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!
MSRP: $625 (with Carnhill/UK Input AND Output Transformer)
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 preamps. Discrete OpAmps not provided with preamps.
For USA Buyers
For INTL Buyers
X-72mk500 Assembled
$495
$495
X-72mk500 PAIR (2 modules) Assembled
$950
$950
$12 - Set of Mill Max sockets installed
If you plan on using or installing Discrete OpAmps (DOA) with this preamp, I recommend Mill Max sockets installed for easy swapping of OpAmps.
This project, as everything I've done with the X-72 mic pre has been easy and allowed me to use it on what ever i choose with great results. I mostly do projects for National Geographic using stringed instruments including guitars, acoustic and electric and both as you heard come through with the clarity I need. I used a U87 for the acoustics though the X-72 and a 57 mic a PRS Super Dallas Amplifier and a PRS McCarty for the electrics. The bass was run through a direct box straight into the X-72 with excellent results.
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
X-72mk500
