Avalon U5 Direct Box Instrument Preamplifier – 15th Anniversary

A high-voltage DI-preamp with a passive tone selector and a variable gain preamp and filter.

The U5 Direct Box Instrument Preamp – 15th Anniversary is a high-voltage DI-preamp combining a unique passive tone selector with a variable gain preamp and filter. The high-input impedance accepts a wide variety of signal levels and instruments—from acoustic guitars to high-output active bass guitars and keyboards. The U5 direct box is loaded with sonic character and user features professionals demand.

Sonic Excellence
The Avalon U5 Pure Class A instrument DI & preamplifier is one of the most powerful direct boxes available today. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the U5 includes many features that are ideal for bass guitar and acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers and low output pickups.

Features include a state-of-the-art, high-input impedance input stage for zero load effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers, practical user features, and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high performance audio for many years.

Designed for Deep & Controlled Bass
Avalon U5 DI-preamps have been in use around the world since 1995. They have found their way into the world’s leading musicians rigs and recording sessions and been featured on thousands of the best-selling (and sounding) albums and live performances.

Minimum Signal Path Design
The U5 includes a variable gain Class A preamplifier to boost low-level pickup signals and a high level speaker input for capturing the live sound of the instruments amplifier. Six passive tone-EQ curves are also included to enhance a variety of acoustic and electric instruments. A high-cut switch eliminates unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, while a headphone monitor amp has been included for personal listening. Twin DC coupled Class A output amplifiers drive both low-level microphone preamp inputs and high-level +4dB inputs for direct-to-tape recording or processing. The active-to-thru switch selects either the instrument input directly or sends the boosted-equalized signal to the amplifier via the front panel jack. A ground isolation switch eliminates any possible earth loop or AC buzz problems with complete safety.