Baroni R-1970 Tube Preamp

A modern "amp-in-a-box" format at the heart of Baroni Lab's philosophy

With this series of 5 preamps, Baroni Lab offers a very direct approach: to recapture the behavior and tonal balance of classic amplifiers while benefiting from a pedal format that's easy to integrate into a modern setup. The idea is not just to add gain but to reproduce the feel of an amp channel, with dynamic response and EQ faithful to the reference model.

The central point is the combination of a high-voltage tube preamp and the fully analog VARICAB circuit, designed to bring more depth, definition, or impact with a single control depending on the setting.

Who is this tube preamp for?

This preamp/DI is aimed at guitarists who want a consistent amp tone in all situations, without relying on a backline and without complicating their setup with a digital chain. It suits intermediate to advanced players looking for a reliable solution for studio, live, and "fly rig" pedalboards.

Perfect for rock, blues, pop, indie, and broadly all styles where playing dynamics and the color of a tube preamp make a difference. On stage, the XLR output facilitates connection to a mixing console or PA system; in the home studio, integration with an audio interface is seamless.

Controls, analog architecture, and connectivity: everything for simple integration

The signal path remains 100% analog, with a class A preamp based on a 12AX7 and an analog VARICAB to quickly adjust the overall feel (depth, clarity, punch). The EQ is designed to stay faithful to the behavior of the original reference model targeted by the pedal, providing immediate familiar landmarks under the fingers.

Regarding routing, everything is planned for use "like a real amp": a serial effects loop allows placing delay, reverb, and modulation effects after the preamp saturation, while the XLR output has its own volume control to easily adapt to a console or interface input.

The sound

You get a very "amp-like" character: a lively attack, natural compression when pushing the preamp, and a response that follows the nuances of pick and fingerstyle playing. The tone can range from a more open and defined sound to a denser and punchier texture, with a sense of depth that helps the guitar sit in a mix, whether in tight clean, crunch, or more muscular sounds depending on the series model.

The VARICAB adds an immediately musical dimension: rather than multiplying controls, it acts as a "master behavior" control, handy for adapting your tone to a bright PA, a duller studio recording, or a pedalboard already loaded with effects.

Technical specifications

Category	electric preamp	Pre-amp tubes	12AX7
Technology	Tubes	EQ	3-band + presence
Format	Pedal	Headphone output	No
Effects loop	Yes	Color	Orange

Dimensions	13 x 9 x 4 cm	Required power supply	12V DC
Weight	300 g	Consumption	500 mA