Top 11 Channel Strip Units
Introduction
Whether you record vocals and instruments in your studio or perform live, you want a simple, one-channel strip to achieve the best possible sound. But which channel strip is truly the best, offering you the ideal set of features? In this article, we take a look at ten popular channel strip models, each promising top-notch performance.
If you already know which channel strip you prefer, feel free to skip the next section and jump straight to the product reviews. If not, let’s take a closer look at what a channel strip is and which features are most important to consider.
What’s a Channel Strip?
Typically, a channel strip amplifies a microphone or other audio input to line level so it can be integrated into a mixing system. Originally, channel strips were built into mixing consoles, with one for each input channel, but they are also available as standalone rackmount units.
A channel strip is built around a microphone preamplifier, usually providing 48-volt phantom power for condenser mics. The quality of the preamp is the main factor to consider when choosing gear for a specific situation. Most modern preamps use integrated circuits and deliver a clean, quiet signal. Some feature a vacuum tube stage, which adds a warmer, more “classic” sound.
Along with the preamp, channel strips often include EQ and compression sections. This makes them very versatile units that can take a simple microphone or line recording and shape it into a complete, polished sound.
Are Channel Strips Worth It?
If you’ve been diving into this for a while, you know that having a channel strip is a game-changer. When you’re just starting out, it might not seem obvious, but once you get a handle on your workflow, simplifying things starts to make sense. All you want is to create great mixes without constantly moving things around.
It’s easy to collect a bunch of plugins, only to realize you really use just a few. That’s where a channel strip comes in handy. You can change the order of its modules, but the main idea is that the more you use a channel strip, the more familiar you’ll get with how these audio processes work together.
As you use a channel strip more, you’ll see that grouping audio tools together is like gluing your workflow into a single, cohesive process. Channel strips are really designed to simplify and streamline your workflow, so you don’t have to keep reaching for separate inserts. With a channel strip, you’re mixing in real-time, since everything you need is right there.
Most stock channel strips also come loaded with presets created by professional engineers. These presets can give you a starting point when you’re using the channel strip for your mixes. The whole point of a channel strip is that everything is designed to work together—and if something doesn’t, you can easily take it out of the signal chain.
Even though it’s true that you can add tons of customizations and plugins in your DAW these days, that doesn’t mean a reliable channel strip isn’t still valuable.
Just so you know, the channel strips we’re about to list aren’t ranked in any particular order. We’re keeping things random because we don’t want to sort them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 11 Channel Strip Units:
1. Focusrite ISA TWO
The ISA Two from Focusrite is a twin-mono microphone preamp featuring transformer-based mic inputs with variable input impedance. Inspired by the legendary designs found in the Focusrite Forte and Studio consoles, these preamps provide up to 80 dB of gain. Two front-panel instrument inputs make it easy to access a pair of transparent DIs quickly.
The microphone inputs are equipped with Lundahl LL1538 transformers, which use a 3-section winding for very low leakage inductance and an extended frequency response. To protect them from stray magnetic fields, each transformer is enclosed in a mu-metal can. Each channel also includes a fully balanced insert point, activated with a front-panel button, making it simple to add your favorite outboard EQ, compressor, or limiter.
As an added bonus, you get the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC channel-strip plug-in, an excellent emulation of the rare Focusrite Studio Console. Only 10 of these consoles were ever made, but now you can bring their iconic sound directly into your DAW.
- Preamp Type: Solid State
- Number of Channels: 2
- Phantom Power: Yes
- Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x TS (inst), 2 x TRS (line), 2 x TRS (Return)
- Analog Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x TRS (Send)
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-135kHz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Focusrite ISA TWO |
2. Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel
Everything about the Shelford Channel is appealing — from its stunning color choices to mastering-grade stepped controls, satisfyingly tactile buttons, and indicators that are gentle on the eyes. It’s clear that no detail was overlooked. Even though it’s a feature-packed channel strip, it maintains a clean, attractive look and is very easy to use.
While Rupert’s more modern designs use a combination of TLAs (Transformer-Like Amplifiers) paired with an input transformer for exceptionally clear highs and lows and galvanic isolation, the Shelford Channel’s design connects the input transformer directly to the microphone line.
When this new transformer is combined with its surrounding class-A input amplifiers, the result is unmistakably clear high and low frequencies — reminiscent of the world’s most famous classic modules — but with extremely low noise and superior isolation. The mic preamp section also features a sweepable 20-250 Hz high-pass filter, Mic/Line selection, 48V phantom power, and polarity reverse.
The three-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ on the Shelford Channel was inspired by the best aspects of Rupert’s classic EQ designs. The low-frequency band is based on the legendary 1064, famous for its rich, resonant bass. Unlike the 1064, however, the LF band on the Channel can be used as either a shelf or a peak filter, giving you punch, depth, and exceptional control over your low end.
