Don't let the modest price fool you, the 18Xs MkII is a seriously good single-channel front end. A transformer-coupled, Class-A microphone preamp with up to 65dB of gain, a high-impedance DI, and a passive Pultec-style EQ that delivers that famously creamy top and punchy low end. The clever twist is a wet/dry Mix knob borrowed from Lindell's 17X compressor, so you can run the EQ in parallel for tones you can't get any other way.

FEATURES & PROS:

• Class-A mic pre: Transformer-coupled with up to 65dB of gain for everything from ribbons to condensers.
• Passive Pultec-style EQ: That legendary creamy high-end boost and punchy lows, solid-state and reliable.
• Parallel EQ Mix knob: Blend dry and EQ'd signal, a trick unique to this unit.
• DI input: Hi-Z input for tracking bass, guitar and synths straight in.
• Tank build: Thick brushed-aluminium chassis, beautifully made.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Single-channel mic pre / DI / line amp with passive EQ
• Up to 65dB gain, transformer-balanced I/O
• Switched Pultec-style low and high EQ bands
• Wet/dry parallel Mix control
• 1U rackmount