Stanley Clarke Signature Preamp










Stanley Clarke Signature Preamp
The EBS Stanley Clarke Signature Acoustic Preamp is designed to overcome the challenges of amplifying acoustic instruments like the upright bass, offering superior sound quality, powerful filters, and essential features.
Engineered and designed by EBS in collaboration with legendary bass player and composer Stanley Clarke, this 2-channel preamp is built exclusively with premium components.
Operating at a professional mixing console signal level, the preamp provides ample headroom and superior signal quality, making it ideal for use with any power amp. Its design is perfectly suited to handle the complex sonic characteristics of an upright bass.
Each of the two channels features an input gain control and a versatile EQ strip with bass, mids (where you select the frequency range with one knob and boost or cut with another), and treble. Both channels include a unique control knob that acts as either a high-pass or notch filter, selectable by a switch, to prevent unwanted feedback and tailor the sound to your instrument and room acoustics.
With 10 MΩ input impedance on both channels, the preamp works with passive, active, or high-impedance piezo pickups. The A channel supports Electret pickups via a dedicated switch. The B channel accepts a 48V phantom-powered or passive dynamic/condenser microphone through an XLR input, with a switch to select between XLR and 1/4″ inputs. You can switch between channels or blend them, for example, to mix bow and pizzicato playing styles. To address possible phase issues when blending inputs, a Phase Inverter switch is included on channel A.
Important: Newer models have a phantom power on/off switch. On original versions, phantom power is always on. Do not connect microphones sensitive to 48V, such as passive ribbon mics, to the XLR input on older models. Instead, use the 1/4″ input on channel B to avoid damage.
Additional features include an effects loop (serial or parallel, requiring a Y-split insert cable), a tuner output, and a balanced XLR output for studio-quality signal to front-of-house or recording devices. The balanced output works with a speaker simulator and includes a ground lift to eliminate hum. The aux input and professional-grade headphone output make practicing and learning easier.
This pedal is also suitable for other acoustic or electric instruments, covering a wide and complex frequency range. Electric bass players may benefit from the dual channels for individual EQ settings and smooth switching between instruments during gigs.
Features
Preamp Channels
2-channel analog preamp (A/B or A+B)
Signal Quality
Operates with Studio-grade signal quality
Input Impedance
10 Mohm Impedance inputs (both channels)
Filters
Individual High Pass/Notch Filter for each channel
Microphone Input
XLR microphone-input with Phantom Power (channel B)
Pickup Support
Electret pickup support (channel A)
Tuner Output
Yes
Effects Loop
Effects Loop (serial/parallel)
Balanced Output
With Speaker Simulator and Ground Lift
Aux Input & Headphones
Aux Input and professional-grade headphones output
Power Supply
Dedicated 9V DC Power Supply included
Specs
Channel Specifications: Input Impedance
10 Mohms, 22 pF
Gain
Gain Range -∞ / +30 dB, Gain Peak LED (ch A = RED, B = yellow) +10 dBv, Frequency Response +0 / -3 dB 20 – 20,000 Hz
Bass Filter
Type Shelving, Gain Range +/- 15 dB @ 40 Hz
Mid Filter
Type Bandpass Filter, Gain Range +/- 13 dB, Frequency Range 70 – 2,500 Hz, Q 0.8
Treble Filter
Type Shelving, Gain Range +/- 15 dB @ 10 kHz
HP Filter
Type 12 dB/octave High Pass, Frequency Range 20 (off) – 450 Hz
Notch Filter
Type Bandpass Notch, Frequency Range 70 – 2,200 Hz, Q 7, Attenuation 7 dB (typically)
Electret Power (Channel A)
5V, 2mA
Common Features: Effects Loop
Loop Signal Level -10 dBv (nominal), Gain Unity (1:1), Output Impedance 2 kohms, Input Impedance 100 kohms, Modes Serial or Parallel
Phones Out
Recommended Impedance 32 – 200 ohms
Aux Input
Input Impedance 20 kohms, Nominal Level -10 dBv
Output
Output Impedance 1 kohms, Signal Level 0 dBv (nominal)
Balanced Output
Output Level -20 dBv (nominal), XLR Connections 1-GND, 2-Hot, 3-Cold, Options Gnd Lift, SPKR Sim
Balanced Input (Channel B)
Input Level -30 dBv (nominal), XLR Connections 1-GND, 2-Hot, 3-Cold, 48V Phantom Yes
Auxiliary Info
Power Requirements Idle 500mA @ 9V, Max 800mA @ 9V (with headphones at max output level)
Dimensions (WxDxH)
max 168 x 124 x 53 mm / 6.6″ x 4.9″ x 2.1″
Weight
660 g (1.5 lbs.)