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Products tagged with: audio
A Designs 500-Blue Microphone Preamplifier
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy sound In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. The sound of the EM-Blue The A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Blue is equipped with a nickel custom-wound output transformer. This emphasizes the highs and produces a much more "airy" top end tone. When used with a "dark"-sounding microphone or an alto vocalist, it can produce an absolutely heavenly sound. You will also find this pre useful for recording a snare drum for that crisp "crack" sound. Plus, you just might want to hear what an electric guitar sounds like going thru nickel transformers (trust us, you do!). So, to get down and dirty with an electric guitar you'll want to use the EM-Blue's DI and 20dB pad, and crank the gain for a slight growl. Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Blue features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of all, the EM-Blue is another stellar example of the A Designs Audio mission: pro audio made affordable, and quality without compromis
A Designs 500-Red Microphone Preamplifier
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy sound In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. The sound of the EM-Red The A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Red comes with a 50/50 output transformer. A Designs Audio added a little kick to this one by changing the input transformer as well. The result is more "up front mids"! You'll find this very useful when recording acoustic guitar with a condenser microphone. You can also use the EM-Red for recording toms, both rack and floor. As with all the A Designs Audio modules, the EM-Red is VPR Alliance compliant, and features a 48V phantom power switch, DI input, and phase reversal switch. Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Red features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of all, the EM-Red is another stellar example of the A Designs Audio mission: pro audio made affordable, and quality without compromise. Requires the A Designs R52 (product # 180038) dual slot external power supply (See accessory box below). The EM-Re
A Designs 500-Silver Microphone Preamplifier
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy sound In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. The sound of the EM-Silver The A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Silver has a custom wound steel output transformer, which outputs a darker sound than the P-1, EM-Red, and EM-Blue, great for adding body to thin vocals. The EM-Silver is also very good match with ribbon microphones, which makes sense because steel transformers were widely used in the early days of recording and broadcast along with ribbon microphones. The sound/color/flavor you'll receive depends which ribbon mic you have. With today's influx of ribbon microphones there is a wide choice of character range available for you to determine which tone you are looking for or need. Another feature of the EM-Silver is a DI (direct inject) for use with electric instruments. Thanks to the DI and its darker sound, the EM-Silver is a great pre for bass guitar and keyboards. Also, you may like to try the EM-Silver (depending on microphone) for your kick when recording drums! All in all, the Silver is a very versatile tool. Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Silver features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and ph
A Designs 500HR Rackmount Frame for 500 Series Modules
The 500HR is a dual-slot, single-space, rack-mounted frame with power supply for A-Designs and other 500 Series compatible audio modules including: A-Designs EM-PEQ Equalizer #241581 A-Designs EM-Gold Preamp Module #180029 A-Designs P1 Single Channel Microphone Preamp Module #189906 A-Designs 500-Red Microphone Preamplifier #189907 A-Designs 500-Blue Microphone Preamplifier #189908 A-Designs 500-Silver Microphone Preamplifier #189909 You are able to use the 500HR and A-Designs module combinations in four basic ways: Loaded with two preamps it becomes a dual-channel mic preamp Loaded with two EQs, it is a dual-channel EQ Loaded with one preamp and one EQ it is a complete pre/post EQ recording channel Use one preamp and the EQ in the 500HR and bypass your pre on your guitar/bass/keyboard amplifier and have a totally different amp for any live situation! Compatible with all the A-Designs 500 series modules Internal regulated power supply with 48V phantom power Steel-chassis construction LED 48V indicator Included power cord Connections: Two XLR inputs, electronically balanced Two XLR, electronically balanced Will accept API 500 Series modules
A Designs 500HR Rackmount Frame for 500 Series Modules
The 500HR is a dual-slot, single-space, rack-mounted frame with power supply for A-Designs and other 500 Series compatible audio modules including: A-Designs EM-PEQ Equalizer #241581 A-Designs EM-Gold Preamp Module #180029 A-Designs P1 Single Channel Microphone Preamp Module #189906 A-Designs 500-Red Microphone Preamplifier #189907 A-Designs 500-Blue Microphone Preamplifier #189908 A-Designs 500-Silver Microphone Preamplifier #189909 You are able to use the 500HR and A-Designs module combinations in four basic ways: Loaded with two preamps it becomes a dual-channel mic preamp Loaded with two EQs, it is a dual-channel EQ Loaded with one preamp and one EQ it is a complete pre/post EQ recording channel Use one preamp and the EQ in the 500HR and bypass your pre on your guitar/bass/keyboard amplifier and have a totally different amp for any live situation! Compatible with all the A-Designs 500 series modules Internal regulated power supply with 48V phantom power Steel-chassis construction LED 48V indicator Included power cord Connections: Two XLR inputs, electronically balanced Two XLR, electronically balanced Will accept API 500 Series modules
