TEST: Slate Pro Audio Fox

 The Slate Pro Audio Fox is a two-channel microphone preamplifier in which the two channels each have two independent circuits that can be combined if necessary.

The concept of the Slate Pro Audio Fox

There is probably no sound engineer who has not asked himself at least once which microphone preamplifier to choose when equipping his studio. The same thing happened to Steven Slate several times during his work in the recording studio, when colleagues asked him whether they should go for Neve, API or Millenia. His answer was always the same: you should get all the microphone amplifiers available and choose the best one for the respective application.

It was foreseeable that this answer would not be met with great enthusiasm, even for monetary reasons. However, there is also no question that, depending on the application, the British division, which is more warm and saturation-oriented, has clear advantages, or if you prefer a fast, neutral response, you would rather rely on more modern components.

Steven Slade was aware of this when he designed the Slade Pro Audio Fox, a two-channel microphone preamplifier in which each channel can be switched separately between vintage and modern in terms of its sound orientation.

But that's not all - you can also combine the two channels, where you can switch the input and output range between vintage and modern, so that ultimately a wide range of sounds can be created with the input/output orientation vintage-modern or modern-vintage.

Steven Slate points out several times in his reference guide how important the combination of the different sound approaches was to him, because otherwise, according to his own statements, he would have created "just another normal-sounding preamp".

The structure of the Slate Pro Audio Fox

Before we can even say a single word about the structure or function of the Slate Pro Audio Fox, the product, which was developed and manufactured in the USA, draws attention to itself with its weight. At well over 6 kg, this microphone amplifier is by far the heaviest 1U device I have ever come across in my life. Not even 1U power amplifiers can weigh this much. This speaks for the extremely solid workmanship of the product, but also for the rather solid electronics that must be built into the device.

The product is delivered without any rubber feet and is designed exclusively for rack use. Due to the high weight, I strongly recommend either using an additional rack rail at the back or using a suitable substructure to ensure that the weight does not rest exclusively on the front wings. The device also generates a lot of waste heat, so it is important to ensure that a height unit is kept free above the Slate Pro Audio Fox to dissipate the waste heat.

In terms of construction, the Slate Pro Audio Fox has two identical channels, which can be used separately or in the so-called combo circuit. Both channels have a 12-way gain control, which enables a gain of up to 60 dB, and a continuous output control. In terms of inputs, the product has an unbalanced jack input on the front and gold-plated XLR inputs on the back. In terms of outputs, the product has gold-plated XLR and TRS outputs on the back.

6 mini switches give each channel the necessary flexibility, such as a PAD switch that reduces the input signal by 10 dB if necessary, an input switch that uses a green LED to indicate whether the unbalanced jack input on the front or the balanced microphone input on the back is being controlled. We also have a 180° phase change if required and phantom power, which is also indicated by a red LED.

The product's real secret weapon, however, is hidden behind two mini switches, which are grouped together under the CIRCUIT section. These are the COMBO-NORMAL or VINTAGE-MODERN switches. Using these two switches, two completely independent discrete circuits in solid state design can be activated, which are more oriented towards VINTAGE in the style of a 1073 NEVE or towards MODERN in the style of an ULTRA HI-FI SOLID STATE PREAMP. As expected, these extraordinary combination options of the two circuits, which are arranged diametrically opposite in terms of sound, make it possible to achieve combinations that a single product from a single style cannot deliver. This applies in particular to the individual use of the input and output areas of the two circuits.

The front panel is rounded off by the usual power switch on the right, while the back panel has the cold appliance socket, along with a fine-wire fuse accessible from the outside and a voltage selector switch with which you can choose between 110 and 220 volts mains voltage. Perhaps it would be a good idea to upgrade to 230 volts soon. Visually, the manufacturer offers a tasteful matt-gloss contrasting pattern on the front, which is also a unique selling point for the entire product range.

The Slate Pro Audio Fox in practice

The Slate Pro Audio Fox gives a very high-quality feel, not only because of its high weight, but also because of its excellent feel. All rotary controls and switches have a pleasant, stiff switching process, which makes working with the product a real pleasure.

In order to be able to compare the four different "preset" specifications for input and output transformers exactly, I took an untreated vocal recording from the studio and put it through the various settings of the product. I realize that this means that the direct interaction with the microphone is lost, but I chose this in favor of a direct comparison, since four different vocal recordings would each bring with them four different dynamic and tonal effects, which would distort the result.

