In a world full of microphone boosters and boxes, there is a surprising lack of options that offer unique and colorful sounds in stereo. The Launcher Deluxe changes that. This stereo inline mic preamp and line-level saturator expands on the winning formula of the original Launcher to give engineers and artists an indispensable tool they can use anywhere.
The Launcher Deluxe enables you to add 26dB of gain and color to two separate ribbon and dynamic mic sources or bypass the boost and just get a dose of beautiful saturation on any active microphone or line-level signal. Whether you need to boost a bland mic, spice up a sterile source, add some depth to your mixes or expand your sound in the live setting, the Launcher Deluxe can help make your audio stand out.
Watch our Soyuz Minute to get the scoop on the Launcher Deluxe:
One-of-a-Kind Vibes For Two
The Launcher Deluxe utilizes two separate signal paths for passing both mic and line-level signals through the unit. Each individual path features two custom hand-wound toroidal transformers and the same analog circuit that gave the original Launcher its distinct color and vibe. Unlike other microphone boosters, there is nothing clean about the Launcher Deluxe. You’ll benefit from a powerful dose of stereo color, which you can control by driving your preamp as little or as much as you like.
More Modes. More Options.
Designed for flexibility, each channel of the Launcher Deluxe features two individually selectable modes, Launcher Mode and Saturate Mode, to benefit any source. Launcher Mode delivers a 26dB boost of gain and color to any dynamic or ribbon microphone. Flip the switch to Saturate Mode to bypass the additional gain and impart the classic character of The Launcher on any FET or tube condenser mic and line-level signals.
Launcher Mode:
Launcher Mode is the perfect choice for elevating any dynamic or ribbon microphone. When one or both channels are switched to Launcher Mode, simply plug your mic cable into one of two Neutrik combo jacks on the front plate of the Launcher Deluxe and connect an XLR cable from the back to your mic preamp, mixer or audio interface. Once you engage phantom power, you’re now cooking with an additional 26dB of gain and color via the Launcher Deluxe. Take the strain off of your interface or preamp and enjoy the benefits of more headroom while expanding the sound of your dynamic and ribbon mics.
Saturate Mode:
In Saturate Mode, your Launcher Deluxe becomes more than an inline mic preamp. This new mode offers up The Launcher’s trademark coloration to any active mics, condensers or line-level source without any gain boost. While in Saturate Mode, it’s unnecessary to run phantom power to reap the benefits of the Launcher Deluxe’s color. If you’re using a condenser microphone that needs phantom power, simply engage it on your mic pre, mixer or interface and it will pass through the Launcher Deluxe to your mic.
Mixing a flat-sounding track? Want some additional texture to your line-out synths and keys? Run the audio out of your DAW through one or both of the Launcher Deluxe’s channels and soak up that transformer-based sound. Experiment pushing it at different levels to control how much color and break up you can achieve.
Launcher Squared
When we unleashed the original Launcher in 2019, the audio world fell in love with our pint-sized ivory box. This simple tool gave easy access to the dreamy warmth and rich character of studio gear from the classic era. With more and more creators using multiple Launchers for live performances, recording sessions, stereo summing and creative experimentation beyond just microphones, we began envisioning a stereo version of the box with more flexibility. And, just like that, the Launcher Deluxe was born.
Stereo Color On-The-Go
Life as an audio creator means working in all kinds of spaces. The Launcher Deluxe is a viable option for working on the go and keeping your sound consistent no matter where you take it. The stereo inline mic preamp will easily fit into your bookbag or carrying case and find a comfortable home on stage, pedalboards, podcast desk, recording consoles and more.
Launcher Deluxe In Action
In our new demo, we use the Launcher Deluxe to record and mix Via Mardot at Willis Sound. Every source was tracked through the Launcher Deluxe and the entire mix was run through the stereo inline mic preamp as well. Here’s the signal chain for each source:
Vocals: Shure SM7B / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
BG Vocals: Shure SM58 / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
Electric Guitar: Cascade Fathead and Shure SM57 / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
Bass Guitar: Sennheiser 441 and Shure SM57 / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
Marxaphone: Cascade Fathead-FP / Hologram Effects Microcosm / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
Piano: AKG C414 and Cascade Fathead-FP / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
Theremin: Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
Drums: Sennheiser MD-421 II and Shure SM57 / Launcher Deluxe / API 1608
