This is my own version of a classic preamp, popular in the 70s and still popular today. It's not a clone since I'm using a totally different signal path and design, and different input and output transformers. But the sound nevertheless is awesome. Big and beefy with lots of transformer mojo goodness.
Note: This kit is my 1u rack version with on-board local voltage regulators. For the 500-Series lunchbox version, click here. X-12mk500
Using Input and Output Transformers 12-step Gain from 22dB to 68dB, at 4dB/step -20dB Input Pad High-quality parts Option to use Discrete OpAmps with the 990/2520 format Using high-performance chipsets, currently the best chip around Using High-speed 2000V/us, video buffer, high-current transformer line driver Using Grayhill switch - high quality mil-spec with output trim Bourns potentiometer - so you can overdrive the input trafo and be able to trim the output of the pre. Null offset trimmer adjustment LED-lighted push buttons for 48V phantom, pads, and polarity reverse Relay Controlled Polarity Reverse Relay Controlled -20dB Pad Soft-start/Ramp-up 48V Phantom Power Includes on-board voltage regulators Professional PCB, Rohs PCB with double-sided, plated-through holes, 2oz. copper with soldermask, silkscreen layout, Includes everything... 5-LED VU Meter, spacers, screws, knobs
NOTE: The X-12 Preamp requires a Power Supply Unit. You can use my PSU-24448mk2 and Power Transformer Kit to power your X-12 Mic Pre.
You can also use discrete opamps with these kits. Discrete OpAmps not provided with kits. But there are lots of 3rd-party companies making and selling them.
X-12 Mic Preamp KIT
For USA Buyers
For INTL Buyers
$299 - X-12 Mic Preamp Kit
$349 - X-12 Mic Preamp Kit + PSU + Power Transformer
$598 - Stereo Pair X-12 Mic Preamp with FREE PSU kit+ Power Transformer
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.
