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Last updated: 15 Feb 2022

Improve Your Audio Output With The Best Channel Strips

Most Versatile
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Universal Audio Tube Channel Strip
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Best Output
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Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel
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Easiest to Use
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Manley Core Reference Channel Strip
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Best Budget
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Peavey PV 215EQ Graphic Equalizer
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Jack Stoneybrook
By Jack Stoneybrook
Published 7:25 pm
Show contents
  • 1 Universal Audio Tube Channel Strip
  • 2 Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel
  • 3 Manley Core Reference Channel Strip
  • 4 Peavey PV 215EQ Graphic Equalizer
  • 5 PreSonus Studio Channel

For any recording artist, good sound quality is a necessity. As you well know, it is impossible to achieve the required sound quality without the right equipment, and this is why you need a channel strip. A good channel strip can elevate your audio output by a lot, but a great one, a great one will shoot you up to stratospheric levels, producing sound fit for the gods. But this presents a problem, how do you know what channel strips qualify as great? How do you sieve the chaff from the wheat and choose a channel strip that is the perfect blend of functionality and affordability? Well, that's where we come in, we have put in the work and done the research to come up with a list of some of the best channel strips in 2021, along with a summary of some of those features that earn them this title.

Detailing the Best Channel Strip of 2022

1

Universal Audio Tube Channel Strip

– Most Versatile
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THE SCOOP

The Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II tube channel strip offers incredible sonic versatility and is an ideal front end for your studio. Its tube preamp/DI/EQ section is based on the popular console modules developed by Bill Putnam. Moreover, it offers an authentic Teletronix-style T4 optical compressor with true bypass.

Also, you get a large and instantly readable meter. This channel strip offers increased output and an auto-switching power supply, comes with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz. It supports analog Inputs of 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4″ (Hi-Z) and 1 x XLR analog outputs. We love it and we’re vouching for it!

Pros
  • The LA-610 MkII offers exceptional sound quality
  • Its rock-solid construction guarantees you years of use
  • It is remarkably easy to use
  • You get an authentic, Teletronix Style T4 Opto Compressor with it
Cons
  • It can be highly sibilant 
2

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel

– Best Output
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THE SCOOP

The Rupert Neve Designs is an upgrade to Mr. Neve’s renowned 80 Series channel module technology. It combines the sonic essence of the classical Ruben Neve designs with modern versatility. It features a dual-tap transformer output that provides both high and low headroom outputs without compromising performance. The output transformer features the Silk Red/Blue and Texture controls that let you customize the harmonic content and tonality of the output stage. The unit is designed to provide great quality on hi-Z sources. It has a diode bridge compressor with a side chain and stereo linking.

Pros
  • It has a dual-tap output transformer that gives both high and low headroom outputs while maintaining performance
  • The pre-amp/DI section has an incredible noise floor
  • It offers variable Silk saturation
Cons
  • There is no master output control
  • The unit generates a lot of heat
3

Manley Core Reference Channel Strip

– Easiest to Use
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THE SCOOP

The Manley Core reference tube channel strip is remarkably easy to use and is based on Manley’s award-winning VOXBOX! It has a class A tube mic pre-amplifier with hand-wound transformers. This channel strip can tame any signal transparently with its 3:1 ratio ELOP compressor and has flexible metering that displays input, output, and compressor gain reduction levels.

Moreover, it has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz and supports analog inputs of 1 x 1/4″, 2 x XLR, and 2 x XLR analog outputs. It is handcrafted to precise specifications and ensures maximum durability!

Pros
  • It has a great EQ section
  • It has an incredibly noisy floor
  • It is very easy to use with its intuitive controls
Cons
  • The compressor might need some getting used to
4

Peavey PV 215EQ Graphic Equalizer

– Best Budget
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THE SCOOP

The PV 215EQ graphic equalizer is a simple and affordable solution to equalization. It lets you select between 6db or 12db cut or boost over frequencies ranging from 25 Hz to 16 kHz. It comes with an 80 Hz, 24 dB low cut filter bypass switch with a status LED that helps remove rumble from open mics. The power source of this channel strip is a standard IEC AC cable. It features XLR balanced input and output and 45 mm center-detent control sliders. 

