Soyuz Lakeside Preamp

A "Console" Approach: The Choice of Discrete Components and Transformers

In the world of studio preamps, fully discrete Class A designs with custom-wound transformers remain a benchmark for those seeking an immediate "hardware" feel: substance, dynamic load handling, and progressive harmonic saturation when pushing the gain. This architecture emphasizes the signal path, with particular care given to the input and output stages to achieve a robust, detailed, and coherent sound, whether on a solo vocal or in a dense mix.

Intended Uses and Profiles

This 1-channel preamplifier is aimed at demanding home studios, recording studios, and producers who want a premium channel for main sources. It excels on vocals (pop, rap, voice-over), acoustic guitars, overheads, strings, or any source where presence without harshness is desired. Its front-panel DI input also makes it an excellent choice for capturing bass or guitar with a stable signal before processing (amplifiers, simulations, reamping).

During recording, the high-pass filter helps save time in mixing: unnecessary low frequencies (footsteps, air conditioning noise, mic stand vibrations) are eliminated at the source while preserving the instrument's body. The 19-inch format facilitates rack integration, whether in a fixed control room or mobile setup.

Key Features: Gain, Filter, and Headroom

Gain Boost: From Finesse to Impact

The Gain Boost from 10 to 60 dB in 5 dB steps allows quick and repeatable adjustment. This is particularly useful in the studio when switching between microphones and sources or recalling a session. The gain range covers both weak signals and very close miking while maintaining a sense of control over transients.

Inductive High-Pass Filter: Musical Low-End Cleanup

The inductive high-pass filter, with an 18 dB per octave slope, offers a cutoff frequency range from 40 to 330 Hz. This allows for a "surgical" cutoff for vocals (rumble, vibrations) or a higher cutoff to clear space for bass and kick drum. The inductive approach aims for a natural and musical behavior, highly appreciated when cleaning without impoverishing the sound.

Front-Panel DI: Instruments and Machines Directly into the Preamp

Thanks to the 6.3 mm Jack DI input, an instrument can be connected without an external direct box. With a DI input impedance specified above 1 MOhm, the preamp is suited to preserve the attack and brightness of a guitar or bass while providing a solid foundation for subsequent processing (compression, saturation, amp sim).

Headroom and Output Level: Comfortable Margin

With a maximum output rated up to +27 dBu at 0.2 percent THD and +31 dBu at 1.5 percent THD, this preamp is designed to handle high levels. This margin helps maintain dynamics, avoid transient squashing, and intentionally choose the point where character is added.

Technical specifications

Number of channels

1

Rack unit

1

Gain Boost	10 to 60 dB in 5 dB steps	Frequency response	20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (+/-0.5 dB) (40 dB Gain)
Inductive high-pass filter	40 to 330 Hz	Equivalent input noise	120 dB (40 dB Gain)
Cutoff filter slope 18 dB per octave (-3 dB)	40, 55, 70, 90, 120, 150, 180, 220, 270, 330 Hz	THD+N	< 0.02 percent (40 dB Gain)
Microphone input impedance	1.2 kOhm	Max output	+27 dBu (0.2 percent THD), +31 dBu (1.5 percent THD)
DI input impedance	> 1 MOhm	Dimensions	483 x 216 x 44 mm
Output impedance	< 80 Ohm	Weight	5.9 kg