Heritage Audio TUBESTRIP Tube Channel Strip

Shape Any Source with the Heritage Audio TUBESTRIP All-Tube Ultimate Channel Strip

The Heritage Audio TUBESTRIP is an all-tube recording channel strip designed to take on vocals, instruments, and line-level sources with rich tone, flexible dynamics, and complete signal-shaping control. With a tube preamp, inductor-based EQ, Vari-Mu compressor, optical tube compressor, de-essing option, and final output control, the TUBESTRIP gives engineers and producers a complete analog front end in one powerful 3U unit.

• All-tube signal path from input to output
• Unique tube-based preamp with special Morph tone-shaping capabilities
• Up to 60 dB of voltage gain for microphone, line-level, and DI instrument sources
• Triode, Pentode, and UltraLinear preamp modes for flexible tonal character
• 4 carefully selected tubes, including NOS tubes for the preamp and Vari-Mu sections and JJ tubes for the output stage
• 4 custom-made transformers for the main input, main output, Vari-Mu input, and Vari-Mu output
• Intuitive inductor-based EQ inspired by a classic English studio design
• Vari-Mu compression for thickness, energy, and dynamic control
• Smooth optical tube compression for leveling, density, and peak control
• De-essing option with frequency adjustment for transparent sibilance control
• Convenient output control for level matching into downstream gear or audio interfaces
• Sturdy 3U rackmount build with universal built-in power supply

Pure Tube Power

The TUBESTRIP combines four essential processors into one convenient all-tube recording channel. Packed with carefully selected tubes, custom-made transformers, and custom inductors, it is built to deliver an exciting, evocative sound that brings recordings to life.

Drawing from Heritage Audio’s engineering knowledge and some of its most respected designs, the TUBESTRIP is more than a collection of separate processors. It is designed as one coherent instrument, allowing each stage of the signal path to work together naturally.

Morph Tube Preamp

The TUBESTRIP begins with a transformer-coupled tube preamp offering up to 60 dB of voltage gain. Its Morph section allows users to shape the preamp response by selecting and blending between different operating modes.

Triode mode emphasizes warmth and smoothness, Pentode mode adds bite and attitude, and UltraLinear mode sits between the two for a balanced response. The preamp is designed to handle microphone, line-level, and DI instrument sources, making it useful for vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, room microphones, and acoustic instruments.

Type 69 Inspired Inductor EQ

The inductor-based EQ section is inspired by a legendary English studio design from the late 1960s. Its musical layout gives engineers a fast and effective way to sweeten, soften, enlarge, or focus a sound depending on the source and recording goal.

Vari-Mu Compression

The Vari-Mu compressor provides dynamic control while adding thickness, movement, and excitement. Based on Heritage Audio’s LANG P.Lane design with Seawell Mod inspiration, this section is designed to maintain transients and let the signal breathe, even under heavier compression.

A dedicated switch allows the order of the EQ and Vari-Mu compressor to be changed, giving users more flexibility when shaping tone and dynamics.

Optical Tube Compression and De-Essing

The optical compressor section adds smooth leveling, classic density, and peak control. It is especially useful for vocals, helping smooth out performances while adding a polished tube character.

This section can also operate as a natural-sounding de-esser with adjustable frequency control, helping reduce harsh sibilance in a transparent and musical way.

Final Output Control

The output section provides an attenuator covering a range from -14 dB to +6 dB. This allows users to fine-tune the level feeding the next piece of gear or audio interface, even after heavy onboard processing.

A Complete Channel Strip for Tracking and Sculpting

For decades, achieving high-end recording results meant owning a room full of dedicated processors and knowing which unit to use on each source. The TUBESTRIP brings tube preamplification, EQ, compression, de-essing, and output control together in one signal path, giving users a powerful analog channel strip for shaping vocals, drums, guitars, bass, keys, room mics, acoustic instruments, and more.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

• Product Type: All-tube ultimate channel strip
• Format: 3U rackmount
• Signal Path: All tube from input to output
• Processors: Tube preamp, inductor-based EQ, Vari-Mu compressor, optical tube compressor, de-esser, output attenuator
• Weight: 7.6 kg / 16.8 lb
• Power Supply: Universal built-in power supply

Preamp

• Preamp Type: Transformer-coupled tube-based amplifier
• Gain: Up to 60 dB
• Source Compatibility: Microphone, line-level, and DI instrument sources
• Morph Modes: Triode, Pentode, UltraLinear
• Preamp Output Attenuator: Included

EQ

• EQ Type: Inductor-based EQ
• Design Inspiration: Type 69-style English studio EQ
• Application: Sweetening, softening, enlarging, and focusing source material

Compression

• Compressor 1: Vari-Mu tube compressor
• Compressor 2: Optical tube compressor
• De-Esser: Optical compressor can be used as a de-esser with frequency adjustment
• Routing: Switchable EQ and Vari-Mu compressor order

Output

• Output Control Range: -14 dB to +6 dB
• Purpose: Level matching into downstream gear or audio interface inputs

Components

• Tubes: 4 carefully selected tubes
• Tube Selection: NOS tubes for the preamp and Vari-Mu sections, JJ tubes for the output stage
• Transformers: 4 custom-made transformers
• Transformer Locations: Main input, main output, Vari-Mu input, Vari-Mu output
• Inductors: Custom-made inductors

We are Musictoner Musictoner

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Musictoner has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.