The Shelford Channel’s inductor midrange band is modeled after Rupert’s 1073, perfect for sweetening vocals and instruments while subtly bringing them forward in a mix. Additionally, the mid-frequency band’s proportional “Q” response makes it ideal for reducing troublesome frequencies in any signal.
- Preamp Type: Solid State
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- Polarity Switch: Yes
- EQ: 3-band EQ, custom-tapped inductor EQ
- Compressor: Diode Bridge Compressor (side chain, stereo linking)
- Other Processing: Red/Blue Harmonic Texture control
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel |
3. Universal Audio 6176
Universal Audio’s Model 6176 Channel Strip is a two-rack space unit that combines a channel from UA’s classic Class-A 2-610 tube mic preamp with a UA 1176LN peak limiter. This “pure” combination gets even better when you realize that both the 610 and 1176LN inside have been enhanced compared to their standalone versions.
In addition to featuring updated versions of UA’s two legendary units from the ’60s, the 6176 delivers the exceptional sonic synergy of a vintage tube mic preamp followed by one of the most popular transistor compressors ever made.
The 6176’s preamp section includes several improvements not found on the 2-610, such as a -15dB mic pad and an enhanced +300-volt power supply with high-voltage MOSFET regulation, which is designed to improve bass response and lower the noise floor. On the right side, the 6176 features a full 1176LN with three new options: a Bypass switch that hard-wires the preamp output to the 1176LN output jack;
a 1:1 ratio setting for using the unit purely for its “color” (although, as with the standalone 1176LN, the 6176’s attack knob also has a fully counterclockwise “Compressor Off” position); and an All Ratio switch that replicates the classic engineer trick of pressing all four ratio buttons at once. This trick, which used to put stress on the 1176LN’s ratio button assembly, creates a wild and chaotic compressor response with increased distortion.
- Preamp Type: Tube
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes
- Compressor: Yes
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Universal Audio 6176 |
4. dbx 676
The Dbx 676 features a transformer-balanced tube mic preamp, three-band EQ, and compressor/limiter, all packed into a stylish and robust housing that’s a reasonable 8 inches deep and weighs in at 11 kilos. When you power up the 676 (which takes about two seconds), the first thing you’ll notice is the illuminated VU meter right in the middle.
This meter can monitor input or output levels, as well as the compressor’s gain reduction. All the switches light up when active, making it easy to see what’s happening, and the knobs are comfortably spaced, large, smooth-turning, and clearly labeled. The overall vibe of the 676 is one of quality.
The mic preamp uses a 12AU7 tube, and unlike some “tube” preamps, it operates at a proper 250V plate voltage—the 676 is not a “starved plate” design. The Gain and Post Tube Attenuation knobs let you adjust the sound from clean (with the Gain control set lower and the Post Tube Attenuation set higher) to gritty, where you add tube coloration by setting the Gain higher and lowering the Post Tube Attenuation to compensate.
A red Peak LED indicates when the tube is clipping. You get up to 60dB of gain, and the Dbx 676 can go from clean-sounding to fairly warm—even pretty dirty, though it doesn’t really reach extremely distorted territory.
- Preamp Type: Tube
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes (3-band Parametric)
- Compressor: Yes
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store |
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dbx 676 |
5. Avalon VT-737sp
The Avalon VT-737 SP is a single-channel channel strip featuring Class A circuits, an Opto compressor, and a sweepable EQ. The Avalon VT-737 has become the channel strip of choice on numerous classics thanks to its ability to add warmth, sweetness, and vibrancy—even to the boomiest microphones.
The preamp section features high-grade Class A circuitry with two cascaded dual vacuum tube triodes, designed to deliver minimal negative feedback and a cleaner sound. You can choose from three inputs: Mic level, Line level, or DI instrument. The preamp section also includes a passive, variable high-pass filter, phase polarity switch, and bypass function.
Next is the Opto-compressor, which offers ratio control from 1:1 to 20:1, as well as threshold, attack, and release controls. The Opto compressor uses an optical cell for passive attenuation and dual Class A tubes for gain matching, all within a minimal signal path to keep the sound as pure as possible.
Finally, a four-band EQ is provided, including low and high shelves plus two parametric bands. Both the high and low shelves use passive designs for a smooth sound with selectable frequencies. The two mid bands feature variable frequencies, each with a selectable Q-width switch.
- Preamp Type: Tube
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes
- Compressor: Yes
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-120kHz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers |
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Avalon VT-737sp |
6. Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel
The Portico II starts off strong with three transformer-coupled inputs: one for microphones offering up to 72 dB of gain (66 dB in 6 dB steps, plus an extra 6 dB on the +/- 6 dB gain trim). Conveniently, this gain trim also applies to both the mic and DI inputs, making it a handy tool for fine-tuning your levels. The line-level input makes the Portico II quite useful as a channel insert, and it really shines on stereo sources when paired with a second unit and connected via the stereo link jacks on the back panel.
