A Loop House Review of the
Bellari RP533 Studio Tube Multi-Processor
 I first came in contact with the Bellari RP533 when I just started recording music with my computer. I used it as a front end to my cubase DAW with an old CAD microphone. The whole tube preamp idea was quite exciting to me, especially since my recording were quit tinny sounding. I thought I should get something that gave me more gain and an "Old School" sound. I think I achieved that with the Bellari RP533. It has lots of gain and definitely that old school sound. (Almost to much if your using it for everything, but nice for kick drums, horns ect.) I found it to be a little noisy, (i even replaced the tubes hoping to make it a wee bit more quite) but I am not sure if the newer makes are quieter. This is not the preamp for precise and accurate reproductions, but for recordings were you want some colorization in the music. Its compressor is nice and also adds color, what I really like is the exciter, it adds a nice high end or low end to your recording and is lots of fun to play around with. One of my favorite things to do with this preamp is plug my guitar in and overdrive it like mad, it gives a nice Beatles "white album" lead sound. I don't think I would recommend it as a first preamp, I think something like a Presonus Eureka has all the functions one needs for a main pre, but again its all ones musical tastes and I have had a lot of fun sessions with this pre. |
| Here is some info from the Rolls (who make bellari) website. RP533 Studio Tube Multi-Processor Pros Good price Warm sound Cons A bit noisy Limited use for modern sounding records I rate it 3 out of 5 Street price $299.99 (may 2008) (This review was conducted by Cory Broersma, owner of www.theloophouse.com and an avid home recording junkie.)Back to reviews page |
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