Let's start with the Vintage preset. In fact, the setting is very tastefully chosen in the direction of Neve and other British colleagues. There is a clear saturation in the entire signal path and the classic mid-range boost is also clearly audible. This setting is very suitable for typical rock vocals, where things can get a bit dirtier and where the extremely fine treble section is not as important as an assertive mid-range.

The Modern setting, on the other hand, is completely different, where the mid-range is handled in a much more neutral and relaxed manner, but the extremely fine treble range from around 5 kHz is very nicely featured. This ensures that the "whispering" sounds come through very nicely and allow for a particularly fine resolution in the high frequency range. This setting is very tasteful in the pop range, where a wide, neutral and very round resolution is required.

Now let's get to the special feature of the Slate Pro Audio Fox, the combination of the two transformer systems with each other. To say it right up front, the two settings convinced me much more than the vintage or modern settings on their own. The combination results in a denser sound in itself, which comes through very well in the mix and which combines the two strengths of the respective systems.

Personally, I would tend towards the Vintage setting in the input and Modern in the output range in the rock range, and for a slightly more popular interpretation the Modern range in the input range and Vintage in the output range. This is of course a very personal perception, which can vary considerably depending on the signal in question and the taste of the producer. The bottom line, however, is that the four preset options of the product generate very subtle differences in direct comparison, but these are nevertheless clearly perceptible and allow for an incredible level of flexibility that would otherwise only be possible with at least two separate outgear products.

Ultimately, this flexibility makes it possible to save on a microphone preamp and, thanks to the stereo design, you can even transmit a stereo signal very nicely, such as the overheads of a drum set, or two corresponding mono signals.

Conclusion

With the Slate Pro Audio Fox, the American manufacturer has a very flexible microphone preamp in its portfolio. With two independent circuits, the product manages to produce both classic British vintage sounds and modern HiFi sounds, with the system's secret weapon being the combination of the two circuits using freely selectable input and output amplifiers.

Due to this design's flexibility, you can save at least one outgear preamp, which is noticeable both in terms of space requirements and finances.

A very good preamp, which has 4 outstanding "presets" of a special kind. Definitely give it a try.

——————

Additional Informations:

The pro audio industry is a realm defined by its relentless pursuit of innovation and quality, and few companies embody these principles as distinctly as Slate Pro Audio. Known for its cutting-edge technology and high-fidelity audio equipment, Slate Pro Audio has become a prominent name among recording professionals and audiophiles. This article delves into the detailed history of Slate Pro Audio, tracing its roots, significant milestones, and the impact it has made on the audio industry.

## Early Beginnings

The story of Slate Pro Audio begins with Steven Slate, an entrepreneur and audio engineer with a deep passion for music production. Born in the United States, Slate developed an early interest in music and sound engineering, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the audio industry. His journey started in the early 2000s, when he began working as a recording engineer and producer, gaining valuable experience and insights into the technical aspects of sound recording.

Steven Slate’s early career was marked by a keen interest in improving the tools available to audio professionals. He noticed that many of the existing audio equipment and plugins lacked the precision and quality required for modern music production. This realization sparked his desire to create innovative solutions that would address these shortcomings and elevate the standards of audio engineering.

## The Birth of Slate Digital

Before the establishment of Slate Pro Audio, Steven Slate founded Slate Digital in 2008, a company dedicated to developing high-quality digital audio plugins. Slate Digital quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to audio processing, combining advanced algorithms with intuitive user interfaces. The company’s first major success was the Virtual Console Collection (VCC), a plugin that emulated the sound of classic analog mixing consoles. The VCC was widely acclaimed for its ability to impart the warmth and character of analog gear to digital recordings.

Building on the success of the VCC, Slate Digital continued to release a series of groundbreaking plugins, including the Virtual Tape Machines (VTM), Virtual Buss Compressors (VBC), and the Virtual Mix Rack (VMR). These products solidified Slate Digital’s reputation as a leader in the digital audio plugin market, and set the stage for the launch of Slate Pro Audio.

## Formation of Slate Pro Audio

Slate Pro Audio was officially established in 2010, as a sister company to Slate Digital. While Slate Digital focused on digital audio plugins, Slate Pro Audio was created to address the hardware needs of audio professionals. The company’s mission was to develop high-end audio equipment that combined the best of analog and digital technologies, offering superior sound quality and versatility.

