Bring Out the Best in Any Sound Source
Able to coax exceptional sonic detail out of any source, the Avalon U5 is a high-voltage, Class A instrument and DI preamplifier with wide-ranging input compatibility. Melding novel passive tone shaping with a variable-gain preamp and practical filtering options, this premium-caliber unit accommodates the gamut of high-impedance sound sources, both passive and active, with equal assurance. A well-known studio staple since 1995, the U5 DI-preamp has also found its way into world-famous musician rigs, as it's celebrated for its deep, controlled bass response as well as its ear-grabbing musical character. Moreover, the U5’s minimal-signal-path design, six ear-grabbing Tone Shape selections, High Cut filter, convenient headphone monitoring, and flexible output options certify a versatile, low-noise solution that tackles studio and stage applications with equal aplomb. Engineers searching for a direct box that’s a substantial cut above the rest will find themselves reaching for the U5 again and again.
Refined musicality for every instrument
Combining a unique passive Tone Shape selector with a variable-gain preamp offering up to +30dB of boost and a noise-reducing High Cut filter, the U5 delivers remarkable versatility for a wide range of instruments. Its hi‑Z input accepts everything from acoustic-electric instruments to high-output active electric basses and keyboards. We’ve been ardent U5 users here at Sweetwater since its original unveiling in 1995, and it’s proven to be far more than a standard direct box, imparting a refined musicality to any source and elevating productions whether you’re working in the studio or performing onstage.
Premium minimum-signal-path design
Housing a variable-gain, Class A preamplifier, the Avalon U5 boosts low-level pickup signals, while a 400-watt Speaker In jack allows you to capture the live sound of the instrument’s amplifier. Additionally, six passive Tone Shape options offer first-class audio enhancement that complements every sound source. The High Cut switch is ideal for eliminating unpleasant acoustic pickup artifacts and high-frequency noise, while the headphone amp facilitates straightforward personal monitoring. Twin DC-coupled Class A output amplifiers drive both low-level microphone preamp inputs and high-level +4dB inputs for direct-to-DAW recording or processing. You also get an Active to Thru switch, enabling you to select either the instrument input directly or to route the boosted-equalized signal to the amplifier via the front-panel Thru Out jack. Finally, an Earth Lift switch makes short work of grounding issues and unwanted AC buzz, all while ensuring absolute safety.
Avalon: pure Class A excellence redefined
Founded by Wynton R. Morro, Avalon strives to bring music recording closer to the authenticity of a live performance. The company is renowned for its pure Class A designs, built with 100% discrete, high-bias amplifiers and minimal-path circuitry, engineered to deliver next-level high-fidelity sound. Melding premium components such as sealed silver relays, balanced DC‑coupled high‑current drivers, discrete linear regulators, and low‑noise toroidal transformers, Avalon products achieve unrivaled headroom, dynamic transparency, and musical clarity. Continuously demonstrating an unwavering dedication to sonic excellence, Avalon produces what’s among the most transparent and harmonically rich analog gear in the industry, wielded by top studio engineers and live-sound experts all over the world. When you want to experience sound in its purest form, the answer is Avalon.
Avalon U5 Features:
- A high-voltage, Class A instrument and DI preamp with Avalon’s famous minimum-signal-path design
- hi‑Z input accepts everything from acoustic-electric instruments to high-output active electric basses and keyboards
- 400W Speaker In jack captures the live sound of the instrument’s amplifier
- Variable-gain preamp offers up to +30dB of boost
- 6 passive Tone Shape options offer 1st-class audio enhancement
- High Cut switch eliminates unpleasant acoustic pickup artifacts and HF noise
- Headphone amp facilitates straightforward personal monitoring
- Flexible Mic Level and Line Level outputs
- Active to Thru switch selects either the hi-Z input directly or routes the boosted-EQed signal to the front-panel Thru Out jack
- Earth Lift switch makes short work of grounding issues
- Vivid LED active signal indicator
