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Roll Music TUBULE Description
The RMS5A7 Tubule from Roll Music Systems.
A real, transformer-coupled tube microphone preamplifier in the convenient
package you never thought possible.
At long last, all the warm sweet satisfaction of a real transformer-coupled,
high-voltage vacuum tube microphone preamplifier in the convenient and
cost-effective 500-series modular format.
With the
explosion of new modular products for the 500-series frames sold by various
manufacturers, user requests for a tube-based module have been met almost universally
with claims by designers and engineers that it couldn't be done. We took that
as a dare. The result is not only a technological achievement, but a sonic
masterstroke.
The RMS5A7 Tubule from Roll Music Systems combines the full-featured convenience
of a modern mike preamp module with the rich, satisfying sound of a
transformer-coupled, all-tube preamp evocative of the elusive bygone classics.
This is not a wimpy starved-plate design, nor is it an op-amp based preamp with
a tube stuck on top for marketing appeal. It?s all tubes and iron, with
sophisticated modern power management circuitry to generate the high-voltage
plate supply and high-current heater supply to power the tube. Careful design
of this high-efficiency power circuit allows the Tubule to work within the
space and power consumption limitations of a single module.
Robust transformer coupling and flexible, wide-ranging gain controls make the
Tubule perfectly suited to everything from low-output vintage ribbon mikes to
the hottest modern condensers. The input pad, attenuator and gain control also
work together to provide a wide tonal variety. For the cleanest tones, keep the
input attenuator up and the gain control low. For more rich tube coloration,
engage the input pad and turn the attenuator down in order to use a higher gain
setting without overloading the Tubule or other devices in the signal chain.
The continuously-variable input attenuator also allows for very accurate gain
settings that can be easily recalled.
The RMS5A7 Tubule from Roll Music Systems is available from our network of
friendly, expert dealers for $1000.
View Tubule
Product Brochure (PDF)
View Tubule
Product Manual (Coming Soon!)
Roll Music TUBULE Specifications
- Equivalent
Input Noise (66dB gain, 150 source): -121dBu
- Input
Impedance: 1200
- Recommended
Source Impedance: 150
- Maximum
Input Level: +22dBu rms
- Maximum
Output Level: +25dBu rms
- Output
Impedance: <300 balanced
- Recommended
Load Impedance: >10k balanced
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Gain
Range: 3dB steps, 33-66dB
- Input
Attenuator: Variable, -10 to 0dB
- Input Pad: Switchable,
-20dB
- Frequency
Response: +/-1dB, 10Hz-50kHz
- Power
Requirements: optional for optimal headroom
- +/-16V @
0.090A: +48V @ 0.003A
- Vacuum Tube:
12DW7 / ECC832 / 7247
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Roll Music Tubule
Review / See
All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
You wouldn’t think a real tube
preamp could be achieved or done very well in the 500 format, but Justin and
Johnny sure figured this one out nicely. With a -20dB pad, phantom and phase
reverse available, it’s topped off nicely by the ability to gain stage it in
different ways between the input gain and output gain.
The harmonic content produced by the
Tubule is very, very nice. On things like electric guitar it’s kind of scary
what it actually can bring to the table (always loved this pre on guitar cabs).
It’s not a driven sort of sound but a lively, harmonically rich thing that puts
sounds in a unique space if that makes sense. You can pad it, turn down the
output and bring the input up for more of this if you like. The Tubule doesn’t
do “clean” all the way, but clean enough. I love the fact that it doesn’t just
break up like a guitar fuzz box, but rather has a very rich and “alive” sound
when pushed.
Conclusion: Has a way of putting
things in its own space, with singing harmonics. It really is a stand out not
only in tube preamps but in the 500 series for sure.
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