What if you could take the best features from different preamps, and combine them into one Super-Frankenstein Hybrid preamp?
And that's exactly what I did. Welcome my new X-72mk500 Mic Preamp!
I used the latest low-noise modern chipsets, and couple them with big, hunking, hulky, giant input and output transformers from UK/Carnhill.... These same transformers are usually used in Neve-type/clone preamps.
And not only that, you have the option to use Discrete Op Amps (DOA) like 2520/990 type opamps, like the ones you find in API preamps.
What about the sound? The sound to me is BIG, PUNCHY, and HUGE. It adds a deep, nice, WARM coloration to the sound. Really deep-sounding huge. And low frequencies come out punchy and TIGHT. I really love it. Totally unexpected.
I'm using fast video buffer driver chips (spec'd at 2000V/usec) to drive this awesome UK/Carnhill Output Transformers. After the Input Transformer, the signal is amplfied by modern, low-noise chips capable of driving 600-ohm loads. Gain is adjusted by mil-spec Grayhill Selector Switches, and trimmed using Bourns potentiometer.
The 48Volt Phantom Power circuitry also has a "soft-start/ramp-up" feature. When you turn ON Phantom Power, 48 Volts is gradually applied to your expensive microphone. The result is no more annoying and bone-jarring "POPPING" sound when you turn ON or OFF your Phantom Power. It also protects your monitors from this loud popping sound!
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-72mk500 Preamp requires an API 500 Series Rack or compatible rack.
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-72mk500 Mic Preamp (PRE-ASSEMBLED) LIMITED STOCK - Pls. allow 2-3 weeks lead time.
For USA Buyers
For INTL Buyers
$495 - X-72mk500 Mic Preamp Pre-Assembled (Plug-and-Play)
What if you could take the best features from different preamps, and combine them into one Super-Frankenstein Hybrid preamp? And that's exactly what I did. Welcome my new X-72mk500 Mic Preamp!
This is our new Mic Preamp in the API-500 Series card format. We're bringing all the quality of the original SC-1 and some more, plus new additional features in this new form factor.
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.
The SC-1 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.
It's here! Save time and energy building a case for your SC-1 Preamp. This is a 1u Rack Case designed to mount (4) SC-1 Preamp Kits! Very professional looking! Standard 19" wide, 11" deep (plenty of space).
