Preamps and Processors:  Preamplifiers

Fishman PRO-EQ II preamp

Manufactured by: Fishman

This long-running and well-regarded preamp from Fishman has served countless players well for many years. Now, the newly upgraded and updated version features a tough injection-molded case with an easy access battery compartment, input trim control and new redesigned electronics.

The new electronics are quieter, cleaner and offer longer battery life than the original Pro EQ preamp. Simple but effective features include Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble and Brilliance sliders along with a phase switch (for feedback control) and sub-bass trim control. You can use this preamp with any type of piezo or magnetic pickup, be it for bass, guitar, or just about anything else with a pickup. A 9-volt battery is required, or you can use the AC adapter jack.

This is a great unit for those who need a dependable DI to run to a PA board or other device, with a couple of very useful features for live and studio work. It is especially useful for acoustic instruments; on this unit's big brother, the Platinum Bass, I've appreciated the phase switch and expanded tone control section when using it with my upright bass. Many of the same features are also on this more budget-friendly model.

Features and Specifications:

• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBV
• Input Overload (20 Hz to 20 kHz) +8 dBV
• Input Impedance: 10 MOhm
• Output Impedance: Less than 3.5 kOhm
• Nominal Output Level: -20 dBV with input gain control at minimum position
• -8 dBV with input gain control at maximum position
• THD: .015% at 1 kHz, -10 dBV input,
• -4 dBV output
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 93 dB (A weighted, -10 dBV input,-4 dBV output)
• Sub-Bass Control: 0 to +10 dB at 80 Hz
• Bass Control Range: ± 11dB at 60 Hz, ± 3 dB at 350 Hz
• Middle Control Range: ± 8 dB at 1.25 kHz, ± 3 dB bandwidth:1.5 kHz
• Treble Control Range: ± 11dB at 10 kHz, ± 3 dB at 2.4 kHz
• Brilliance Control Range: ± 9 dB at 9 kHz, ± 3 dB bandwidth: 7 kHz
• Current Drain: Less than 2.6 mA
• Power Supply: 9V alkaline battery (estimated 220 hours continuous use)

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