Does the TubePre V2 need phantom power from another device?

No. It supplies phantom power itself for condenser mics through the XLR input.

Can I plug a guitar or bass straight into it?

Yes. There is a separate unbalanced 1/4-inch instrument input, so you can use it as a DI.

Does it have a digital output?

No. Outputs are balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch line only, so you need an interface or recorder.

Is the tube stage always on?

The 12AX7 stage follows the solid-state input stage, and the Drive control sets how hard it is pushed.

Can it replace a channel strip?

No. It has no compressor or EQ, so it is a preamp and DI rather than a full channel strip.

Where is the PreSonus TubePre V2 Tube Preamplifier cheapest?

At B&H Photo-Video-Audio, for $149.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the PreSonus TubePre V2 Tube Preamplifier?

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 27 ratings.

Where can I buy the PreSonus TubePre V2 Tube Preamplifier?

5 stores we checked sell it, including Guitar Center, B&H Photo-Video-Audio, Reverb, Sam Ash Direct, Musicians Friend.

PreSonus TubePre V2 Tube Preamplifier

Best price now

$149.99at B&H Photo-Video-AudioChecked Nov 1

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio

What reviewers say

4.2 / 527 ratings

Owners rate it well as an affordable way to add tube color to a mic or DI signal. Many like the Drive control and the simple layout. Some find it noisy at high gain and say the tube character is subtle until Drive is pushed.

What people mention

Tube characterMixedReviewers say the tube color is subtle at low Drive and only obvious when pushed.
Drive controlPraisedOwners like how the Drive knob moves from gentle warmth to heavy saturation.
NoiseCriticisedSome report audible noise when the gain is turned up high.
Build and layoutPraisedUsers find the controls and connections straightforward and easy to work with.
HeadroomCriticisedA few say clean headroom runs out quickly on loud sources.

About the PreSonus TubePre V2 Tube Preamplifier

The PreSonus TubePre V2 is a single-channel tube preamp. Its gain stage is dual-servo and uses no capacitors in the signal path. An XMAX Class A solid-state preamp feeds a 12AX7 vacuum-tube stage.

A Drive control sets the amount of tube saturation, from gentle warmth to total fuzz. It has an unbalanced 1/4" instrument input and a balanced XLR mic input. Line outputs are an unbalanced 1/4" and a balanced XLR.

Controls include a high-pass filter, phantom power and a polarity reverse switch. A backlit VU meter shows the level. The unit is small enough to carry almost anywhere and can be screw-mounted to a standard rack tray.

Type

Direct box

Channels

Tube

12AX7 vacuum tube

Preamp

XMAX Class A solid-state

Gain stage

Dual-servo, no capacitors

Inputs

Unbalanced 1/4" instrument; balanced XLR mic

Outputs