One of the first products released by Slate Pro Audio was the Dragon, a versatile analog compressor known for its unique tonal characteristics and flexible control options. The Dragon quickly gained a reputation for its ability to deliver a wide range of compression styles, from subtle dynamics control to aggressive, punchy compression. This product set the tone for Slate Pro Audio’s commitment to innovation and quality.

## The Evolution of Slate Pro Audio

Over the years, Slate Pro Audio expanded its product lineup to include a variety of audio equipment, ranging from preamps and compressors to audio interfaces and control surfaces. Each product was designed with the input of professional audio engineers, ensuring that they met the high standards of the industry.

### The Raven Series

One of the most notable developments in the history of Slate Pro Audio is the introduction of the Raven series of multi-touch control surfaces. Launched in 2012, the Raven series represented a significant leap forward in the realm of digital audio workstations (DAWs). The Raven control surfaces featured large multi-touch screens that allowed users to interact with their DAW in a more intuitive and tactile manner.

The Raven series quickly gained popularity among recording studios and post-production facilities, as it streamlined workflow and enhanced productivity. The ability to control DAW functions directly from the touchscreen, combined with the precise touch response, made the Raven a game-changer for many audio professionals.

### The VMS System

In 2015, Slate Pro Audio introduced the Virtual Microphone System (VMS), a revolutionary product that combined hardware and software to emulate the sound of classic microphones. The VMS consisted of a high-quality condenser microphone and a dedicated preamp, along with software that modeled the characteristics of various vintage microphones. This system allowed users to achieve the sound of multiple iconic microphones using a single, affordable setup.

The VMS was praised for its accuracy and versatility, providing recording engineers with a powerful tool to enhance their recordings. By offering the sonic qualities of expensive vintage microphones at a fraction of the cost, the VMS democratized access to high-end audio tools and further cemented Slate Pro Audio’s reputation for innovation.

### Expanding Horizons

In addition to its core product offerings, Slate Pro Audio continued to explore new avenues for growth and innovation. The company collaborated with other industry leaders to develop new technologies and expand its product portfolio. For example, the partnership with hardware manufacturer Solid State Logic (SSL) resulted in the creation of the Slate Raven MTi2, a more affordable version of the original Raven control surface.

Slate Pro Audio also ventured into the world of mobile audio production with the introduction of the ML-1 and ML-2 microphones, designed to work seamlessly with the VMS software on mobile devices. These products allowed musicians and producers to achieve studio-quality recordings on the go, further broadening the reach and impact of Slate Pro Audio’s technologies.

## Impact and Legacy

The influence of Slate Pro Audio on the professional audio industry cannot be overstated. The company’s products have been adopted by top recording studios, music producers, and engineers around the world. Slate Pro Audio’s commitment to quality, innovation, and user-centric design has set new standards for what is possible in the realm of audio equipment.

One of the key factors behind Slate Pro Audio’s success is its ability to listen to the needs of its users and respond with products that address those needs. Steven Slate’s background as a recording engineer and producer has given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by audio professionals, and this perspective is reflected in the company’s products.

Furthermore, Slate Pro Audio’s emphasis on integrating digital and analog technologies has resonated with a generation of audio professionals who seek the best of both worlds. By providing tools that combine the warmth and character of analog gear with the precision and flexibility of digital processing, Slate Pro Audio has bridged the gap between traditional and modern recording techniques.

## Conclusion

The history of Slate Pro Audio is a testament to the power of innovation and the impact that a passionate entrepreneur can have on an industry. From its early days as an offshoot of Slate Digital to its current status as a leading manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, Slate Pro Audio has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of professional audio.

Through products like the Dragon compressor, the Raven control surfaces, and the Virtual Microphone System, Slate Pro Audio has revolutionized the way audio professionals work, offering tools that enhance creativity and productivity. As the company continues to evolve and explore new technologies, it remains committed to its core mission of providing the highest quality audio equipment to its users.

In an industry that is constantly changing and evolving, Slate Pro Audio stands as a beacon of innovation, quality, and dedication. Its journey from a small startup to a respected industry leader is a remarkable story of vision, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we look to the future, there is no doubt that Slate Pro Audio will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the sound of tomorrow.