The mic input delivers a distinctly sweet and silky tone — it’s not overly thick, mid-forward, or bright — just open and classy, with plenty of headroom. The +/- 36V power supply rails (higher than usual) used in this circuit seem to play a big part in providing so much headroom, preventing the front end from compressing or saturating like a classic, crunch-prone 1073 Neve mic pre.
The EQ section of the Portico II offers top-tier flexibility and, even more importantly, delivers the kind of transparency, sweetness, and tonal purity you’d expect. The high and low bands each provide four stepped frequency choices (35, 60, 100, 220 Hz and 4.7, 6.8, 12, 25 kHz, respectively), +/- 15 dB of gain, and the option of bell or shelf curves.
The two mid bands are especially interesting and versatile, with fully variable frequency and Q controls, along with +/- 15 dB of gain. These frequency ranges generously overlap the low (70-1,400 Hz) and high (700-14,000 Hz) bands, and the Q can go from a broad 0.7 up to a tightly focused 5.
As much as the EQ section deserves all the praise it gets, we still think the Portico II’s biggest draw is its extremely versatile compressor. The compressor brings out that signature Neve sound you know and love, ensuring you’re in for a real treat!
- Brand: Rupert Neve Designs
- Preamp Type: Solid State
- Dynamic Processor Type: Solid State
- EQ Type: Solid State
- Number Of Channels: 1
- Rack Spaces: 2RU
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store |
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Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel |
7. SPL Track ONE MkII
The SPL Track One is a complete mono channel strip designed for high-quality recording and processing of vocals and instruments. Despite its impressive capabilities, it remains very competitively priced.
Alongside its versatile preamps—which are suitable for every type of microphone—the unit features SPL’s highly effective De-Esser, a compressor/limiter, a three-band EQ section, and an output stage with meters for both output level and gain reduction. The Track One is perfect for quick, reliable recording of vocals or acoustic instruments, but it’s also well-suited for live performances and AV post-production.
The smart, program-dependent De-Esser and compressor sections combine outstanding sound quality with exceptional ease of use. For stereo operation, two units can be linked so that both compressors work together and are controlled from a single master unit.
Two separate, precision preamplifiers—optimized for microphones (with 48 V phantom power) and instruments—ensure minimal noise and deliver an open, neutral sound. An LF cut filter is available for both inputs.
The compressor/limiter section offers excellent noise and distortion performance, yet is operated with a single control. Its strength lies in its subtle, musical response, with parameters that adapt to the characteristics of the incoming signal.
The EQ section is specially designed for processing vocals as well as acoustic or electronic instruments. Specifications are as follows: Low Band filter—30 Hz to 720 Hz (cut/boost ±14 dB), Mid High filter—650 Hz to 14 kHz (cut/boost ±12 dB), and Air Band—based on a coil/condenser filter with a bell shape centered at 17.5 kHz, with a maximum cut/boost of ±10 dB.
- Preamp Type: Solid State
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes
- Compressor: Yes
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-180kHz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For EU Customers |
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SPL Track ONE MkII |
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8. Manley VOXBOX
Unlike most other channel strips, the compressor stage in the VoxBox is placed immediately after the input stage, before the preamp gain. This design ensures a more consistent level reaches the valve preamp gain stage when needed.
The VoxBox uses a Vactrol optical design for its gain reduction element and features a fixed 3:1 ratio, providing smooth compression that’s perfect for tracking. The compressor section includes Attack and Release controls, each offering four settings: fast, medium-fast, medium-slow, and slow. There’s also a Link/Separate toggle switch, which allows you to separate the compression for stereo channels if required.
The preamp section delivers up to 60dB of gain when no compression is engaged. The preamplifier works by combining the input and the 5-position gain levels. A Source button lets you select between Line and Mic stage inputs. This section also includes a High-Pass filter with a three-way toggle switch offering Flat, 80Hz, and 120Hz options, plus a Polarity Reversal switch marked 0° or 180°.
After the Preamp and EQ section is a straightforward De-esser/Limiter section with just two controls. The first control lets you select the de-esser frequency, offering choices of 3kHz, 6kHz, 9kHz, and 12kHz. The second control is a simple threshold that engages the limiter.
The final section is a 3-band EQ, directly inspired by the Manley Pultec MEQ-5. It features high and low boost controls and a mid-dip, with each band offering 11 selectable center frequencies.
