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SC-1mk2 Mic Preamp - More Info |
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Introduction The SC-1 Mic Preamp is a THAT 1510/1512/SSM2017/SSM2019/INA217 based Mic preamp with phantom power, DC servo and Balanced line output driver. Block Diagram The SC-1 Mic Preamp has a straightforward design. The approach is to use the minimum number of components in the signal path, but at the same time provide flexibility to the end-user to add in-line signal processing options. A DC servo approach was used instead of AC coupling. The Balanced line driver is connected directly at the output of the DC Servo. In case the user wants to use the optional trim level, "tap points" are provided on the circuit board to insert this potentiometer in the signal path. This will function as the volume control and provide more control over the 6dB per step of the gain selector switch. These "tap points" also provide a way in the future to add additional in-line signal processors. Some things that come to mind are VCA compressors, FET-based compressors, Passive EQ, Active EQ modules, Low-cut, High-cut filters, exciters, etc... This gives the user customization capabilities in creating his own unique mic preamp channel strip! 
Mic Preamp The THAT 1510 is a high performance audio preamplifier suitable for use in microphone preamp application. It is pin compatible with the now discontinued, Analog Devices SSM2019 and SSM2017 IC chips, and the Texas Instruments INA217 and INA163 mic preamp chips. Designed from the ground up in THAT’s complementary dielectric isolation process and including laser-trimmed Si-Chrome thin film resistors, the THAT 1510 improve on existing integrated microphone preamps by offering lower noise at low gains, wider bandwidth, higher slew rate, lower distortion, and lower supply current. The parts feature internal ESD overload protection on all critical pins. In short, the THAT 1510 provide superior performance in a popular format at an affordable price. Features * Low Noise:
1 nV/ ÖHz input noise (60dB gain)
34 nV/ ÖHz input noise (0dB gain) (1512)
* Low THD+N (full audio bandwidth):
0.0005% < 40dB gain
0.005% @ 60dB gain
* Low Current: 6 mA
* Wide Bandwidth: 7MHz @ G=100
* High Slew Rate: 19 V/µs
* Wide Output Swing: ±13.3V on ±15V supplies
* Gain adjustable from 0 to >60dB with
one external resistor
* Industry-standard pinouts Comparison between THAT, SSM and INA mic preamp chips 
DC Servo The SC-1 DC servo is using an OPA134 opamp chip. - SUPERIOR SOUND QUALITY
- ULTRA LOW DISTORTION: 0.00008%
- LOW NOISE: 8nV/sqrt(Hz)
- TRUE FET-INPUT: IB = 5pA
- HIGH SPEED:
- SLEW RATE: 20V/µs
- BANDWIDTH: 8MHz
- HIGH OPEN-LOOP GAIN: 120dB (600ohm)
- WIDE SUPPLY RANGE: ±2.5V to ±18V
- SINGLE, DUAL, AND QUAD VERSIONS The OPA134 series are ultra-low distortion, low noise operational amplifiers fully specified for audio applications. A true FET input stage was incorporated to provide superior sound quality and speed for exceptional audio performance. This in combination with high output drive capability and excellent dc performance allows use in a wide variety of demanding applications. In addition, the OPA134's wide output swing, to within 1V of the rails, allows increased headroom making it ideal for use in any audio circuit. Balanced Line Driver Ouput The SC-1 uses the THAT 1646 Balanced Line Driver Chip. The THAT 1646 is a new generation of audio differential line drivers offering improved performance over conventional cross-coupled designs. Based on a high-performance, fully differential opamp and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors, the 1646 exhibit low noise and distortion, high slew rate, and wide output swing. The parts are stable when driving difficult loads, and have short-circuit protected outputs. This is a dual feedback-loop design that prevents the excessive ground currents typical of cross-coupled output stages (CCOS) when clipping into single-ended loads. OutSmarts uses two individual negative-feedback loops to separately control the differential output voltage and common mode output currents, making the designs inherently more stable and less sensitive to component tolerances than common CCOSes. As a result, THAT's topology prevents the loss of common-mode feedback that plagues common CCOS designs when clipping into single-ended loads. This avoids excessive ground currents that would otherwise upset power supplies and create additional distortion, even in adjacent channels. The 1646 is pin-compatible with the TI DRV134 and DRV135, as well as the Analog Devices SSM2142. 
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Testimonials
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
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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 Five Fish 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 |
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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 |
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This is a great preamp, great sound, full bodied sound. - eBay feedback X-72mk500, May 2010 |
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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 |
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X-12mk500 - I can't believe the value & quality of these preamps! Amazing! - eBay Feedback, May 2010 |
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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 |
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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 |
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