Avalon Design U5

Get the ultimate tone for bass or other DI applications with this high-power preamp from Avalon. The U5 high-voltage DI-preamp combines 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.

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.

Features:
• Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
• Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
• Variable gain preamp to +30 dB
• Dual microphone and line outputs
• Hi-Z 3,000,000 ohm input impedance
• Very low noise -100dB
• High headroom +30dB
• Six tone bank selections
• DC coupled Class A output for superior bass
• High cut switch eliminates noise
• LED active signal indicator
• Headphone monitor output jack
• Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
• High level 400 watt speaker input
• Active to thru selector - ground isolation switch
• 100% discrete power supplies for audio path
• Internal toroidal power supply for low noise
• Long lasting, stainless steel hardware
• Circuit Topology: 100% discrete, high-voltage Class A
• Gain: Switched 3dB steps, maximum gain +30dB
• Input Impedance: 3 ,000,000 ohm unbalanced (single ended)
• Maximum Input Level +24dBu unbalanced, 400w speaker input
• Output Connectors (2): XLR type, pin 2 hot electronic balanced
• Maximum Output Level (Class A): +30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out)
• Headphone Output: 0.5w into 600 ohms
• Noise 20kHz Unweighted: -100dBu minimum gain position
• Distortion THD, IMD: 0.1% at +10dB
• Frequency Response, -/+0.5dB: 5Hz to 100kHz
• Frequency Response, -3dB: 1Hz to 500kHz (input band limited)
• High Cut Filter: -3dB at 8kHz minimum phase design
• Tone Selector: Six position rotary switch, all passive filters
• AC Power: Internal toroidal AC supply
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in; 12 lbs
• Rack kits available optionally which mount single or dual U5 and/or M5 units in 19" rack