The black, single-channel Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast Microphone Preamplifier is designed to provide a wide range of tonal options for mic, instrument, and line-level sources, making it an indispensable tool for audio engineers, producers, and muscians. The TB12 is capable of up to 71 dB of input gain, and employs an output attenuator allowing you to drive your input signal harder for color and saturation while keeping your signal from peaking.
The TB12 Tone Beast lives up to its name by allowing you to select between two different discrete op-amps, two different output transformers that can be bypassed altogether, two input impedance settings for dynamic, condenser, or ribbon mic optimization, and two different capacitors. The preamp is capable of producing colored, vintage-style tones with early break up and clean, transparent modern tones. Thanks to its front-panel Hi-Z instrument input, the preamp can be used to record DI tracks, while the rear-panel 1/4″ line input allows you to use the TB12 to provide color or warm up previously recorded tracks.
The rear-panel insert send and receive 1/4″ connectors let you integrate an external signal processor, such as an EQ or compressor, into the TB12’s signal flow before the output transformers. The unit features 48V phantom power, a high-pass filter at 80 Hz, a 20 dB pad, and a polarity reverse switch.
Op-Amps Switch
Choose between 2 completely different discrete analog operational amplifiers. One of the op-amps is built to the schematic of the classic 1731 style op amp, using a Melcor 1731; the other is built to the schematic of the 918, employing Dean Jensen’s 918. The 1731 has a more noticeable vintage tone, breaking up faster and providing a more colored sound. The 918 is more linear/transparent, and does not break up as quickly. Both op-amps are socketed and use the classic 2520 6-pin footprint. This allows users to remove the op-amps easily (without soldering), and replace them with their own op-amps of choice.
Output Transformer Switch
Switch between 2 CineMag output transformers of different tone/make. The 100% steel core transformer sounds more vintage with a mid-forward tone. The 50% nickel core transformer has a cleaner tone than the steel, providing more highs and lows, and was custom designed by CineMag specifically for the Tone Beast.
The nickel version uses a laminating method that gives the signal a more linear response than the steel option, but still treats the signal slightly, giving your signal a smoothness. The Output Transformer Bypass Switch removes both the nickel and steel transformers from your output signal and provides a transparent tone. Bypassing the output transformers will result in an 8 dB drop in level.
Tone Switch
The 150-ohm (switched-in) setting increases the gain of the Tone Beast by +6 dB changing the maximum gain from +65 to +71 dB. This feature will make a noticeable tone change to most microphones and instruments. The microphone, line, and Hi-Z inputs are all altered by this feature. The 600-ohm impedance setting is recommended for condenser and dynamic microphones, and 150 ohms is recommended for ribbons. This switch is labeled Tone for a reason though, to experiment with both settings on all sources to find the best possible tone for your mixes.
Capacitor Switch
Change capacitors in the circuit from Tantalum to Electrolytic. The vintage setting is for tantalum capacitors, the clean setting is for electrolytic. Of all the tone features provided in the Tone Beast, this option is the most subtle but is noticeable to many ears depending on the source being treated.
Warm Audio TB12 Specs
Type Discrete 312 Preamp Design with Coupled CineMag Transformers
Input 1 x Front-Panel XLR Microphone Input
1 x Front-Panel 1/4″ / 6.35 mm Hi-Z Instrument Input
1 x Rear-Panel XLR Microphone Input
1 x Rear-Panel 1/4″ / 6.35 mm TRS Line Input
Output 1 x Rear-Panel Balanced XLR Line Putput
1 x Rear-Panel Balanced 1/4″ / 6.35 mm TRS Line Output
Gain 71 dB
Transformer Selectable Steel or 50% Nickel CineMag Output Transformers
Selectable Transformer Bypass
Op Amp Selectable between 1731 and 918 Style; Socketed and Swappable with Your Choice of 2520 6-Pin Footprint Op Amps
Impedance Input Impedance: Switchable Between 150 and 600 Ohms (Labeled “Tone” on Front-Panel)
Capacitors Switchable between Tantalum and Electrolytic for Different Characters
High-Pass Filter 80 Hz
Polarity Reverse Yes
Phantom Power +48 V
Output Attenuation Yes; Allows for Saturation Flexibility of Both the Op Amps and Transformers
Insert 1 x 1/4″ / 6.35 mm Insert Send
1 x 1/4″ / 6.35 mm Insert Receive
Pad 20 dB
VU Meter LED
Rack Units 1 RU
Power External Line-Lump 24 VAC Power Transformer for Low Noise
Dimensions 19 x 1.75″ / 482.60 x 44.45 mm
Depth: Not Specified by Manufacturer
Weight Not Specified by Manufacturer
Packaging Info
Package Weight 8.675 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 24.5 x 9.5 x 3.9″
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Brand
Warm Audio
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