The Bottom Line
The True Systems P-SOLO is a single-channel microphone preamp designed primarily for small recording studios on a budget. Priced at around $600 retail, this preamp is a robust addition to any studio looking to upgrade their microphone preamps for even more detailed recording. Priced right in a stylish package, the P-SOLO is a small investment for a huge upgrade in sound quality from stock preamps.
Pros
- Fantastic sound quality.
- Compact yet stylish desktop package.
- Very user friendly.
Cons
- None.
Description
- Gain (microphone): . +16 to +64 dB. Gain is +6dB with Input Attenuation activated.
- Gain (direct input): -4 to +44 dB. Gain is -14dB with Input Attenuation activated.
- Frequency Response (gain=40 dB): 1. 5 Hz to 500 kHz (+0/-3 dB)
- Maximum Output Level: +31 dBu
- Maximum Input Level: +25 dBu
- Input Impedance (microphone): 5. 5 kOhms
- Power Requirements: 115/230VAC, 50/60 Hz, 7 Watts
- Weight: 5 lbs. (2. 3 kg). Stylish desktop design.
Guide Review - True Systems P-SOLO Single Channel Desktop Microphone Preamp
True Systems hit a home run with their 8-channel preamp, the Precision 8. Matching the quality, durability, and value of their larger preamp selection, the P-SOLO is priced right for the home recordist, retailing around $600.Packaged in a stylish desktop design, the P-SOLO features microphone input on the back as well as a front-mounted DI input. Bass guitar recorded through the front input revealed a detailed sound, bringing out many transients and a much better low-end than the stock preamps on the Digidesign DIGI002-R. Paired with a good-quality large diaphragm microphone, vocals were brought to life compared to stock preamps. Paired with a Neumann KM184 recording acoustic guitar, the preamp showed a much-improved sonic range, matching the microphone's native sound perfectly.
Having one channel of remarkable preamp is a great investment for the home recordist. With one good preamp channel, you're able to record vocals, direct-recorded instruments, and any instrument that requires only a mono channel with stunning fidelity. Depending on the microphone you're using, the differences go from subtle to the extreme; when using a normally bass-heavy Oktava MC012 on a test track, the P-SOLO, when compared to the stock preamp, was like lifting off a veil previously heard on the track.
While it's a pricey investment, the rewards are well worth it, and P-SOLO has made a remarkable product that with infinite usefulness for the home recordist.
