What type of preamp circuitry does the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ use?

The device uses high-headroom Class-A circuitry. This design is intended to provide a transparent, high-fidelity signal path that preserves the natural character of the instrument.

Does this preamp include a built-in tuner?

Yes, it features an integrated fully-chromatic digital tuner. This allows musicians to tune their instruments easily without requiring an external pedal or clip-on device.

How does the unit help with acoustic feedback?

The preamp includes two primary feedback reduction tools: a phase control switch and a sweepable notch filter. These features allow the user to isolate and cut problem frequencies that cause howling or resonance.

What equalization controls are available?

The unit provides a comprehensive EQ section consisting of Low Cut, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Brilliance controls. These five parameters allow for precise customisation of the instrument's tone.

Is there a volume boost for soloing?

Yes, the Platinum Pro EQ includes a dedicated boost footswitch. This provides additional output volume, making it suitable for transitioning from rhythm to lead parts during live gigs.

Can this be used as a DI box?

Yes, it functions as a professional DI (Direct Injection) unit. It allows users to send a balanced signal from their instrument directly to a PA system or a recording console.

What kind of instruments is this preamp suitable for?

It is described as a 'universal' instrument preamp. While most commonly used for acoustic guitars, its wide-ranging EQ makes it suitable for violins, cellos, mandolins, and other acoustic instruments.

Is the construction durable enough for touring?

The unit is built with a road-ready design. It is specifically engineered for easy transport and to withstand the physical demands of regular live performance.

How does the 'Brilliance' control differ from the 'Treble' control?

While Treble generally affects high-mid frequencies, the Brilliance control targets the very top end of the frequency spectrum. This adds 'air' and shimmer to the acoustic sound without making it harsh.

What is the purpose of the Low Cut filter?

The Low Cut filter helps remove unnecessary sub-bass frequencies. This can clean up a muddy signal and prevent the instrument from clashing with the bass guitar or kick drum in a mix.

What is the typical price for this unit in the UK?

The typical price range for the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Preamp in the United Kingdom is approximately £259.

Does it require a specific power supply?

While the manufacturer description notes its road-ready and versatile design, specific power requirements should be checked against standard 9V DC acoustic pedal standards commonly used by Fishman.

Gear article

Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Preamp

The Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Preamp is a professional-grade Class-A universal instrument preamplifier designed for acoustic musicians. It functions as an all-in-one signal processing solution, providing extensive tonal shaping, feedback control, and a dedicated DI output for live and studio applications.

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Overview and Design

The Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI is a comprehensive analogue signal processor housed in a road-ready enclosure. At its core is a high-headroom Class-A preamp, designed to maintain the integrity of an instrument's natural signal. The unit is intended to serve as the primary interface between an acoustic instrument—such as a guitar, violin, or mandolin—and a PA system or recording interface.

Tonal Shaping and Features

The device features a versatile EQ section, including controls for Low Cut, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Brilliance. These allow for precise frequency adjustments across the spectrum. For live performance management, it includes a phase control switch and a sweepable notch filter, both of which are critical for identifying and eliminating resonant feedback in loud environments.

Additional utility is provided by an integrated fully-chromatic digital tuner, ensuring the player does not need a separate pedal for pitch adjustments. The unit also features a dedicated 'Boost' footswitch, which provides a significant increase in output volume for solos or lead passages.

Connectivity and Build

Designed for the rigours of touring, the Platinum Pro EQ is constructed with durability in mind. It functions as a high-quality Direct Injection (DI) box, allowing the user to send a balanced signal directly to a mixing desk. The inclusion of the Class-A circuitry ensures that even with long cable runs, the signal remains clean and transparent.

Market Context

While the market includes a wide range of preamplification solutions, the Platinum Pro EQ occupies a specific niche for acoustic instrumentalists. It sits alongside other specialised preamps such as the Vox Valvenergy Tone Sculptor or the Boss BP-1W, though it is more specifically tailored for clean, high-fidelity acoustic reproduction rather than the tube saturation found in models like the Peavey Decade or Fortin Meshuggah signature pedals.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of preamp circuitry does the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ use?: The device uses high-headroom Class-A circuitry. This design is intended to provide a transparent, high-fidelity signal path that preserves the natural character of the instrument.
Does this preamp include a built-in tuner?: Yes, it features an integrated fully-chromatic digital tuner. This allows musicians to tune their instruments easily without requiring an external pedal or clip-on device.
How does the unit help with acoustic feedback?: The preamp includes two primary feedback reduction tools: a phase control switch and a sweepable notch filter. These features allow the user to isolate and cut problem frequencies that cause howling or resonance.
What equalization controls are available?: The unit provides a comprehensive EQ section consisting of Low Cut, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Brilliance controls. These five parameters allow for precise customisation of the instrument's tone.
Is there a volume boost for soloing?: Yes, the Platinum Pro EQ includes a dedicated boost footswitch. This provides additional output volume, making it suitable for transitioning from rhythm to lead parts during live gigs.
Can this be used as a DI box?: Yes, it functions as a professional DI (Direct Injection) unit. It allows users to send a balanced signal from their instrument directly to a PA system or a recording console.
What kind of instruments is this preamp suitable for?: It is described as a 'universal' instrument preamp. While most commonly used for acoustic guitars, its wide-ranging EQ makes it suitable for violins, cellos, mandolins, and other acoustic instruments.
Is the construction durable enough for touring?: The unit is built with a road-ready design. It is specifically engineered for easy transport and to withstand the physical demands of regular live performance.
How does the 'Brilliance' control differ from the 'Treble' control?: While Treble generally affects high-mid frequencies, the Brilliance control targets the very top end of the frequency spectrum. This adds 'air' and shimmer to the acoustic sound without making it harsh.
What is the purpose of the Low Cut filter?: The Low Cut filter helps remove unnecessary sub-bass frequencies. This can clean up a muddy signal and prevent the instrument from clashing with the bass guitar or kick drum in a mix.
What is the typical price for this unit in the UK?: The typical price range for the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Preamp in the United Kingdom is approximately £259.
Does it require a specific power supply?: While the manufacturer description notes its road-ready and versatile design, specific power requirements should be checked against standard 9V DC acoustic pedal standards commonly used by Fishman.