} Useful Arts SFP-30 Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp — Pro Audio Reserve
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Useful Arts SFP-30 Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp

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$1,499.00
$1,299.00
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Description

Useful Arts SFP-30 Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp

 

Useful Arts SFP-30 single channel tube microphone preamp

Artfully Curated Tubes for Forward, Punchy Sound

Useful Arts designed the SFP-30 to be clear, present, and edgy rather than dark and creamy, specifically targeting vocals that sound forward and intimate. The carefully curated tube selection employs an EF-806 pentode for the input stage, adding third-order harmonics that contribute to clarity and bite. Two high-current ECC82 triodes handle the final gain stages, producing second-order harmonic content that adds richness and thickness without sounding dark.

You won't find the pedestrian 12AX7 anywhere in the SFP-30's signal path. Instead, Useful Arts selected tubes specifically for what they do best — bringing out harmonics that increase clarity and euphonics. Each gain stage is single-ended Class A, ensuring the purest possible signal path with minimal distortion artifacts when running clean.

 Useful Arts SFP-30 Color control knob harmonic distortion

Variable Color Control: From Polite to Aggressive

Unlike preamps designed to maintain a fixed distortion-to-gain ratio, the SFP-30's Color knob puts artistic choice directly in your hands. At a setting of zero, the preamp sounds squeaky clean and polite. Fully engaged, it adds around 10 dB of gain and increases distortion artifacts nearly tenfold, delivering a full, aggressive sound that sits boldly in a mix and commands attention.

This incredibly broad creative range allows the SFP-30 to serve up very different sounds for different sources, tracks, and musical genres. The harmonic distortion has a psychoacoustic spectral effect that humans perceive similarly to equalization, but instead of filtering existing frequencies, the tube preamp is actually adding harmonic content that isn't in the original signal — and Useful Arts has made that distortion sound absolutely amazing.

 Useful Arts SFP-30 Audio Magnetics transformers CineMag

Premium Transformers and Maximum Headroom

The SFP-30 features Audio Magnetics input and output transformers custom-wound by CineMag, including a plate inductor and an output transformer with 50% nickel core. This transformer design contributes to the preamp's flat frequency response of 20 Hz to 30 kHz (±2 dB) while maintaining the musical character Useful Arts is known for.

Combined with the high-voltage power supply delivering over 270 volts, the SFP-30 offers massive headroom with over 60 dB of usable gain. Input and output levels of the triode stages are separately controllable via detented attenuators, and combined with the Color knob, this gives you precise control over both gain structure and tonal character.

Highlights

  • Single-channel Class A tube preamp with identical circuitry to the SFP-60
  • EF-806 pentode input stage and dual ECC82 triode gain stages
  • Variable Color control for adjustable harmonic distortion (clean to aggressive)
  • Audio Magnetics transformers custom-wound by CineMag with 50% nickel core output
  • Over 60 dB of usable gain with maximum headroom
  • High-voltage soft-start power supply delivering over 270 volts
  • Sealed gold-plated relays for all switching functions
  • Front-panel instrument input and rear-panel XLR mic input
  • Switchable phantom power, pad, phase reverse, and highpass filter
  • Compact tabletop design with aircraft-grade aluminum faceplate

Useful Arts SFP-30 Specifications

Specification Details
Preamp Type All-tube, single-ended Class A
Number of Channels 1
Tubes 1 x JJ EF-806 pentode, 2 x JJ ECC82 triodes
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 30 kHz, ±2 dB
Usable Gain Over 60 dB (including Color knob engagement)
Transformers Audio Magnetics input/output, custom-wound by CineMag; 50% nickel core output transformer
Power Supply Separate regulated DC supplies for filaments, phantom, and high voltage (270V+)
Phantom Power +48V switchable
Input Pad -22 dB switchable
Highpass Filter Switchable
Phase Reverse Switchable polarity reverse
Analog Inputs 1 x rear-panel XLR (mic), 1 x front-panel 1/4" (instrument)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR (transformer-balanced line output)
Metering VU meter (op-amp buffered)
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable (115/230V selectable)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.5" x 9" x 10"
Weight 8 lbs
Construction 0.190" aircraft-grade aluminum faceplate, fully modular design, gold-plated connectors

What's in the Box

Included Items
Useful Arts SFP-30 Tube Microphone Preamp
Power Cable
User Documentation
Shipping

Shipping & Returns

  • We deliver all US orders in 3–5 business days
  • Free cancellations
  • Returns accepted within 30 days (unused items)

Order Confirmation

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms that we have received your order and have pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. After confirming availability with our suppliers, we will proceed accordingly:

  • If your item is available and ready to ship within 1–2 business days, we will process the charge and arrange for shipment.

