Review: 280 PRE vintage preamp plugin by Mixland

Mixland has just released a brand new audio plugin that aims to deliver the raw, untamed tone of a legendary vintage preamp. Aphelion’s Orbit shares his thoughts on the 280 PRE.

What is it?

Mixland designed this plugin to emulate a vintage germanium preamp, originally sourced from a rare USA-made tape machine that has graced countless classic records for over 50 years. The 280 PRE captures the unmistakable warmth, vibrant musicality, and distinctive character that have cemented this preamp’s place as a beloved studio legend.

First Impressions

The interface was intuitive and user-friendly, while the beige and rust-colored GUI added a nostalgic, vintage vibe, making it feel like I was working with classic gear.

I started by opening an audio track featuring a splice drum loop that lacked the punch and grit I was aiming for. After applying this plugin, I achieved the desired texture through its saturation capabilities. I also experimented with it on kicks, snares, VST instruments, plucks, and guitars. In each case, the Mixland PRE-280 delivered impressive harmonics, dynamics, and character to the overall sound.

That’s the way to go with tools like this! Apply the preamp to a bus or track and start exploring how it shapes your sound. In this modern era of sound design, the possibilities are endless—rules are a thing of the past. Let your creativity lead the way!

Controls

For a unit of this vintage, the controls are refreshingly simple. You’ll find VU metering, input gain, high and low pass filters, and output controls—all the essentials. However, the real magic lies in the age and drift controls at the top. These two features work wonders, enhancing the texture, harmonics, and overall character of the unit, breathing life into your sound.

Pros

Editing & Sound Manipulation
7 day trial
Price

Cons

No Presets on the beta version I tested.

Final Thoughts

The market is full of both free and premium sound manipulation tools, many of which replicate what Mixland’s PRE-280 plugin provides. However, after spending a couple of weeks testing it, I can confidently say this plugin brings its own unique sonic character to the table.

Whether it replaces the tools you already have is open to discussion. What the PRE-280 truly excels at is offering a fresh approach to shaping your sound—which, for me, is the ultimate goal when it comes to creativity.

Available for Windows and Mac in VST3, AU and AAX formats, the 280 PRE plugin is currently on sale for a limited time intro price of $49.99 USD (regular $79.99 USD). If you’re interested in giving it a try, head on over to the Mixland website to download the free demo version.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aphelion’s Orbit: During the day, I work as an IT programmer and tech support specialist; come afternoon, I transform into a beatmaker, songwriter, and sound designer, driven by a passion for unearthing unique sounds to rework, warp, and evolve into new musical pieces. Previously, I was a dedicated record collector, gathering thousands of rare vinyl records spanning rock, psychedelic rock, jazz, pop, and R&B.