Outboard Gear

Studio outboard equipment is an essential part of any recording setup or performance, and we offer a wide range of options available to suit just about any production environment.

Musical outboard equipment or outboard gear is used to process or alter a sound signal separately from functionality provided within a mixing console or a digital audio workstation. Outboard effects units can be used either during a live performance or in the recording studio.

Outboard equipment includes things like preamps, compressors, equalizers, limiters, and reverb units, and is used to shape and modify the sound of a recording, allowing engineers to create the exact sonic landscape they’re looking for. Outboard equipment gives recording engineers the ability to shape a sound before it hits the digital realm, allowing for more nuanced and detailed soundscapes.

PREAMPS

One of the most important pieces of outboard equipment is the preamp. Preamps are responsible for amplifying the signal from a microphone or other source to line level, allowing it to be recorded or sent to other outboard equipment. Preamps allow engineers to shape the sound of a recording before it hits the digital domain, and they come in a variety of styles and flavors, from classic tube preamps to modern digital designs.

COMPRESSORS

Compressors are another essential outboard device, and they’re used to control the dynamics of a recording. Compressors can be used to even out loud and quiet passages, as well as to add punch and sustain to a sound. Compressors come in a variety of types, from classic analog designs to modern digital models.

EQUALIZERS

Equalizers are also essential pieces of outboard equipment in the studio. Equalizers allow engineers to shape the frequency response of a recording, allowing them to boost or cut certain frequencies in order to achieve a desired effect. Equalizers come in a variety of styles, from classic analog designs to modern digital models.

REVERB

Reverb units are also commonly used in recording studios, and they allow engineers to create virtual environments for a recording. Reverb units allow engineers to add depth and space to a recording, as well as to add a sense of realism to a sound. Reverb units come in a variety of types, from classic analog designs to modern digital models.

LIMITERS

Limiter units are also essential pieces of outboard equipment in the studio. Limiters are used to keep audio signals from exceeding a certain level, preventing distortion and keeping levels under control. Limiters come in a variety of types, from classic analog designs to modern digital models.

Outboard equipment is essential for any recording studio, and there are a wide range of options available to suit just about any production environment. Outboard equipment allows engineers to shape the sound of a recording before it hits the digital domain, allowing them to create the exact sonic landscape they’re looking for. With the right outboard equipment, engineers can take their recordings to the next level.

Renting audio outboard equipment from Crossfire is the perfect solution if you’re looking for professional-grade equipment without the hassle. Contact us today to learn more about our rental audio outboard equipment and to get started.

Browse our equipment list of outboard gear for your next studio session, recording, or event production.