I found myself impressed in terms of build and cosmetics as I examined them. The units sported a nicely machined metal case with a thick faceplate. The knobs, switches and instrument jack seemed sturdy. I found their placement made them easy to access.

The Model 7602 requires a CPS-1 dual power supply. The power supply can be rack mounted as well as placed behind the rack or on the table top depending on what you want.

The Model 7602 features balanced XLR output, high impedance direct input for instruments, selectable 48 volts of phantom power, 20 position gain switch for mic/line sections, output level control and selectable phase reverse. It also features a variable high pass filter as well as low, mid and high EQ sections. Please note that EQ is selectable meaning you can turn it off and on.

I have several quality microphone preamplifiers at my studio. I own Dakings, Manleys, Neves and Summits. I wondered how the Model 7602 might fair against my favorite, trusted pieces of gear.

The evening that I got my two channels of Model 7602 I needed to do a few vocal do overs for a band's demo. I used a Neumann U87 plugged into the Chameleon Labs Model 7602 into a Distressor. I cannot recall the U87 sounding as sonically rich with my other microphone preamps. I did not even use the EQ. I note that I had previously recorded the same singer with a Manley Reference Cardioid Microphone through a Daking pre. Then, I needed to EQ it quite a bit.

The following week one of my engineers did a few sessions with the Model 7602 and reported good results. He also plugged our 1971 Fender P bass into the Model 7602's instrument input. I noticed a more open sound with the Model 7602 than with my Manley Voxbox or my Summit pre.

I did a session with a heavy punk band and and used the Model 7602 on some electric guitars and vocals. My Neve 3314s still got the call for most of the electric guitars due to their unique coloration and mid range presence.

I used the Model 7602 on some screaming vocals and found the gain controls incremented from clean to dirty. I found the breakup on the Chameleon smoother than my standby Daking, which I usually like for this application due to its ability to get gritty.

I found myself in the next few days putting the Model 7602 through its paces for percussion, bass guitar and vocals. I got to say that I love its EQ. I found it musical. I used the EQ to shape tambourine and maraca tracks. I used the variable high pass filter with some upper mid tweaking to get these tracks to fit the mix.

I liked the low end clarity of the Model 7602 as well. I used the Model 7602, a Little Labs IPB, a Distressor and an L2 to track possibly the biggest, clearest low end I've captured in my 13 years as a full time recording engineer. I like my Voxbox but I'm thinking it might take a second seat to the Model 7602 as my fave DI for bass.

On electric guitar amps I found the sound of the Model 7602 huge when capturing a Krank Revolution or a Vox AC27 through a vintage cabinet. I then used the Model 7602 on yet another screaming singer. I found the vocalist to be overly bright and thin sounding. I added a fair amount of grind by driving the preamp and EQ'd in a thicker, more powerful sound.

Obviously, I like the Model 7602. I think if I were starting my studio from scratch I would probably start my rack with one channel or even a pair of the Model 7602. I think I would like a mic impedance selector included as a feature but I think at this price that I might be expecting too much.

The Bottom Line: Impressive. If you want features and top quality sound at a reasonable price, then you should audition the Model 7602. It streets for $699. The power supply which powers two 7602s goes for $100 more. All in all you get a lot of bang for your buck. I might want to get a second pair. Recommended.

Link relating to this review: Chameleon Labs

Jay Matheson is the owner of the Jam Room Recording Studio in Columbia, South Carolina.