Now, with optional Input Transformer option! Improved design, improved performance, design refinements. Uses the same "footprint" as the original SC-1, so you can use this new kit in our 1u SC-1 Rack Case. Have 2 channels of clean/uncolored preamp and 2 channels of "flavored" preamp Local PSU regulation for a 2nd-level filtering of power supply. DC Servo, Dual Buffered design THAT and Burr-Brown chips Using uMetal shielded Input Transformer for excellent magnetic shielding 6dB gain steps in the lower range, and 4db gain steps in the upper range for more precise control Using standard 0.1" pitch pads for power and XLR connections, Molex 0.1" compatible Bourns, conductive plastic potentiometers Grayhill, mil-spec selector switches 0.079" thick PCB with 2 oz. copper, Solder mask, silkscreen, plated-through holes, Lead-free Rohs
More ordering choices, more package deal combinations for better discount! Flexible ordering with or without PSU, Rack Case, Input Transformers, etc... to fit your DIY budget.
The SC-1mk2 Mic Preamp is a clean, clear, low-noise, high-gain pream. It sounds very transparent, offering a flat response, smooth highs and well-defined mids.
Features: - Low-Noise, transformerless, High-Quality Mic Preamp - All solid-state design, using chipsets from THAT Corp and Burr-Brown - Soft-start, slow ramp-on -48V phantom power - Crystal clear Red LED indicator for phantom power - Electronically balanced input and output stages - 12-position Grayhill gain selector switch - Gain range from 12 to -72dB (using THAT 1510 chip) - Input RFI protection - Input clamping protection - Output surge protection circuit - Output RFI protection - Powered by a linear, regulated 18-0-18 Volts supply, with -48VDC for clean power delivery - Reduced clicking and popping when changing gains - High quality Bourns, sealed, conductive plastic potentiometer for volume control - High quality PCB Mounted switch - Gold-plated, machined, low-profile IC sockets - Use of high quality 1% Metal Film resistors, and high-quality ceramic and electrolytic capacitors - Solder pads for optional INSERT jacks - On-board jumper terminals - Easy to assemble, easy to troubleshoot design - Each component carefully labeled, protected and packed in separate zip bags - Very affordable!!!
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.