The Presonus BlueTube DP v2 is a powerful audio preamp that can be used by musicians, podcasters, and recording fans to make their audio sound better. In this detailed review, we’ll discuss what’s good and not-so-good about it.
Pros:
- Impressive Sound Quality:
- The BlueTube DP v2 delivers clear audio, perfect for capturing vocals and instruments.
- It adds warmth and depth to your recordings, making them sound professional.
- Dual-Channel Design:
- Two separate channels let you connect multiple devices simultaneously.
- Great for recording podcasts with co-hosts or musical collaborations.
- Tube and Solid-State Blending:
- Find your ideal sound with the blend control, which allows you to mix tube and solid-state preamp tones.
- Versatile for various musical styles and recording scenarios.
- VU Metering:
- The built-in VU meters provide real-time visual feedback, helping you maintain optimal recording levels.
- Avoid clipping and distortion for a polished final product.
- Variable Input Impedance:
- Adjust the input impedance to suit your microphone or instrument.
- Achieve the best possible sound from your gear.
- Phantom Power:
- 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones.
- No need for a phantom power supply.
- Solid Build:
- The BlueTube DP v2 is built like a tank, ensuring durability and longevity.
- It can stand the rigors of both studio and on-the-road use.
Cons:
- Price Point:
- The BlueTube DP v2 is not the cheapest preamp on the market.
- It might be a bit steep for beginners.
- Limited EQ Control:
- The preamp lacks a detailed EQ section.
- You might need additional equipment for precise tonal shaping.
- Size and Weight:
- This preamp is relatively bulky and heavy.
- Not the most portable option for musicians on the move.
- No Digital Connectivity:
- It’s an analog preamp with no digital audio outputs.
- May not be suitable for those needing digital recording interfaces.
Conclusion:
The Presonus BlueTube DP v2 is a great tool for your music or recording setup. It has two channels, lets you blend tube and solid-state sounds, and sounds really good. It’s a good investment for people who care a lot about their audio.
But, it’s a bit expensive and doesn’t give you a lot of control over the sound settings. This might make some people think twice about buying it. Still, if you want a dependable preamp that makes your audio sound great, the BlueTube DP v2 is a good option.
Amazon Customer –
Has a really good sound the tube makes a difference
Benjamin Stone –
This thing sounds like a 5,000 dollar pre-amp if you get rid of those crippitycrappity tubes it came with and put some J J’s in there instead.what a steal!!!! After the tube change thing is thing is a real bargain, it adds depth, texture and warmth to anything you run through it….voice, instruments…. master tracks….even post-mastering….if you work in the digital samples realm….consider using this thing to add realism to your sample pallette. Alternatively…..in post this thing adds a great deal to tracks that have been squashed by processing……put it in to the blue tube and you’ll be surprised what you hear…….i love this thing!!!!!!
Jesse Radford –
Super unit!
Nick Dunkin –
I wanted to like this product but the quality control is sorely lacking.The first unit arrived and the VU meter lights were different colors/intensity. It was subtle but definitely noticeable and distracting. This would maybe be acceptable for a reconditioned unit or a secondhand item but not for a brand new item.The replacement unit had a fault where the left VU meter would show a large deflection (proportional to gain) with no input attached. The right VU meter behaved as expected.I gave up at two attempts and bought an ART PRO MPA II instead.
paul –
This is my 3rd pre. My other2 still work but are getting a little long in the tooth. 1st impressions out of the box. I dig that the transformer is out of the box.. My other 2 I purchased not long after they hit the market. The pre amp gets hotter then my other 2.. could be for many reasons (not too hot). The drive makes a bit of a noise when turning the knob, no big problem. Still has the same sketchy meter lighting.. my other 2, the lights died. Great case, plenty long cord. Remember the tube hasn’t burned in yet. Now the big question. I play early acoustic blues with an Alverez parlor guitar. I recorded Little Red Rooster because because it uses the “whole” fret board. I noticed good amplification on the top strings which was really needed. The 3rd 4th 5th and 6th sounded just like my guitar un-miked .. was impressed. No noise until you yank up the gain. Used a little bit of drive which is why I think the top strings recorded louder. Don’t know what else to say except it sounded like my guitar but better to say it simply. I highly recommend this unit.. don’t know if it will be discontinued maybe that was the reason the price was lower. I say go for it. I have had other more expensive pre’s in the past and none of them were as clean as the Presonus pre’s. Want a great sound on the cheap.. you can’t beat this unit in my opinion. Lastly, my other 2 pre’s had many tube changes but I like this tube just as it is.
Amazon Customer –
Warms up the sound of my voice and keyboard — added in the T-12AX7-S vacuum tube for a slightly warmer sound – works great!
rjyarbrough –
I like the unit. The only shortcoming is that the outputs are analogue and unbalanced.
Hien-Vy Nguyen –
Good product!! Love it!
Travis –
An all around terrible product.I was not able to get any actual tube warmth sounds from it. Or nice tube overdrive.I tried changing the tube. Nothing. Turning the tube drive all the way makes no difference in the sound it produces. I sort of feel the tube in this is a marketing gimic.And I recommend art pro audio products instead of Prosonus now.Update: I had already reviewed this. I was ok to use it as a line level preamp. Like a small boost if working with guitar pedals to line level signals.I recently thought I would try this again as a mic preamp. And to my disastisfaction when you need more gain at mic input levels, you might as well just hook up a pink noise machine. I can probably build my own better mic preamps with less noise with op-amps on a breadboard than this rubbish.Update (AGAIN): I have! if you are handy, get your self some OPA2134 op amp ICS, and well, the electronics lab..but if you are not handy, get the Art Pro MPA-II Two Channel Studio Mic Preamp.But either way, don’t get this..
Philippe de Trente –
Bonne qualité au regard du prix très intéressantEnregistrement signal guitare sur ordinateur