  • If your item is on backorder or unavailable, the pre-authorization will be voided and you will be notified by email.

  • Please note: While most items ship out within 1–2 business days, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location and carrier handling.

Order Shipment

If your item is in stock and your payment has been processed, your order will typically ship within 1–2 business days. Total delivery time is approximately 3–5 business days from the date of order. Once shipped, you will receive tracking information at the email address provided during checkout within 24 hours of dispatch.

If you have not received tracking information within 3–5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at support@proaudioreserve.com.

The Distributor-Direct Advantage

To ensure you receive the most recent hardware revisions and 100% factory-sealed units, Pro Audio Reserve utilizes a Distributor-Direct fulfillment model. Unlike big-box retailers that may ship "floor models" or gear that has been sitting in general-purpose warehouses, your equipment is pulled directly from the primary manufacturer hub, serialized, and dispatched. This process ensures the highest level of quality control for professional-grade recording equipment.

Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping within the United States only. If the checkout process on our website allows you to enter a shipping address and complete your order, your location is eligible to receive delivery.

Changing Shipping Address

If you need to change your shipping address after your order has been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that address changes may result in delivery delays. Any additional costs incurred due to address changes, including carrier fees or rerouting charges will be the responsibility of the customer. No exceptions.

Shipping Times

All shipping times provided are estimates and should not be considered guarantees. Most orders ship out within 1–2 business days from the time payment is processed. However, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location, carrier performance, and supplier fulfillment timelines.

We work closely with our vendors to ensure timely deliveries, but please note that supply chain disruptions, high-demand periods, or weather events may occasionally cause delays beyond our control.

  • To avoid misunderstandings: The “shipping time” refers to the total time from order placement to final delivery, not just when the item leaves the warehouse.

  • Cancellations: If you choose to cancel your order because it has not arrived within the estimated delivery window, you may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, restocking fees, warehouse handling costs, and other related fees.

  • Chargebacks: Customers who initiate chargebacks due to shipping delays without contacting us first may be held legally responsible for losses. We strongly encourage open communication so we can resolve any delivery concerns directly and efficiently via our Atlanta-based support team.

Delivery Options

  • Threshold Shipping: Your item will be delivered to your front door, porch, garage, or a covered entryway.

 

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProAudioReserve.

  • Free Shipping USA wide. 
  • 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back noquestions asked.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.

Reviews

Customer Reviews

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Description

Useful Arts SFP-30 Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp

 

Useful Arts SFP-30 single channel tube microphone preamp

Artfully Curated Tubes for Forward, Punchy Sound

Useful Arts designed the SFP-30 to be clear, present, and edgy rather than dark and creamy, specifically targeting vocals that sound forward and intimate. The carefully curated tube selection employs an EF-806 pentode for the input stage, adding third-order harmonics that contribute to clarity and bite. Two high-current ECC82 triodes handle the final gain stages, producing second-order harmonic content that adds richness and thickness without sounding dark.

You won't find the pedestrian 12AX7 anywhere in the SFP-30's signal path. Instead, Useful Arts selected tubes specifically for what they do best — bringing out harmonics that increase clarity and euphonics. Each gain stage is single-ended Class A, ensuring the purest possible signal path with minimal distortion artifacts when running clean.

 Useful Arts SFP-30 Color control knob harmonic distortion

Variable Color Control: From Polite to Aggressive

Unlike preamps designed to maintain a fixed distortion-to-gain ratio, the SFP-30's Color knob puts artistic choice directly in your hands. At a setting of zero, the preamp sounds squeaky clean and polite. Fully engaged, it adds around 10 dB of gain and increases distortion artifacts nearly tenfold, delivering a full, aggressive sound that sits boldly in a mix and commands attention.

This incredibly broad creative range allows the SFP-30 to serve up very different sounds for different sources, tracks, and musical genres. The harmonic distortion has a psychoacoustic spectral effect that humans perceive similarly to equalization, but instead of filtering existing frequencies, the tube preamp is actually adding harmonic content that isn't in the original signal — and Useful Arts has made that distortion sound absolutely amazing.

 Useful Arts SFP-30 Audio Magnetics transformers CineMag

Premium Transformers and Maximum Headroom

The SFP-30 features Audio Magnetics input and output transformers custom-wound by CineMag, including a plate inductor and an output transformer with 50% nickel core. This transformer design contributes to the preamp's flat frequency response of 20 Hz to 30 kHz (±2 dB) while maintaining the musical character Useful Arts is known for.

Combined with the high-voltage power supply delivering over 270 volts, the SFP-30 offers massive headroom with over 60 dB of usable gain. Input and output levels of the triode stages are separately controllable via detented attenuators, and combined with the Color knob, this gives you precise control over both gain structure and tonal character.