A Designs 500Hr Rackmount Frame For 500 Series Modules
The 500HR is a dual-slot, single-space, rack-mounted frame with power supply for A-Designs and other 500 Series compatible audio modules including: A-Designs EM-PEQ Equalizer #241581 A-Designs EM-Gold Preamp Module #180029 A-Designs P1 Single Channel Microphone Preamp Module #189906 A-Designs 500-Red Microphone Preamplifier #189907 A-Designs 500-Blue Microphone Preamplifier #189908 A-Designs 500-Silver Microphone Preamplifier #189909 You are able to use the 500HR and A-Designs module combinations in four basic ways: Loaded with two preamps it becomes a dual-channel mic preamp Loaded with two EQs, it is a dual-channel EQ Loaded with one preamp and one EQ it is a complete pre/post EQ recording channel Use one preamp and the EQ in the 500HR and bypass your pre on your guitar/bass/keyboard amplifier and have a totally different amp for any live situation! Compatible with all the A-Designs 500 series modules Internal regulated power supply with 48V phantom power Steel-chassis construction LED 48V indicator Included power cord Connections: Two XLR inputs, electronically balanced Two XLR, electronically balanced Will accept API 500 Series modules
A Designs Em-Gold Preamp Module
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy sound The A-Designs Audio Erickson Montessi - Gold microphone preamp module is designed to complement the other A-Designs preamp modules and further expand the sonic palette with its own unique frequencies. In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With a rack full of EM series preamps, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. Another color for the EM palette The EM-Gold combines the output transformer of the A-Designs EM-Silver, which will translate into a darker sound, and the input transformer of the A-Designs EM-Red, which gives you "up-front" mids. As a result, the EM-Gold brings more midrange frequencies to the lower end of the sonic spectrum, which makes it an excellent choice for drum miking (toms in particular). It also excels on various guitars (especially if you want that midrange "chunk" that moves the speakers), vocals, MP3/drum machines, and bass and if you've ever heard the A Designs REDDI, you know that nobody knows their way around bass tone better than A Designs Audio. Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Gold features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of all, the EM-Gold is another stellar example of the A Designs Audio miss
A Designs EM-PEQ Equalizer in compact 500 Series Module
The classic all-tube Pultec PEQ-1A goes down on the record books as one of the most venerated equalizers of all time, cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost mythical ability to improve the sound of just about anything running through it. Finally, after much research and development, A-Designs Audio announces that it has managed to capture much of the essence of the famed EQ in a new product-and one that fits in a compact 500 Series module frame size, no less! In fact, as you'll see below in our Channel Strips of the Stars segment, the EM-PEQ goes the legendary Pultec one better. Dubbed the EM-PEQ, A-Designs Audio was able to shrink this highly sought after filter design into the now red-hot 500 Series format without compromise to either build quality or sonic caliber. The EQ section design and control layout of the classic PEQ-1A has been meticulously maintained, as well as its wonderfully smooth musicality. Makeup amplification is achieved through the use of the same discrete Class AB amplifier found in A-Designs Audio's popular solid-state Pacifica mic preamp, putting a slightly unique twist on the classic design of yesteryear. Additional features include a nickel core output transformer, gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima caps, and a true hard bypass. Instead of using common off-the-shelf chokes, A-Designs uses a custom-wound tapped inductor wound to the original values. Fully-balanced, noise-free operation with modern impedance specs make for dummy-proof operation and fast studio integration. The new EM-PEQ is an approved API VPR Alliance product and may also be used in Brent Averill Enterprises racks and A-Designs Audio's R52 manufactured by Avedis Audio Electronics. Channel Strips of the Stars: Dylan "3D" Dresdow Primarily a mixer these days, Dylan Dresdow's list of credits includes Black-Eyed Peas, Usher, Michael Jackson, Fergie, and Flo Rida. Dylan was kind enough to share his some of his gear secrets for processing background vocals and kick drum. For my BG vocal chain, I typically use the Crane Song STC-8 compressor into the HAMMER EQ (#180185). Sometimes I'll run a high-pass filter pre compression. The (A Designs Audio) EM-PEQ usually ends up on my "'main" kick drum track. I can get more punch and click out of it, versus a typical Pultec EQP-1. I used these setups for songs I've mixed recently for Usher ("Revolver", "What's Your Name?"), Michael Jackson ("Starting Something remake 2008"), Fergie ("Clubsy Remix", "Pick It Up"), and Flo Rida ("Ayer").
