Bringing some valve warmth back into your signal path is definitely the flavour of the moment. TLAudio's latest contribution is their dual channel Valve Mic Pre Amp/DI Box. Roger Brown makes with the XLR connections to see if this box is hot enough to warm his tubes...

There are some products which have a design and build quality which transcend fashion, where form and function exist in perfect harmony. Such items tend to be a lot more expensive than the run-of-the-mill variety, with merits which only the cognoscenti can appreciate. The rest of us can usually discern something solid and lasting in such goods, but unless we own or use them, we are unlikely to appreciate their finer points of design and construction. Among motor cars, marques like Bristol exemplify this sort of 18-carat engineering, in which tried and tested features are implemented in the best way possible.

Owning a piece of Tony Larking Audio equipment tends to give you same kind of tingling feeling as driving a Bristol. Half the pleasure is its exclusivity; the knowledge that not everyone will appreciate what makes your preamp so special; that only a select few will share your pleasure. Having had my connoisseur's appetite aroused by TLAudio's valve preamp and compressor (and their valve mixer), I eagerly unwrapped the latest box to hit my desk, the dual valve mic preamp/DI box. The names of TLAudio's products are like their design, straightforward and literal. "This is what I am, and this is what I do", they say, and if you're still wondering what this grey box does, you must be new to this game.

Out of the box

The DVMP/DI is a two channel preamp, with a dual stage circuit which allows you to plug in either balanced signals via XLR sockets, or unbalanced line signals from your guitar or keyboard. Both can be inserted, via 1/4" jacks, on either channel at any time. But only one is active per channel, and this you select from a two-button set up which is simplicity itself.

The first button selects between mic or instrument input, and if instrument input is selected, the second allows you to choose between keyboard or guitar input. If mic input is selected, the signal passes through a switchable phantom power circuit, which provides the necessary +48V to your voice stick, as well as the necessary gain to your incoming signals. This is followed by a twin triode valve, one for valve character and a stable signal path.

Instruments pass through a first stage of valve preamplification, at -28dBu for guitars and -8dBu for keyboards, before proceeding to the same twin triode stage as mic signals. Both signals are then processed through a solid state, balanced output stage, suitable for connection to your mixer or amplifier. Outputs are via balanced XLR connectors or unbalanced 1/4" jacks, one of each per side.

Down to business

In appearance, the DVMP/DI is unassuming and practical. All connections are on the front, for easy access in the studio or on stage. On each side, from left to right, we have: An XLR input for balanced signals with a switch for phantom power; the gain knob for pumping up the bass or vocals; the aforementioned twin switches for selecting between mic and instrument input (with a 1/4" jack provided), and a balanced XLR output socket for connection to your PA, mixer or amp.

It would have been nice to see these latter connections mirrored on the back panel, if only to keep things ship-shape and 'Bristol fashion'. Not only would it be more logical, it would appeal more to studio users. Perhaps the design bods at TLAudio felt we'd be more likely to need them at the front, for easy re-patching.

"Top marks to TLAudio for taming those wild valves without losing warmth in the process"

Working without a patchbay, this is certainly the case. The DVMP/DI has certainly gone through some repatching in my studio, its outputs being tested straight to the desk as well as sent to various in-line signal processors, in a gleeful exploration of the robust sound emanating from its outputs.

A cooling grille along the top of the inputs affords a nice warm glow from the valves, which adds to the aura of quality whilst serving its function of ventilation for the circuitry inside. Red LEDs indicate output peaks, and these are unfortunately slightly hidden, once your output XLR connections are made. An uncharacteristic oversight there by TLAudio I'm afraid, and one which could have been addressed by moving the outputs to the rear.

Listen up

The sound is absolutely wonderful, and the unit is extremely quiet in operation. Unusually so for a valve unit, in fact, making it eminently suitable for digital quality recordings. Top marks to TLAudio for their solid state circuitry here, taming those wild valves before the final output, without losing warmth in the process. Whether running vocals, synth basses or guitars through the DVMP/DI, I was never less than impressed by the warmth and solidity this box adds to sounds.

With a response range which goes from 20Hz to 40kHz, this unit is ideal for everything from sub-bass dub and jungle tones through to sparkling tops for screaming guitar solos, and soaring vocal whoops. The warmth of valve circuitry adds a reassuring presence to any of these sounds that's like anything of quality: you might not notice it before it arrives, or indeed after, but you'll sure as hell notice its absence when it goes. (Reminds me of my wife — Ed)

It's that indefinable, 'quality of sound', factor that makes the difference between a bass line pumping the rhythm along, and just being there, doing its job mechanically. It is this very quality that has prompted UB40 to invest in TLAudio's valve mixer, a mixer which delivers similar results to the DVMP/DI with full EQ, and on 8 channels. The DVMP/DI places this magnificence within the reach of all of us.

The verdict

The surprising thing about the DVMP/DI is that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Given the impressive build quality and sound results, one would expect a unit of this calibre to retail in excess of £500. The fact that it comes in at a very affordable £382, places professional quality sound within reach of all of us.

A good DI box is simply one of the most useful items of kit in any modern studio these days. There are dozens of models to choose from out there, from a second hand practice amp to units costing several grand. The DVMP/DI does the job and more, delivering a sound I fell in love with on first hearing and, months later, I'm still exploring. I've sent two bits of kit to the knacker's yard since discovering its versatility with mic (and keyboard) signals. I'm not 'larking about', when I tell you they're going to have to prize this one away from me!