The Fire-Eye Red-Eye Instrument Preamp is a compact, professional direct-connect preamplifier designed primarily for musical instruments equipped with high-impedance piezoelectric pickups. Its impedance-matching input circuit is specifically engineered to work with passive piezo pickups, helping preserve a natural, balanced acoustic tone with low noise, low distortion, and generous headroom.
The Red-Eye is also compatible with active piezo systems and magnetic pickups, making it suitable for electric guitars, electric basses, and a wide variety of acoustic instruments. Its field-effect transistor input is designed to match and track the impedance characteristics of passive piezo pickups, delivering a smooth and natural response even during aggressive or percussive playing.
Natural Tone & Reliable Signal Processing
The Red-Eye provides a low-impedance balanced XLR output for direct connection to mixing consoles, PA systems, audio interfaces, and other professional equipment. A ground-lift switch helps minimize unwanted ground-loop noise.
The built-in Boost control provides additional volume for solos, while the dedicated Treble control allows you to add or reduce high-frequency content. With the Treble control centered, the response remains flat for a neutral signal.
Key Features:
- Instrument preamplifier designed for high-impedance piezo pickups
- Compatible with passive and active piezo pickups
- Works with magnetic pickups, including electric guitars and basses
- Impedance-matching FET input circuit
- Up to 2 V peak-to-peak input level without distortion
- Low distortion and low noise
- High headroom for loud and percussive playing
- Low-impedance balanced XLR output
- 600-ohm XLR output impedance
- Ground-lift switch
- Boost control with dedicated volume adjustment
- Treble boost/cut control
- Flat frequency response with Treble control centered
- Internal RF filtering to reduce interference from cell phones, neon lighting, and other sources
- Compact and portable design
Power Options
The Red-Eye can normally be powered using 48V XLR phantom power, while an internal 9V battery provides a convenient alternative. It also accepts an external 9–18V center-negative or center-ground power supply.
The internal 9V battery provides approximately 200 hours of operation and is automatically disconnected when external power is supplied. The preamp activates when an instrument is connected or external power is applied.
A power-check LED briefly illuminates during startup when adequate power is detected. When operating from the internal battery, the indicator provides a quick check of remaining battery capacity.
Connectivity:
- Instrument input
- Low-impedance balanced XLR output
- 1/4" output
- 1/4" input/output for effects accessory loop
- Ground-lift switch
- Compatible with stomp tuners, effects pedals, guitar amplifiers, and PA systems
- 48V phantom power
- Internal 9V battery
- External 9–18V power input
Specifications:
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Input: Impedance-matched, up to 2 V peak-to-peak
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XLR Output: Balanced, 600 Ω
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Power: 48V phantom, 9V battery, or 9–18V external supply
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Battery Life: Approximately 200 hours
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Dimensions: 1.25 × 2.25 × 4.25"
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Weight: 10 oz
The Fire-Eye Red-Eye Instrument Preamp is an excellent solution for musicians who need a transparent, low-noise interface between a piezo-equipped instrument and a professional audio system. Its compact design, flexible power options, balanced XLR output, and impedance-matched input make it equally useful for live performance, acoustic amplification, recording, and pedalboard setups.
