MicPre with built-in DI ?

Love the idea of adding the DI…but I’d love to see either a mono or stereo unit too. Quad is probably out of my price range.

If you are going to do it: two makes more sense to me too !

As a big OLLA fan I say 2 too.

Thanks for the input so far.

Though the 1U chassis can offer as many as 4 channels, the LAGUNA is scalable.  It can be ordered with 1, 2, 3 or 4 channels installed. 

Alas, the chassis is already totally stuffed with guts and I can only fit this DI bonus feature into the 1st channel.   No room for more. 
Here is a concept drawing...



Each channel has a mic input, and two line outputs.  One is transformer and the other transformerless.  Both operate at the same time giving two sonic flavors and multiple routing options.  

I will go against the grain and say we all have our favourite DI boxes so if this DI is not up to your highest standard then leave it out and people can just use there own. At some point it could be a $$ priced upgrade option if a customer wants it.
Having no DI and being slightly cheaper is a bigger bonus for me if I was to buy my first piece Pueblo Audio gear.

A DI or two in a pre is always a good addition.

Good post. Makes me want to amend my post.
If there is going to be an added DI, then I think there should be at lesat two (not one).
But it is perfectly fine not to add a DI at all for the reasons you stated.  Thank you.

Indeed, this is the perspective that I am wrestling with (and the reason for my post).  This "utility" DI input would only add maybe $35 to the price tag.  It might be helpful and add some versatility to LAGUNA, but it would not be the ultimate expression of direct injection, as our OLLA DI is.  This is what I am going back and forth on.

It is common for an output transformer to just be added on to an existing circuit to convert the single ended amp to a balanced output.  Or to claim transformer "color".  In LAGUNA, the signal path is completely balanced with its transformer being integral to circuit functions.  A design could employ a step-up output transformer for added gain but I have found them to be unnecessarily blurry.  +60dB is plenty of gain for the majority of  music recording scenarios.  


Over the years I have received requests and suggestions about our JR-Series preamps.  I decided to condense this wish list into a new product that retains the high standards of Pueblo products in a more standard form factor.  As for sonics, well, maybe you're someone who likes classic/vintage preamps but sometimes wishes for a little less noise, more focus and tracks that stack more easily in the mix?  Or maybe you're a person who goes for clean, life-like sound but could use just one more "click" of harmonic energy and punch?  If so then I think LAGUNA hits that sweet spot.

I appreciate your input!

The pro audio equipment world is only becoming more competitive. More features will only help you compete.

Especially in a preamp offering!

Speaking of using a quad preamp for drums.... I've been trying to tell this to manufacturers (but to no avail) for almost two decades now.

If you're going to build a quad preamp and want it to appeal to AEs for drum rec, put this simple option on each channel. A simple push button that does this, cleans up the mud!
It is so easy. It doesn't have to be exactly this, but this is my recommendation.



Can you consider doing this, Pueblo Audio?

My general mind set is to design gear that offers solutions to problems that are not yet solved (or at least not solved as well as they should) . My style is to solve at fundamental operational levels.  The JR-Series solved my desire to better capture the tone, atmosphere and performer's personality under remote recording situations.  Not with questionable voicing via EQ or saturation.  Rather by supporting both mics and preamps to reach their best resolution potentials in the face of location recording challenges like high emi, poor power service, long cable runs, etc.. (boy that sounds like hyperbole but it’s my honest goal.)

Laguna seeks to address needs of the studio environment while accommodating more pop related aesthetics.  Integrating a transformer to achieve that by advantage of their natural properties of balance, galvanic isolation and (with high performance xfrmrs) tasteful harmonic relief.  Again, solving issues at fundamental levels.

I am currently updating our website to compare and contrast the merits of our various models. Should be live in the next week or two.

Love these specs for your JR clean pres. I would think they would be great with DPAs and Schoeps on a Steinway, orchestral, etc.

puebloaudio.com/jr-series-preamps.html

Since you have the DC inputs, how is the impedence for ribbons? Is a higher impedence desired there?

Thank you for your great work and thank you for posting on this awesome forum!