Highlights

  • Single-channel Class A tube preamp with identical circuitry to the SFP-60
  • EF-806 pentode input stage and dual ECC82 triode gain stages
  • Variable Color control for adjustable harmonic distortion (clean to aggressive)
  • Audio Magnetics transformers custom-wound by CineMag with 50% nickel core output
  • Over 60 dB of usable gain with maximum headroom
  • High-voltage soft-start power supply delivering over 270 volts
  • Sealed gold-plated relays for all switching functions
  • Front-panel instrument input and rear-panel XLR mic input
  • Switchable phantom power, pad, phase reverse, and highpass filter
  • Compact tabletop design with aircraft-grade aluminum faceplate

Useful Arts SFP-30 Specifications

Specification Details
Preamp Type All-tube, single-ended Class A
Number of Channels 1
Tubes 1 x JJ EF-806 pentode, 2 x JJ ECC82 triodes
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 30 kHz, ±2 dB
Usable Gain Over 60 dB (including Color knob engagement)
Transformers Audio Magnetics input/output, custom-wound by CineMag; 50% nickel core output transformer
Power Supply Separate regulated DC supplies for filaments, phantom, and high voltage (270V+)
Phantom Power +48V switchable
Input Pad -22 dB switchable
Highpass Filter Switchable
Phase Reverse Switchable polarity reverse
Analog Inputs 1 x rear-panel XLR (mic), 1 x front-panel 1/4" (instrument)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR (transformer-balanced line output)
Metering VU meter (op-amp buffered)
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable (115/230V selectable)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.5" x 9" x 10"
Weight 8 lbs
Construction 0.190" aircraft-grade aluminum faceplate, fully modular design, gold-plated connectors

What's in the Box

Included Items
Useful Arts SFP-30 Tube Microphone Preamp
Power Cable
User Documentation
Shipping

Shipping & Returns

  • We deliver all US orders in 3–5 business days
  • Free cancellations
  • Returns accepted within 30 days (unused items)

Order Confirmation

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms that we have received your order and have pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. After confirming availability with our suppliers, we will proceed accordingly:

  • If your item is available and ready to ship within 1–2 business days, we will process the charge and arrange for shipment.

  • If your item is on backorder or unavailable, the pre-authorization will be voided and you will be notified by email.

  • Please note: While most items ship out within 1–2 business days, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location and carrier handling.

Order Shipment

If your item is in stock and your payment has been processed, your order will typically ship within 1–2 business days. Total delivery time is approximately 3–5 business days from the date of order. Once shipped, you will receive tracking information at the email address provided during checkout within 24 hours of dispatch.

If you have not received tracking information within 3–5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at support@proaudioreserve.com.

The Distributor-Direct Advantage

To ensure you receive the most recent hardware revisions and 100% factory-sealed units, Pro Audio Reserve utilizes a Distributor-Direct fulfillment model. Unlike big-box retailers that may ship "floor models" or gear that has been sitting in general-purpose warehouses, your equipment is pulled directly from the primary manufacturer hub, serialized, and dispatched. This process ensures the highest level of quality control for professional-grade recording equipment.

Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping within the United States only. If the checkout process on our website allows you to enter a shipping address and complete your order, your location is eligible to receive delivery.

Changing Shipping Address

If you need to change your shipping address after your order has been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that address changes may result in delivery delays. Any additional costs incurred due to address changes, including carrier fees or rerouting charges will be the responsibility of the customer. No exceptions.

Shipping Times

All shipping times provided are estimates and should not be considered guarantees. Most orders ship out within 1–2 business days from the time payment is processed. However, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location, carrier performance, and supplier fulfillment timelines.

We work closely with our vendors to ensure timely deliveries, but please note that supply chain disruptions, high-demand periods, or weather events may occasionally cause delays beyond our control.

  • To avoid misunderstandings: The “shipping time” refers to the total time from order placement to final delivery, not just when the item leaves the warehouse.

  • Cancellations: If you choose to cancel your order because it has not arrived within the estimated delivery window, you may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, restocking fees, warehouse handling costs, and other related fees.

  • Chargebacks: Customers who initiate chargebacks due to shipping delays without contacting us first may be held legally responsible for losses. We strongly encourage open communication so we can resolve any delivery concerns directly and efficiently via our Atlanta-based support team.

Delivery Options

  • Threshold Shipping: Your item will be delivered to your front door, porch, garage, or a covered entryway.

 

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProAudioReserve.

  • Free Shipping USA wide. 
  • 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back noquestions asked.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.

Reviews

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
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