Pros
  • It is inexpensive
  • It is durable and offers great aesthetics
  • It features a bypass switch with status LED – comes in handy
Cons
  • A longer sweep on the sliders would be better
5

PreSonus Studio Channel

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THE SCOOP

The PreSonus Studio Channel is the perfect way to increase the audio quality of your recordings. It has a class A vacuum tube instrument preamplifier that is based on the immensely popular BlueTube preamplifier known for its high headroom and big tone. Its compressor has a fully variable, ultra-fast and smooth VCA-based circuit for the best musical output and for taming the fastest transients. It has a parametric EQ with 3 bands and a precision analog VU meter for gain reduction and output. It has a frequency response of 10Hz to 50KHz. It supports analog inputs of 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x 1/4″ (Line) and 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ analog outputs.

Pros
  • It has an ultra low noise design
  • It has a rugged metal chassis for increased durability
  • It gives excellent audio quality
Cons
  • The compressor could be better in our opinion

Buying Guide: Channel Strips

Channel strips are some of the most wonderful pieces of equipment man has ever invented. They are capable of providing a sonic experience that rivals anything the sirens of Greek mythology can offer. Exaggerations aside, any channel strip is likely to noticeably improve your audio output, but the best ones, elevate your sound in ways we cannot even begin to put into words! But how do you find these almost magical items? How do you make the right choice from the many models available on the market today? Yes, it can be a daunting task, but with expert guidance, anything is achievable. This buying guide will provide you with the guidance you seek.

What Is A Channel Strip?

A channel strip is a device that amplifies the output of a microphone or any other audio output to a line-level to be integrated into some other system. Typically, there’s a visual indicator that indicates audio level. A channel strip usually includes a microphone preamp, some form of audio equalization, a compressor, a noise gate, and a de-esser, to help remove high-frequency distortion from cymbals and other instruments.

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Channel Strip?

  • It improves sound quality and delivers a clearer and more accurate signal with less distortion and more detail and character.
  • It offers more gain or headroom.
  • It reduces noise.

What Factors Should I Consider Before Choosing A Channel Strip?

With channel strips, as with anything of any importance, it is important that you make the right choice to reap the benefits offered to the fullest. To make this choice, especially with the multitude of models available on the market today, there are certain features you must consider. Here, we run through the most important of these features in enough detail to give you the knowledge you need while being concise enough so as not to bore you.

Input Channels

One of the first things to consider when choosing a channel strip is how many inputs you'll need. Channel strips come with at least one mic input and a fine line output, but these models will not give you the flexibility to record vocals and instrumentals at the same time. For this, you need at least a dual input channel strip. 

Switchable Transformer Feature

The switchable transformer feature lets you select the impedance that works for you, this is especially useful in cases where you need to match the output and input impedance of the microphone and channel strip respectively. 

Gain

This is another important feature to consider when choosing a channel strip. You want a unit that offers you as much headroom as possible.

Low-cut Filter

A low-cut filter, also called a high pass filter, aids in getting rid of unwanted bass sound making it so your audio output is clearer. This filter eliminates all below 150Hz removing any low-end noise from your output. You should go with a preamp that offers this feature especially if you plan to record rap vocals.

Additional Features

Pay attention to the features the unit offers.  Most channel strips include a microphone preamp and an audio equalizer. But the best units include additional features like a compressor, a noise gate, and a de-esser. 

How Much Does A Channel Strip Cost?

Channel strips come with many different specifications and offer different features and all of these influence how much the unit will cost. Channel strips can cost anything between $150 and $7500.

Channel Strip FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a preamp and a channel strip?

A: A preamp is an electronic amplifier that prepares a signal for further processing while a channel strip consists of different processing tools including a preamp, EQ, de-esser, and more!

Q: Are channel strips worth it?

A: Yes, channel strips are a very effective way to improve your audio output. They allow you to amplify the output of an audio device to line level, for better mixing results!

Q: Why should I buy a channel strip?

A: Channel strips improve audio output quality, reduce noise and offer more gain. They allow you to handle your entire mixing workflow (EQ, compression, and gate, etc).

Jack Stoneybrook
By Jack Stoneybrook
Jack has been a touring guitarist for almost 20 years, playing in a number of country music and rock bands. Jack loves the road and defines himself as a never-ending student of the guitar and other important instruments or tools that make a musician.
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