GRACE DESIGN REX

Product overview

The GRACE DESIGN REX is a high-fidelity microphone preamp pedal with 48V phantom power, a switchable 75 Hz high-pass filter, high and low shelving EQ, an FX loop, a variable boost, a mute footswitch and both a 1/4" line output and a transformer-isolated XLR DI output, running from 9 V DC and made in the USA.

REX gathers everything GRACE DESIGN knows from 30 years of designing mic preamps into a compact green pedal chassis. With bona fide GRACE DESIGN mic preamp pedigree it holds its own in any studio, but it is really designed to be fixed to a pedalboard and hit the stage. Simple high and low tone controls, a 10 dB boost circuit, a mute switch and an FX loop help dial in the sound, and singers with their own vocal microphone get studio clarity and presence on stage.

Key features

• Studio-quality mic preamplifier with 48V phantom power (mic input only)
• Switchable 75 Hz high-pass filter, 12 dB/octave
• High and low shelving EQ: 2 kHz and 250 Hz, ±10 dB
• FX loop with separate send and return jacks, before the boost
• Variable boost up to +10 dB on its own footswitch; mute footswitch
• 1/4" unbalanced line (AMP) output and balanced, transformer-isolated XLR DI output with ground lift
• 9 V DC operation with over 30 V internal operating voltage
• Pedalboard friendly design with removable threaded rubber feet; made in the USA

Why a mic preamp pedal

Singers can plug a favourite microphone into a GRACE DESIGN preamp with their own effect pedals in the FX loop. Horn players expand the sonic palette with guitar-style effects. One-mic acoustic bands get their own high-fidelity preamp on stage with a mute switch at their feet, and recording engineers can insert effect pedals into a studio signal chain.

Stage-ready outputs

The transformer-isolated XLR DI output feeds front of house, a monitor console, a mixer or an interface; the GND/ISO switch lifts the ground if the PA picks up hum or buzz. The AMP output feeds a stage amp or tuner, and a tuner on the FX send alone stays active even while REX is muted.

In the box

• REX microphone preamp pedal
• 9 V DC power supply
• USB stick with the owner's manual

GRACE DESIGN REX: frequently asked questions

Can I power REX from my pedalboard supply?

Yes, from a 9 V DC output with a 2.1 mm centre-negative plug and at least 340 mA available (500 mA recommended); a 9 V DC supply is also included.

Does REX accept instruments?

No. REX has a microphone input only; GRACE DESIGN's ROXi pedal adds a combined mic / instrument input.

What does the boost affect?

The boost (0 to +10 dB) sits after the FX loop and affects both the DI and line outputs.

Can I use it in the studio?

Yes. On a desktop REX works as a GRACE DESIGN recording channel with EQ and an insert point.

Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN REX in India?

The GRACE DESIGN REX is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Singer with a pedalboard

Vocalists using their own microphone and effects.

Connections

Setup

1. Gain down, 48V off; connect the microphone.
2. Raise the gain until the LED is solid green.
3. Engage the HPF against stage rumble.
4. Use BOOST for solos, MUTE between songs.

Tip: Start boost small to stay clear of feedback.

Workflow 2: Horn with effects

Trumpet, sax and flugelhorn players.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the gain.
2. Shape the tone with LOW and HIGH.
3. Add effects in the loop.
4. Send the DI to the console.

Tip: AMP out and DI out can be used at the same time.

Workflow 3: One-mic acoustic band

Bluegrass and acoustic groups.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the microphone, then switch on 48V.
2. Set the gain.
3. Tame boom with LOW and the HPF.
4. Use MUTE at the feet when needed.

Tip: Set GND/ISO to ISO if the PA hums.

Workflow 4: Tuning silently

Players who tune between songs.

Connections

Setup

1. Leave RETURN unplugged.
2. Press MUTE to silence the outputs.
3. Tune.
4. Release MUTE.

Tip: The tuner on SEND stays active while REX is muted.

Workflow 5: Studio channel with pedals

Engineers adding pedal effects to recordings.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the gain.
2. Insert pedals in the loop.
3. Adjust EQ.
4. Record.

Tip: For surgical EQ, insert a parametric EQ in the FX loop.

Workflow 6: Harmonica or speech

Harmonica players and presenters.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the gain.
2. Cut LOW for clarity.
3. Add HIGH for presence.
4. Use BOOST for emphasis.

Tip: Mostly red on the LED means turn the gain down.