Heritage Audio has launched the TUBESTRIP, a new channel strip that combines a preamp, equaliser, and two compressors into a single unit. The device is priced at $3,499 and is manufactured by the Spanish company based in Madrid.
The signal path begins with the preamp section, which offers 60dB of headroom. A single MORPH knob controls the tube circuitry. Turning the control fully to the left engages Pentode mode for a harsher tone. The rightmost position is Triode mode, which produces a warmer sound. The middle setting, UltraLinear, balances both characteristics.
Equalisation and compression
The unit incorporates a Type 69 equaliser with four bands. Two bands handle bass boost and cut, while the midrange can switch between boost and cut. The treble section uses a single knob. Two additional knobs allow the user to select specific frequencies for the bass and midrange sections.
The first compressor stage is a Vari-Mu model designed to manage attack and recovery. A button on the front allows the user to route the signal through the equaliser before it hits the compressor. This arrangement adds colour to the sound once the volume is controlled.
The final stage is an optical compressor that adjusts the threshold to refine the output from the Vari-Mu unit. It can also be switched to a de-esser. This mode includes a dedicated frequency knob to target specific sibilant sounds.
“For decades, achieving apex results meant owning a room full of the right gear, knowing which unit to reach for on which source, and spending years learning how to make them work together. The TUBESTRIP changes that equation completely,” says Heritage Audio.
The manufacturer claims the device is suitable for vocals, drums, guitars, bass, keys, room microphones, and acoustic instruments. They state that whatever audio source is placed in front of it, the TUBESTRIP has the tools and character to take the sound exactly where it needs to go.
What it means
Producers and engineers previously had to own a large collection of separate units to achieve high-quality results. This required significant time to learn how to combine different pieces of gear for specific sources. The new all-in-one design removes the need to select individual components for each recording session.
