The Kerwax Replica is a two-channel tube line preamplifier based on the Kerwax Studio 24-channel vacuum tube mixing console.
The Kerwax Replica is inspired by tube amplifiers designed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Integrated into a 5U rack chassis, it lets you exploit the different characteristics of vacuum tubes, such as compression and distortion. As a result, this line preamp offers a rich tone and thick texture not available in today’s modern digital equipment.
At the heart of each channel lie two 12AX7 valves, one for the preamplification stage and the other for saturation purposes. These valves have been used for their wide variety of sources. However, they are easily swapped for different tones.
Its distinctive sound can be further tweaked with the Trim and Bias controls that let you adjust the depth of your sound and its harmonic content. As you increase the gain, more saturation is produced, giving you the thickness that only valve preamp can provide.
Furthermore, this stunning preamp boasts a two-band EQ with gentle Baxandall curves that offer musical and smooth tone-shaping capabilities. It also includes a switchable High-pass filter with a choice of two frequencies, 80Hz and 120Hz, to remove unwanted low-end information.
The Kerwax Replica is a fantastic tool for mixing and mastering. It offers a choice between L/R for individual track processing or M/S to control the stereo image, making it ideal for mastering operations.
ABOUT KERWAX STUDIO
The Kerwax Replica comes from Kerwax Studio, a residential all-analogue recording studio based in Brittany, France. It is fully loaded with vintage equipment from the 1940s to 1970, carefully collected by Christophe Chavanon, a passionate engineer and collector.