HLabs PRE169DC SEPIA Module

The HLabs PRE169DC SEPIA Module is a single-width, mono microphone preamplifier for the Sepia modular environment that faithfully recreates the Studer 169 input stage while extending the original design with a Carnhill transformer-coupled output, offering exceptionally wide gain range, low noise performance and a subtly enhanced tonal weight suited to modern recording workflows.

Studer 169 Heritage with Modern Refinement

The PRE169DC recreates the highly regarded input topology of the original Studer 169 console, a design known for its clarity, stability and broad dynamic capability. HLabs preserves the transparent character of the original circuit while integrating contemporary component tolerances and power handling within the Sepia environment, ensuring consistent performance across the full 67 dB gain range. This approach delivers the unmistakable Studer neutrality while meeting current professional studio expectations.

Transformer-Coupled Output with Added Harmonic Weight

To complement the clean Studer-derived input stage, the PRE169DC uses a large Carnhill VT24499 output transformer, the same model found in Neve 51-series consoles. This transformer introduces controlled harmonic density and low-frequency authority without obscuring transient detail. Integrated into the Sepia ecosystem, the design balances precision with musical thickness, allowing engineers to add subtle character without sacrificing intelligibility.

Wide Gain Range and Precise Level Control

The microphone preamplifier provides up to 67 dB of gain, making it suitable for low-output dynamic and ribbon microphones as well as modern condensers within Sepia-based systems. A -33 dB pad allows safe handling of high-level sources such as drums or amplified instruments, while the output level control enables precise gain staging from unity down to -30 dB, supporting both tracking and line-level interfacing inside the Sepia environment.

High-Pass Filtering and Signal Integrity

A continuously variable high-pass filter operates from 20 Hz to 315 Hz with a 12 dB per octave slope, allowing engineers to remove unwanted low-frequency energy at the source. This filtering stage supports cleaner recordings and improved headroom while maintaining phase coherence across Sepia-configured signal chains. Polarity reversal further assists with multi-microphone alignment and corrective phase management during recording.

Low Noise Performance and Reliable Connectivity

The PRE169DC achieves an equivalent input noise of -125 dBu at maximum gain, ensuring quiet operation even when driven hard in dense Sepia systems. A Neutrik NTM-4 input transformer provides consistent impedance matching at 1.2 kΩ and preserves signal integrity across a wide frequency range from 6.2 Hz to 25 kHz within ±1 dB. Switchable 48 V phantom power supports condenser microphones with stable and safe voltage delivery.

Why Choose the HLabs PRE169DC

• Integrates seamlessly into the Sepia modular environment

• Captures sources with clarity while adding musical weight when driven

• Handles everything from delicate vocals to high-output instruments with ease

• Encourages confident gain staging through wide control and low noise

• Preserves classic console tone in a compact Sepia-ready format

• Studer 169-inspired microphone preamplifier designed for the Sepia environment
• Mono channel design in a single-width Sepia modular format
• Up to 67 dB of clean and stable microphone gain
• Carnhill VT24499 output transformer for added harmonic depth
• Neutrik NTM-4 input transformer with consistent impedance matching
• Variable 12 dB per octave high-pass filter from 20 Hz to 315 Hz
• -33 dB pad for high-level signal handling
• Output level control from 0 to -30 dB for precise gain staging
• Switchable polarity inversion for phase correction
• Low equivalent input noise of -125 dBu at maximum gain
• Wide frequency response from 6.2 Hz to 25 kHz
• Switchable 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.