Like the platinum pro EQ (recently reviewed in these pages), the Stage uses discrete components in a high-headroom Class-A pre-amp circuit packaged in a small rugged case wearable on your belt. Like a classic guitar or bass instrument, its well-thought out design and placement of controls, switches and jacks make using it nearly second nature after a while.
The Stage has an adjustable volume boost, balanced XLR DI output and is housed in a beautiful, all-metal road-ready design. There are Bass, Treble and Middle controls with a variable frequency Mid Freq setting and Bass/Guitar EQ mode switch like the Platinum Pro.
Read More: New Gear Review: Fishman Platinum Pro EQ
I like the “can’t miss” large Boost button facing up at you when wearing the Stage on your belt. Other switches and controls seldom adjusted while playing are: Out/In phase switch for minimizing feedback, three- frequency low cut switch, a Post/Pre DI output switch for the XLR direct output connector facing the floor and both the 1⁄4-inch instrument input and stage amp jacks.
With an included belt-clip, the Platinum Stage is perfect for mobile instrumentalists such as mandolin and fiddle players. It can be powered by a 9-volt battery, wall-wart or via 48-volt phantom power.
The Fishman Platinum Stage Pre-Amp sells for $194.99 MSRP.
fishman.com/products/view/platinum-stage-analog-preamp
Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com
