Gainlab Audio Bishop All Tube Channel Strip

The Gainlab Audio BISHOP is a flagship all-tube channel strip designed for engineers, producers, and sound designers who demand uncompromising sonic character and flexibility. Built around a pure three-tube preamp stage, the BISHOP delivers rich harmonics, high-end transparency, and analog warmth that elevates every signal source—from microphones and instruments to line-level sources.

Unlike conventional channel strips, the BISHOP integrates multiple studio-grade functions into a single rugged unit, including a dual-slope optical compressor, stepped gain control with up to +60dB of clean gain, and the unique Dynamic Air Band for adding brilliance and presence that reacts intelligently to compression.

Whether used for tracking, recording, saturation, or sound design, the BISHOP offers a versatile toolset that blends vintage-inspired tone with modern precision.

Key Features

• All-Tube Preamp Section – Three vacuum tubes in a fully balanced signal path for warm, musical tone.

• Stepped Gain Control – Illuminated dual-ring selector with two ranges: +40dB (low gain) and +60dB (high gain).

• Versatile Inputs – Mic, instrument (front), and line inputs (rear) with phase, pad, and 48V phantom power.

• Instrument Drive Control – Dedicated drive pot for adding analog saturation and coloration to instrument signals.

• Dual-Slope Optical Compressor – Unique Gainlab Audio design inspired by the LA-2A, with additional slope control for extended dynamic shaping.

• Comprehensive Compression Controls – Threshold, character, and timing selectors with dual GR LED meters.

• High-Pass Filter (HPF) – Selectable 80Hz and 120Hz filtering for precise low-end management.

• Dynamic Air Band – Adds brilliance and clarity; intelligently interacts with the compressor for dynamic high-frequency enhancement.

• Premium Build Quality – Rugged chassis, engraved front panel, and high-grade components for long-lasting performance.

  Key Features

  • All-Tube Preamp Section – Three vacuum tubes in a fully balanced signal path for warm, musical tone.

  • Stepped Gain Control – Illuminated dual-ring selector with two ranges: +40dB (low gain) and +60dB (high gain).

  • Versatile Inputs – Mic, instrument (front), and line inputs (rear) with phase, pad, and 48V phantom power.

  • Instrument Drive Control – Dedicated drive pot for adding analog saturation and coloration to instrument signals.

  • Dual-Slope Optical Compressor – Unique Gainlab Audio design inspired by the LA-2A, with additional slope control for extended dynamic shaping.

  • Comprehensive Compression Controls – Threshold, character, and timing selectors with dual GR LED meters.

  • High-Pass Filter (HPF) – Selectable 80Hz and 120Hz filtering for precise low-end management.

  • Dynamic Air Band – Adds brilliance and clarity; intelligently interacts with the compressor for dynamic high-frequency enhancement.

  • Premium Build Quality – Rugged chassis, engraved front panel, and high-grade components for long-lasting performance.

    Technical Specifications

    • Input Impedance:
      • Microphone: 2 kΩ
      • Line: 18 kΩ
      • Instrument: 500 kΩ

    • Output Impedance: <150 Ω

    • Max Output Level: +30 dBu

    • Noise Floor: < –70 dBu (unweighted)

    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 98 dB (10Hz–22kHz @ <1% THD)

    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):
      • <0.03% @ 0dB output, 1kHz
      • <0.6% @ +26 dBu output, 1kHz

    • Power Requirements: 230V AC (EU) / 110V AC (US)

    • Dimensions (W x D x H): 483 × 280 × 89 mm

    • Weight: 4.2 kg

Ideal For

• Professional tracking and recording

• Adding tube warmth and saturation

• Creative sound design

• Mastering subtle dynamics and tonal shaping