HEL TUBE PREAMP
The new V2 HEL PCB TUBE PREAMP is exactly like the handwired version only using a high quality and rugged 2mm thick PCB with 2oz copper traces for a faster, more affordable build.
Same thick, heavy, tones.
Same parts and components.
Brand new look at a more affordable price.
(Don’t worry, The handwired version is still available)
The HEL tube preamp is a handwired, high voltage, high gain tube preamp in an enclosure to be placed in front of a single channel tube amp, effectively making that amp a two channel amp. It can also be used into an FX loop or power amplifier.
Do not think of this preamp as a “pedal”. It is completely unlike the vast majority of "tube overdrive" pedals on the market which, unlike a true tube preamp, run plate voltages at a fraction of their operating voltage.
The HEL uses an AC wall voltage transformer which supplies both 6.3v AC to the filaments and over 200v DC to the plates of two 12AX7 preamp tubes. Available in 120 only or switchable 115v/220-240v
The HEL tone stack was designed by BLACKHAWK over years of R&D.
While it was originally influenced by the DR103, it has been so heavily modified and provides such an extreme range of sounds, unless you’ve tried one, you've never heard anything like it before.
V = Volume
F = Frequency (this shifts the entire tone stack spectrum and intensity)
🔱= Gain
T = Treble
M = Midrange
B = Bass
•Bass push/pull shift
•Treble push/pull shift
A second foot switch is to toggle between hot and cold clipping in the gain stages.
Tight, articulate, throaty and saturated. extremely brutal for black/death metal.
This tone stack, rather than scooping out all of the midrange resulting in the thin sound one would associate with placing a tube preamp in front of another, the HEL truly reigns destruction upon all who hear it.
Note: when running into the front end of an amp, make sure that it is clean-clean (no drive or breakup) and be sure to check that your amp does not have a bright cap as this will kill all the low end going into the amp.
CONTROL TRANSLATOR
🔱=gain
F=frequency
T=treble
M=midrange
B=bass
V=volume
•Transformer is made by hammond for 120v usage or one is available that is switchable between 115/230 but the 230 setting can be used from 220-240
•Solid walnut wood side paneling is now available as an upgrade, you’ll find it in the drop down menu below:
•ALSO AVAILABLE IN RACKMOUNT
https://blackhawkamplifiers.bigcartel.com/product/handwired-rackmount-tube-preamplifier
•BLACKHAWK floor preamps are true bypass.
•Dimensions are: 8.3 in x 10 in x 3 in (211 mm x 254 mm x 76 mm)
Please allow approximately 2-4 months for V2 PCB version and 6-12 months build time for handwired (this varies and will be updated if build time changes)
Videos are available on Instagram @blackhawkamps
•ALSO AVAILABLE IN RACKMOUNT
HANDWIRED RACKMOUNT TUBE PREAMPLIFIER
