Thorax

Consisting of a valve mic preamplifier, switchable passive EQ and an optical compressor, Thorax is a channel strip in a class of it’s own.

The all-new Thorax is more than just another channel strip with nice specs. It has some unique Sebatron circuitry and features that will enable you to create new tonal possibilities. The preamplifier section is an expansion of the VMP series circuit with more possibilities in the switchable passive EQ and more valve warmth available via the Colour control. It can be driven ultra clean for transparency or pushed through warm valve tones and into sweet distortion.

The E.Q network operates at the extremities of the audio bandwidth. Upper frequencies can easily be boosted with the ‘ air ‘ selector without sounding harsh or false. This happens before any active circuitry so noise is kept to a minimum. Similarly, frequencies in the lower spectrum are easily contoured by the ‘ deep ‘ control which operates from the 300hz region downwards. The EQ network can be hard bypassed and is also interactive with the ‘ pad ‘ switch to attain an even wider range of colours and textures, many of which are unavailable on other units.

Thorax’s compressor stage uses a unique Sebatron-designed optically driven gain reduction circuit that gives fast, tight control over the dynamics of a signal with a minimum of colouration. It has controls for Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release, with the attack/release factor switchable over three ranges. Makeup gain is provided by a valve stage with a three position Drive control.

This audio path is complemented by a large, easy to read VU meter that can be switched to indicate preamp or main output level or compressor gain reduction.

Thorax is available NOW!

The VMP Series of Preamplifiers (2000, 2000VU, 4000)

The VMP Series of preamplifiers from Sebatron is aimed at filling in the gap between ‘transparent’ amplification and ‘coloured’ or character preamplifiers. They can be driven lightly for pure, almost transparent sounds with just an edge of true valve tone or slammed into thick distortion, with a spectrum of colours available in between.

Each VMP channel consists of:
-: a transformer balanced microphone input for reliability, ease of use and sound quality
-: individual phantom power with LED indication
-: DI for direct instrument or line input
-: passive switchable EQ for the extreme high and low registers - very practical when tracking
-: a 12AT7 vacuum tube run at a proper high tension providing all of the active gain
-: switchable PAD control which varies negative feedback around the valve, controlling colour
-: solid state, discrete Class A output stage, powered by a high voltage rail for superior headroom and transient response
-: switchable output phase
-: XLR and TRS balanced outputs

All units are housed in steel chassis’ with quality hardware. Everything is hand built using single sided circuit boards and discrete components for easy servicing. We refuse to use integrated circuits because of their lack of character and other limitations they impose on a circuit. It is easy to produce purity from a chip, but it is nigh on impossible to squeeze out soulful tones. A properly tuned valve circuit (i.e. not a starved tube used as an effect) subtly compresses and harmonically enhances the signal in an organic and musical fashion, providing the warmth and punch associated with tape that is missing from purely digital systems. Sebatron VMP preamps have also proven popular as line level devices for adding organic richness to synths, amp simulators, stem mixes or even over a complete mix.

The legendary preamplifiers of the past are known for their clarity and warmth and the ability to stack well across multiple tracks and still sound good. Many of the originals now show their age and the limitations of the technology of the time, often having higher noise floors than modern gear or other quirks that were once buried by the limitations of tape but are now revealed by high resolution digital recording, but the vintage equipment market is thriving with people selling gear and even parts for extreme prices. There is also a large portion of the industry based around reproducing these classics with varying degrees of quality and originality, often at ridiculous prices. We haven’t copied anyone else, a Sebatron VMP is not directly comparable with any other preamp, past or present. Sebatron designed the VMP Series to be in the same sonic class as the classics, with many happy customers writing to us to confirm that their VMP holds it head high among their racks of vintage and ultra high end gear. A pure and simple design philosophy based around a minimal signal path and a dedication to getting the best from standard rather than esoteric parts means that we can offer top end sonics at a mid range price.

Many high end preamplifiers and most modern mixers, including many low end models, boast very low noise, high gain and a very clean and transparent sound. While these characteristics are desirable to have in your arsenal, an entire mix done with this equipment often sounds very flat, uninspired and downright boring, especially when recorded straight to digital and then mixed in the box. A Sebatron VMP will complement and add to this style of preamp, giving your sounds that little kick in the pants required to lift them above the ordinary, while still stacking up well across multiple tracks.

There is also a wide range of preamps available that have distinct and unique character, but they are often plagued by a high noise floor, lack of bandwidth, poor transient response and sometimes too many ‘features’ that may ‘enhance’ a sound, but to little useful effect. While these units can be absolutely brilliant on one or two tracks in a mix, they are not very useful for the majority of tracking, muddying the sound and getting in the way. They can be like a rich dessert, the finishing touch on top of a big meal, but you don’t want to live off it... A Sebatron VMP can be pushed into rich tones that ooze creamy warmth, distinctly different to anything else out there, while still keeping noise and other distractions to a minimum. It will add some unique and useful colours to your sound palette.

The VMP Series feature identical circuitry across all models, from the dual channel VMP-2000 up to the quad channel VMP-4000e. The VMP-1000e and VMP-2000e are also available with large, clear VU meters for signal level indication and keeping the extras amused while you get on with the mix.

Get yourself one today and see what it can do for your sound.

The VMP Series consists of Five models:
The Single Channel VMP-1000e and VMP-1000eVU
The Dual Channel VMP-2000e and VMP-2000eVU
The Quad Channel VMP-4000e