Vari Tube Recording Channel
The variable character of the Vari Tube Recording Channel’s preamp lets you shape the tone of your recording from clean and direct to vintage and fat. Using the passive equalizer built on the Pultec principle, you can add silky highs, enhance the low-mid body of a vocal, or gently filter out problematic frequencies. The unique combination of Vari-μ and opto compression in one unit is a globally unmatched feature and expands your sonic palette with fantastically musical compression tone.
Opto Compressor
An LED shines on a light-sensitive resistor, controlling the gain based on input level. The memory effect of the resistor supports the automatic timing control of the compressor. The result is an open, airy, and smooth compression that keeps levels consistent without noticeably affecting microdynamics.
Vari-Tube Compressor
This stage directly alters the gain of a control tube. The regulation is more immediate than in the opto compressor. The result is a sound that cuts through even the densest mixes with striking presence — yet retains its warmth.
The routing between compressor and EQ is switchable. The EQ can also be routed into the compressor’s sidechain, enabling frequency-dependent compression and de-essing.
If you have a recording that hasn’t yet been processed through the VTRC, the new line input allows for post-processing. The signal bypasses the mic input transformer and uses a separate transformer designed for line-level signals. This gives you access to the full feature set — from preamp to EQ to compressor — for high-level sources as well. For stereo applications, two (or more) VTRCs can be linked via the link connector.
New Features
- Vari-μ compressor (usable in series with opto compressor)
- Line input with dedicated transformer
- Linkable for stereo operation
- EQ: Additional high band at 24 kHz for optimal air boost
- Switchable compressor timing
- Improved input stage
- Numerous refinements and upgrades
Proven Features
- Opto compressor (usable alongside Vari-Tube compressor)
- Passive EQ for musical tone shaping
- Mic preamp ranging from clean to fat-sounding
- Switchable order of EQ and compressor
- EQ can be routed into compressor sidechain
The VTRC is a pro-level device and therefore includes no presets.
To help you get started with testing and learning, Tegeler provides a few suggested settings as a good starting point.
Default Setup: Set all knobs to 0, all switches down, Mic/Line and +48V as needed
Vocals: Gain at 10, input level so the meter needle just moves, lowcut at 80 Hz for male, 160 Hz for female vocals. EQ on, frequency at 16 kHz with boost at 6. Opto and Vari-Tube compressors on. Adjust gain reduction to stay below 6 dB on peaks.
Fingerpicked Guitar: Gain at 1, input level so the needle just moves, lowcut at 80 Hz if other bass is present. EQ on, cut 300 Hz by 3 dB if needed, boost 6 kHz by 6 dB. Opto compressor on, limit gain reduction to 4 dB on peaks. For more punch, increase gain and adjust input.
Strummed Guitar: Gain at 10, input level so the needle just moves, lowcut at 80 Hz if bass is present. EQ on, cut 300 Hz by 3 dB if needed, boost 12 kHz by 6 dB. Vari-Tube compressor on, adjust gain reduction to stay below 6 dB.
Bass: Gain at 10, input level so the needle doesn’t exceed 0. Cut 300 Hz by 3 dB, boost 2 kHz by 3 dB. Opto compressor on, set gain reduction between 3–6 dB.
Saxophone: Gain at 10, input level so the needle just moves, lowcut at 80 Hz, EQ on, frequency at 16 kHz with a 6 dB boost. Vari-Tube compressor on, gain reduction between 3–6 dB.
Features
General
- Tube device (3 triodes)
- Class-A circuit
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz ±1.5 dB
- Stepped potentiometers
- Transformer-balanced input and output
- Internal power supply with high-quality toroidal transformer
- Height: 132 mm (3U), Width: 483 mm, Depth: 250 mm
Mic Preamp
- Mic input with transformer / 48V / phase
- True 48V phantom power
- Phase switch
- High-impedance instrument input (100 kOhm)
- Adjustable character via wide gain range
Equalizer
- Lowcut filter: 80–160 Hz
- Low-mid boost: 80–120–200–300–500–700–1000 Hz
- Mid cut: 200–300–500–700 Hz, 1–1.5–2–3–4–5–7 kHz
- High boost: 1.5–2–3–4–5–7–10–12–16–20–24 kHz
Compressor
- Optical compressor
- Vari-Tube compressor (Vari-μ principle)
- Soft-knee characteristic
- Program-adaptive attack and release times
Tech Specs
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22 kHz
- Max mic input level: +12 dBu
- Max line input level: +20 dBu
- Max instrument input level: +6 dBu
- Input impedance (line): ≥ 2.4 kΩ
- Input impedance (instrument): ≥ 100 kΩ
- Output impedance: < 600 Ω
- Max output level: +24 dBu
- Dynamic range: ≥ 95 dB
- Power supply: 230 V~/50 Hz or 115 V~/60 Hz
- Fuse: 500 mA slow-blow
- Max power consumption: < 25 W
- Dimensions: 3U, H:132 mm, W:483 mm, D:250 mm
