Behringer MIC500 USB mic tube preamp (2010s) - 1000 epochs

The Behringer MIC500 USB is a compact tube preamplifier and audio interface equipped with XLR and line inputs, balanced outputs, USB recording capability and a set of preset voicings for vocals, instruments and general tone shaping. It accepts microphones, line sources and instruments, providing portable analog coloration with a hybrid gain structure. My unit runs a NOS Brimar 12AU7 ECC82 WA instead of the stock tube, which gives it a smoother response and a wider dynamic feel. I especially enjoy using this device for mono processing of analog synthesizers where it adds weight, presence and a rounded tube texture. I still need to try it with guitars and basses and I have no doubt it can shine there as well thanks to its saturation behavior and flexible gain staging. For this capture I did not use any additional preamp in the chain. I selected the neutral setting to keep the result as flexible as possible for any workflow or signal path. The resulting profile is warm, open and adaptable, ready to complement anything from synths to strings.