Tuning the Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast preamp is addictive. Based on the API 312 preamp design and premium Sport Cinemag transformers, the Tone Beast is already a stellar mic pre. The true magic of the Tone Beast, however, lies in its discrete multiple signal paths. With the touch of a button, you can select different transformers, op amps and capacitors and enjoy a multitude of tones in the process. Push the Tone Beast and enjoy the harmonic distortion it lends to electric guitars, bass, or anything else that needs a little oomph.

Multiple discrete signal paths provide unprecedented flexibility

Experienced recording engineers love how different mic prees color their sound. They know that by combining different microphones with different preamps, they can make every source sound as good as possible. With the TB12 Tone Beast in your rack, you'll be able to do the same, thanks to its unprecedented versatility. The Tone Beast's flexibility is absolutely impressive. Firstly, you can choose between a Melcor 1731 or a Jensen 918 op-amp. The 1731 is very colorful and breaks down quickly, while the 918 is pretty clean with just a touch of personality. Second, you can choose between a 100% steel or 50% nickel transformer. The steel output transformer is more colorful than the nickel transformer, especially when pushed. You can also bypass the transformers altogether for an ultra-clean tone.

Coloring — and why you want it

The most coveted vintage consoles and outboard gear weren't transparent. And that's the point behind Warm Audio Tone Beast. Coloring is, in many cases, desirable. If your mixes sound unprofessional, lacking in vibrancy and depth, you'll love Tone Beast. Subjective listening tests played an important role in the development of this incredible preamp. Test equipment can tell you a lot, and there's a point in the design process where you just have to let your ears call the shots. You wouldn't go with earplugs and an oscilloscope, would you?

Top-notch performance — and incredible value

We understand that equipping your studio is a balancing act between performance and value. Warm Audio achieves this too, and its Tone Beast delivers on both counts. Despite its ultra-reasonable price, Warm Audio equipment is made in the USA and uses only the finest components such as genuine Cinemag input and output transformers. Look at it this way: at this price, you can pack your rack with two or more Tone Beast preamps—perfect for recording live drums or more than one track at a time.

Characteristics

• The 312 preamp's unobtrusive design with Cinemag transformers delivers stellar tone;
• Choice of Melcor or Jensen op-amps to vary the character;
• Op-amps are slotted/swapable — add your own op-amps to the mix!
• Choosing steel or nickel output transformers gives you more tonal options;
• Choice of tantalum or electrolytic capacitors for even more character variations;
• Transformer bypass switch provides ultra-clean character;
• Tone switch allows for variable microphone impedance;
• 80Hz high-pass filter cuts through mud and rumble;
• 20dB pad tames really loud sources;
• Output attenuation for flexibility of saturating op-amps and transformers;
• Insert allows the use of inline processors;
• The LED VU meter lets you monitor your levels.

Specifications

• Preamp Type: Solid State;
• Number of channels: 1;
• With phantom power: yes;
  
• Pads: -20dB;
• Polarity switch: yes im;
• Equalizer: 80Hz high-pass filter;
• Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4 in. TRS (Hi-Z), 1 x 1/4 in. (line-in), 1 x 1/4-in. TS (reception);
• Analog outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4 in. TRS, 1 x 1/4 in. TS (send);
• With channel inserts: yes im;
• Rack Spaces: 1U;
• Power source: Standard IEC AC cable.