- Preamp Type: Tube
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes
- Compressor: Yes
- Other Processing: De-Esser
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers |
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Manley VOXBOX |
9. ART Pro Channel II
The ART Pro Channel II is a channel strip that features a second-generation discrete Class-A microphone preamp, followed by a compressor and a 4-band semi-parametric EQ section. The preamp delivers clear, quiet gain while maintaining excellent transparency. Both analog and LED meters give you detailed visual feedback of your audio levels.
The compressor is designed to subtly control transients and noise, even on the most demanding sources, while the EQ offers wide-ranging adjustability and can be patched before or after the dynamics processor. Separate rear panel insert points make it easy to patch in external signal processors directly after the microphone preamp and before the EQ and dynamics processor.
The compressor in ART’s Pro Channel II is inspired by the classic optical compressors of the ’60s and ’70s. On its gentler settings, it smooths out volume changes—perfect for evening out vocals or balancing your tracks. Increase the ratio for limiting, and use the independent attack and release controls to shape the transients of basslines, kick drums, and much more.
If you’re looking for console-style control over your sound, you’ll love the Pro Channel II’s equalizer section. ART has equipped this channel strip with a highly versatile semi-parametric EQ, featuring selectable high and low shelving bands, plus two adjustable mid-frequency bands. This flexibility lets you dial in great sound, even from the most challenging sources.
- Preamp Type: Tube
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes
- Compressor: Yes
- Frequency Response: 12Hz-100kHz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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ART Pro Channel II |
10. API The Channel Strip
The API The Channel Strip is a 1U standalone channel strip module that features a microphone preamp, EQ, compressor, and line amp. Fully loaded, The Channel Strip delivers the signature sound and warmth that made API a legendary company, thriving for over forty years in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
By combining the iconic API 512c preamp with the renowned 550A EQ and 527 compressor, The Channel Strip puts the heart of the API sound right at your fingertips. It sounds as excellent and characterful as ever, and includes API’s patented THRUST circuitry, giving the compressor extra punch and energy—so your instrument sits perfectly on top of the mix, impossible to ignore.
The Channel Strip offers switchable inputs between Line and Mic, along with Phantom Power and Pad switches. The dynamics processor is easy to use yet fully featured, offering both Soft and Hard Knee operation. The 550A EQ, now synonymous with the legendary API sound, is presented as a switchable 3-band EQ section with a selectable band-pass filter.
Complete insert points on the back panel provide exceptional flexibility, with several break-out options—an incredibly useful feature for integrating your favorite outboard gear with The Channel Strip.
Well-designed, solidly built, and with a sound that has become part of music history, API’s The Channel Strip carries on the tradition. From the very beginning, there was API—and they remain a staple in the industry.
- Preamp Type: Solid State
- Number of Channels: 1
- Phantom Power: Yes
- EQ: Yes
- Compressor: Yes
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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API The Channel Strip |
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Best Channel Strips – Latest Additions
11. Heritage Audio BritStrip
The BritStrip features a 1073-inspired mic preamplifier, an expanded 73 equalizer, a discrete Class-A DI, and the Heritage Audio Successor’s diode bridge compressor. This all-discrete, Class-A, three-gain-stage preamp is also equipped with a custom Carnhill/St Ives output transformer. The preamp offers up to 80 dB of gain, a 20 dB pad, phase reversal, and switchable input impedances of 300 or 1200 ohms.
The EQ section consists of three bands: high and low shelves, a mid band, and a five-position high-pass filter. The mid-band and high-pass filter sections feature three Vinkor pot core inductors. With the addition of a bell mode, the high and low shelves are now even more versatile.
The Heritage Audio Successor uses this same diode bridge bus compressor, which is one of our favorite compression methods. Thanks to its blend control and sidechain filter, this compressor design is ideal for tracking. There’s no doubt that the BritStrip should be on your radar. If your main focus is tracking vocals, acoustic instruments, or bass, the BritStrip could be exactly what you need. A fantastic new channel strip!
- Sidechain send/return: 6.3 mm jack (unbalanced)
- Link connection: RCA
- Input for external power supply
- Format: 19″ / 1 U
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
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Heritage Audio BritStrip |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a channel strip and what does it typically include?
How does a channel strip differ from individual audio processing units?
What are the benefits of using a channel strip in audio recording and mixing?
Conclusion
In this list, you’ll find a wide variety of channel strips, with options for every taste and budget. From affordable choices to high-end picks, there’s something here for everyone. We hope that some of these will catch your eye and help you make the right decision with our guidance.
If you’re looking for our top recommendations, we suggest the Avalon and the Manley VoxBox for engineers with a bigger budget. But if you’re working with a tighter budget, we recommend the ISA Two or the ART II.
If you know of any other great units that we missed, please let us know in the comments section! We’ll do our best to include them in a future article on the best channel strips.
Also, here is a video explanation of what is a channel strip!
