SONIC FARM TANTRA | Pentode Bass Preamplifier
- Catalog #: TANTRA
Tantra Bass Preamp
Our new bass preamp, designed in collaboration with MAS (Michael Arnopol Soundworks), is available both as a preamp and as an integrated amp, containing a 1000W ICE power module. We can also build in user supplied ICE power modules. The ICE 1000ASP modules are also available from MAS.
We have spared no effort and cut no corners to design the absolute cutting edge bass preamp! The initial user feedback is an absolute 100% thumbs-up!
The topology is hybrid, like many of our products. Two pentodes at the front end take care of the clean gain and overdrive. After that, the signal undergoes a variety of solid-state based processing, such as a high pass filter, 5-band EQ, compressor, and a 2-part harmonic generator section.
Each section can be bypassed and there is also a switchable FX-loop, which can be either balanced or unbalanced, in order to be useable with studio type rack processors or floor pedals.
The amp has already received Bass Gear Magazine’s “Best of the Show Award” in its category at the 2016 Summer NAMM show in Nashville, and won Sound On Sound’s 2018 Award in the Guitar Technology category!
Please see the user manual for details: DOWNLOAD TANTRA MANUAL (PDF)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Design concept: (tube) pentode front end with solid state processing section
- 1 channel with 2 tube modes: triode and pentode
- Sections: Overdrive, HP filter, 5-band EQ, Compressor, 2 band harmonic generator.
- Bass instrument input: 1/4” unbalanced, mono
- Input impedance: 2.2MOhm
- Frequency response: 10Hz-20kHz +/- 3dB
- Maximum gain: 54dB at the line output, 32dB at the DI (mic level) output
- Harmonic distortion: up to 2% before clipping level, quickly decreases if driven less.
- Maximum output level: 30dBu
- Minimum output load (preamp): 600Ohm
- Minimum output load (power amp): 4Ohm
- Rear panel XLR connectors: Preamp out, DI out, Pwr amp in, all balanced only
- Rear panel 1/4” connectors: FX loop (2xTRS, see manual), tuner out, foot switch (TS)
- Power consumption: 15W preamp, 1100W pwr amp.
- All supply voltages regulated.
- 285V Plate voltage for huge headroom
- Operating voltage: 110-120VAC or 220-240VAC, switchable
- Gold plated printed circuit boards with a double copper layer.
- Gold plated tube sockets
In the first of the four 2017 NAMM videos, our partner Michael Arnopol talks about the technology behind his amazing bass cabinets. Both our Tantra and MAS Bodai cabs received Bass Gear Magazine’s Best of Show Awards. The remaining 3 videos give you a taste of sound of the Bodai 110, 112 and 115 cabs, all played through Tantra. LowDown Bass guitars are made and here also played by Tim Seisser.
