Get the ultimate tone for bass or other DI applications with this high-power preamp from Avalon. The U5 high-voltage DI-preamp combines a unique passive tone selector with a variable gain preamp and filter. The high input impedance accepts a wide variety of signal levels and instruments from acoustic guitars to high-output active bass guitars and keyboards. The U5 direct box is loaded with sonic character and user features professionals demand.The U5 includes a variable gain Class A preamplifier to boost low level pickup signals and a high level speaker input for capturing the live sound of the instruments amplifier. Six passive tone-EQ curves are also included to enhance a variety of acoustic and electric instruments. A high-cut switch eliminates unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, while a headphone monitor amp has been included for personal listening. Twin DC coupled Class A output amplifiers drive both low level microphone preamp inputs and high level +4dB inputs for direct to tape recording or processing. The active-to-thru switch selects either the instrument input directly or sends the boosted-equalized signal to the amplifier via the front panel jack. A ground isolation switch eliminates any possible earth loop or AC buzz problems with complete safety.Specifications:Pure Class A, 100% discrete designSmooth musical detail and sonic excellenceVariable gain preamp to +30 dBDual microphone and line outputsHi-Z 3,000,000 ohm input impedanceVery low noise -100dBHigh headroom +30dBSix tone bank selectionsDC coupled Class A output for superior bassHigh cut switch eliminates noiseLED active signal indicatorHeadphone monitor output jackLow distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMDHigh level 400 watt speaker inputActive to thru selector – ground isolation switch100% discrete power supplies for audio pathInternal toroidal power supply for low noiseLong lasting, stainless steel hardwareCircuit Topology: 100% discrete, high-voltage Class AGain: Switched 3dB steps, maximum gain +30dBInput Impedance: 3 ,000,000 ohm unbalanced (single ended)Maximum Input Level +24dBu unbalanced, 400w speaker inputOutput Connectors (2): XLR type, pin 2 hot electronic balancedMaximum Output Level (Class A): +30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out)Headphone Output: 0.5w into 600 ohmsNoise 20kHz Unweighted: -100dBu minimum gain positionDistortion THD, IMD: 0.1% at +10dBFrequency Response, -/+0.5dB: 5Hz to 100kHzFrequency Response, -3dB: 1Hz to 500kHz (input band limited)High Cut Filter: -3dB at 8kHz minimum phase designTone Selector: Six position rotary switch, all passive filtersAC Power: Internal toroidal AC supplyDimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in; 12 lbsRack kits available optionally which mount single or dual U5 and/or M5 units in 19″ rack