls
| Soft mode | Soft mode adds level-dependent 2nd-harmonic distortion in the input stage |
|---|---|
| Phase | Phase reversal switch |
| Controls | Easily recallable 100-position knob scales |
Fit and constraints
Intended use
Constraints
To use it
Questions
Which connections, drivers, operating systems, and sample rates are supported by this exact revision?
Ask before you buy via contact. Confirm power, condition grade, and included items against the listing photos.
What cables, mounts, power supplies, or licenses are included?
Ask before you buy via contact. Confirm power, condition grade, and included items against the listing photos.
Is the current retailer listing new stock, demo stock, open box, or special order?
Ask before you buy via contact. Confirm power, condition grade, and included items against the listing photos.
Description
Retro Instruments PowerStrip is a single-channel tube recording channel strip in a 2U rack unit combining three discrete sections: a transformer-coupled Class-A tube microphone preamplifier with phantom power and a front-panel instrument/DI input, a passive program EQ inspired by the Pultec EQP-1A, and a British variable-mu tube compressor influenced by the Altec 436B and Fairchild 660/670. The EQ offers low-frequency boost and complementary cut at 20, 30, 60 and 100 Hz, high-frequency boost at 1.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 kHz with complementary HF cut at 5, 10 and 20 kHz, driven by a multi-tapped custom inductor on an LCR circuit. The compressor provides six selectable attack/release time constants, a 90/250 Hz high-pass sidechain filter, independent EQ and compressor bypass, phase reversal and a VU meter that reads gain reduction only. Inputs use Cinemag mic and line transformers with a fully floating transformer-balanced line output. The reviewed manufacturer and retailer pages did not expose an MPN, GTIN or unit weight.