Audiophile Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Preamp Modeling Technology and USB/Audio Interface. ubes can really warm up a signal fast, giving it depth and character. Though transistors have succeeded the technology, many musicians agree that tubes deliver a far superior sound. The TUBE ULTRAGAIN MIC500USB's handselected 12AX7 vacuum tube gives everything from microphones to acoustic or bass guitars that vintage tube vibe - in a dependable and ultra-affordable package. The MIC500USB is perfect for studio and live applications. The balanced XLR and ¼ " TRS inputs give you maximum flexibility in either scenario. It derives its personality from a hand-selected 12AX7 tube with UTC technology for superior tube character and low-noise operation. The MIC500USB is ideally suited for use with standard digital recorders and sound cards, imbuing signals with the warmth, presence and classic tubecompression that will bring your digital tracks to life. The incredible MIC500USB's controls consist of: switches for +48 V phantom power, 20 dB pad, Phase Reverse and Limiter; plus vintage-style Gain and Output knobs. An 8-segment LED meter provides accurate monitoring of output levels. And when used as a high-end DI (Direct Injection) box in the studio or on the stage, the MIC500USB delivers flawless performance and outstanding signal integrity. To help you get the most from your new MIC500USB, we've provided 16 unique preamp voicings that cover a wide range of applications - including vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keyboards and more. Options include: Neutral, for a more natural sound; Warm, for adding the warmth typically associated with analog signals and vacuum tubes; Warm + Limiter, for additional warmth when working with high volume levels, sounds with frequent signal peaks, or directly recording an instrument with a mic (e.g., drums); and Limiter, for adding density and a consistent output level of all notes/sounds below clipping. Although these voicings have been optimized for specific sound sources, feel free to experiment - you just might find that running vocals through the Warm E-GTR setting is perfect for your project. The amazing MIC500USB opens an entirely new and exciting world of creative possibilities! There was a time when the recording process called for lots and lots of expensive gear, which meant the average musician had to buy time at a recording studio - and that time was pricey indeed. But modern technology has put personal recording well within the reach of virtually anyone with access to a computer. How do you get all that music flying around your brain into your computer? That's where the MIC500USB comes in. Thanks to the builtin USB audio interface, you can connect directly to your PC or Mac computer via a single USB cable. Now any signal source you connect to the MIC500USB can be recorded directly to your hard drive.