Expand the capabilities of your SC-1 preamp by getting the MINI-IO + Active DI Kit. This kit adds Polarity Reversal switch, -20dB Pads, and a Mic/Hi-Z Instrument select switch. There is also an on-board ACTIVE DI that one beta tester compares the sound to his favorite Active DI from another company (starts with the letter "R"...), which makes this MINI-IO Kit a bargain, considering the other DI costs 4x as much.
You can also adapt this for use in your own DIY preamp or project. See the Assembly Guide/Instructions for the block diagram to see how it sits "in-between" your preamp and XLR jacks.
Features: - High-quality PCB, compact size, plated throuh holes, double-sided - Push Buttons with customizable color button caps - Polarity Reverse Switch - -20dB Pad Switch - Mic/Instrument Select Switch - ACTIVE DI, with true balanced outputs. - 1/4" Hi-Z inputs - RFI protection - Easy connection to existing preamp like the SC-1 Kit - Uses 18-0-18V DC power (use our PSU-1848 PSU Kit) - Headers are 0.1" spacing. Optional use of standard PCB connector headers.
I own a couple of your SC1 Mk2 preamps which I put in a custom made case. I am thinking of buying a few of the MK3 version. Thank you for creating and offering these preamps. They are just ideal for classical recording, every bit as good as my [high end preamps]. - D.Rumley, USA
At tax time, i wanted to add some nice flavor to my studio. I bought an A-Designs 500-HR rack and (2) 500 series units: a name-brand preamp and the FiveFish Studios X-12. I used both for various purposes over the next 2 months: upright piano, drums (kick, snare, OH,) guitar, bass guitar...And in the end, I got rid of the name-brand preamp and picked up another X-12, no contest. I found the X-12 to be crisper and clearer, easier to use, easy to dial in the perfect gain structure. That's just my personal take on it. I think the name-brand preamp is great but for my money, it will always be the X-12, no contest. - post on Gearslutz.com
The fivefish kits are very high-end, the PCBs are very thick and sturdy, the coating is excellent and very resistant, they look very well done, unlike anything i have ever seen before. - J.Gomez, Analog Recording Forum
Just got my pre-built x12.. its totally rock solid. Messed around with it a little today, great addition to any collection of preamps. The x12 had a little of that signature grainy upper mids with a more focused bottom end. No DI included, but it loves to amp the Countryman DI. I like the meter, its handy. The construction is top-notch, solid knobs and switches, good illumination. You can get in there and swap out the IC for a DOA, etc.. but I think the transformers are making the "sound". Oh yeah, its quiet too. - Andy S, USA
I just finished auditioning the SC-1mk500 with output transformer. I recorded a Taylor acoustic with a Neumann TLM-193 into your preamp and then into a Tube -Tech CL-1B compressor. The results were fantastic. I couldn't believe how much clean gain was available. Not sterile clean, it does have "character", but clean! Solid lows and a sweet sparkly top end, it captured the Taylor perfectly. If I really hit the strings hard, the preamp could handle it easily.---My wife came in and she agreed, which is always nice, that the SC-1 sounded wonderful and was worth the expense. I won't hesitate to buy more modules and I'm already gearing up to purchase the package of three. You make a really great-sounding pre.
i'm up to (2) SC-1's, (2) X-12's, and a deal pending on (2) x-72's! i'll be sure to take a photo of my full lunchbox and send it to you or your site. i am really enjoying your pres, and i'd like to thank you for making a great sounding, quality product. consider me a fan, and a member of the street team! - Roger L, USA
I bought an X-12 and iiked it so much that I had to get rid of my other peamp and replace it with another X-12. Kudos on making such an awesome design, I look forward to outfitting my studio with some more of your other tonal options in the near future. - Justin H., USA
By Eddie Ciletti. With the state of today's economy, it's hard to predict (or have confidence in) the days ahead. Looking into my silicon crystal ball, your passion for knowledge and the declining value of a dollar tell me there might be a D.I.Y. kit on your holiday gift list this year. And there are a lot of reasons to love these kits: They teach us almost as much about our retail gear as they do about D.I.Y.
