Behringer MIC500USB Audiophile Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Interface
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Tubes can really warm up a signal fast, giving it depth and character. Though transistors have succeeded the technology, many musicians agree that tubes deliver a far superior sound. The TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC500USB's handselected 12AX7 vacuum tube gives everything from microphones to acoustic or bass guitars that vintage tube vibe in a dependable and ultra-affordable package.
Put A Little Tube In Your Tone
The MIC500USB is perfect for studio and live applications. The balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs give you maximum flexibility in either scenario. It derives its personality from a hand-selected 12AX7 tube with UTC technology for superior tube character and low-noise operation. The MIC500USB is ideally suited for use with standard digital recorders and sound cards, imbuing signals with the warmth, presence and classic tubecompression that will bring your digital tracks to life.
The incredible MIC500USB's controls consist of: switches for +48 V phantom power, 20 dB pad, Phase Reverse and Limiter; plus vintage-style Gain and Output knobs. An 8-segment LED meter provides accurate monitoring of output levels. And when used as a high-end DI (Direct Injection) box in the studio or on the stage, the MIC500USB delivers flawless performance and outstanding signal integrity.
A Voice All Your Own
To help you get the most from your new MIC500USB, Behringer provided 16 unique preamp voicings that cover a wide range of applications including vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keyboards and more. Options include: Neutral, for a more natural sound; Warm, for adding the warmth typically associated with analog signals and vacuum tubes; Warm + Limiter, for additional warmth when working with high volume levels, sounds with frequent signal peaks, or directly recording an instrument with a mic (e.g., drums); and Limiter, for adding density and a consistent output level of all notes/sounds below clipping.
Although these voicings have been optimized for specific sound sources, feel free to experiment you just might find that running vocals through the Warm E-GTR setting is perfect for your project. The amazing MIC500USB opens an entirely new and exciting world of creative possibilities!
Recording Bliss
There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That's where the MIC500USB comes in. Thanks to the builtin USB audio interface, you can connect directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the MIC500USB can be recorded directly to your hard drive.
Free Would Be Nice!
Because you'll want to take full advantage of your MIC500USB's recording and podcasting potential, Behringer has included all the software you'll need for audio recording, editing and even podcasting all free of charge and downloadable from the Behringer website. You'll be ready to go live on your PC or Mac right out of the box! Behringer has also provided a free download of more than 150 virtual instruments and FX plug-ins turning your computer into a powerful home-based or mobile recording studio from input to output.
Vintage Sound, Modern Value
The MIC500USB gives you the sound quality of a vintage tube preamp and high-end DI box all-in-one at a mere fraction of what a true relic of the 1960s would cost, plus the built-in USB audio interface lets you record straight to your computer. At a price this low, you owe it to yourself to find out where the MIC500USB's real tube tone can take your sound.
Features
• High-end pre-amplification for all microphone, instrument and line-level sources. Specifically designed for studio-grade condenser mics• Perfectly matches your studio, live and hard disk recording set-up
• Ultra-flexible Preamp Modeling allows you to optimize your recordings
• Choose between 16 preamp voicings designed for electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass guitars, drums, vocals and more
• Built-in USB/Audio Interface to connect directly to your computer
• Powerful Phones output with Level control and Direct Monitor select
• Hand-selected 12AX7 vacuum tube with UTC technology for exceptional warmth and lowest noise
• Ensures outstanding signal transparency when used as a high-end DI-box
• Sophisticated output limiter prevents the output signal from clipping
• Dedicated low cut filter eliminates unwanted noise, e.g. floor rumble
• +48 V phantom power, Phase Reverse switch and 20 dB Pad for utmost flexibility
• Highly accurate 8-segment LED level meter
• Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors
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Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.