A Designs JM3001 Solid State Mic Pre with EQ
The JM-3001 from A-Designs Audio is equally ideal for both studio recording and live sound use. Hand-built in the US, the new A-Designs JM30001 features three inputs: microphone, instrument and EQ/insert, which may be used together or independently. The product is also equipped with a highly musical three-band parametric EQ, high/low filters, and two independent transformer-balanced outputs (microphone and EQ).The heart of the JM-3001 is its C12X discrete-transistor operational amplifier designed by Carl Johnson. Operating on ±30VDC rails, the C12X is a high-gain, fast-slew, stable audio block with virtually no DC offset over the audio spectrum, and is capable of driving a 50 ohm load at 50Hz with very little current draw. It is used in the microphone preamp, instrument input amp, and main output/EQ output stages of the product.According to A Designs' Peter Montessi, The JM-3001s preamp is an original design with depth and detail for miles, while the EQ is a full parametric with its own transformer, so you can use it with or without the pre. The freq settings are highly reminiscent of classic console filters and musically complement any source you run through them. The instrument input is totally separate from the pre and EQ and sounds amazing on its own as well." The JM-3001s microphone preamplifier is a single-stage, transformer-coupled and balanced I/O design benefitting from the C12X for ultra-transparent audio. This section feeds the EQ and preamp output mult simultaneously and includes phase reverse, a -20dB pad, +48V phantom power with LED indicator and a plastic conductive gain control pot.The instrument input preamplifier is a single-stage, single-ended, high impedance input designed primarily with guitar and bass pickups in mind. Similarly utilizing a C12X discrete op amp, this section is separate from the mic pre and includes a 1/4-inch phone jack and gain pot on the front panel. Like the mic preamp, this section also feeds the EQ and preamp output mult simultaneously.The equalizer input/insert return is a direct-coupled, balanced input that is post the mic pre and the instrument input. Inserting a TRS 1/4" phone jack into this connection allows for direct input to the equalizer, bypassing both the mic pre and instrument input.The JM-3001s three-band parametric equalizer is a unique design featuring 33 frequencies with three bands of overlapping ranges covering from 50Hz to 15KHz. Both the frequency selection and the ±12 dB equalization controls are step-type switches for precise and repeatable settings. Each band has a Q switch with three fixed positions: sharp (S), wide (W) and narrow (N). The low and high bands are normally of a peak/dip type, but flipping the shelf switch to the up position on those bands changes the characteristic to shelf type. The shelving switch disables the Q feature on high and low bands only.When in the up position, the high/low filters insert the fixed 12dB/octave high- and low-cut filters. These filt
A Designs Jm3001 Solid State Mic Pre With Eq
The JM-3001 from A-Designs Audio is equally ideal for both studio recording and live sound use. Hand-built in the US, the new A-Designs JM30001 features three inputs: microphone, instrument and EQ/insert, which may be used together or independently. The product is also equipped with a highly musical three-band parametric EQ, high/low filters, and two independent transformer-balanced outputs (microphone and EQ).The heart of the JM-3001 is its C12X discrete-transistor operational amplifier designed by Carl Johnson. Operating on 30VDC rails, the C12X is a high-gain, fast-slew, stable audio block with virtually no DC offset over the audio spectrum, and is capable of driving a 50 ohm load at 50Hz with very little current draw. It is used in the microphone preamp, instrument input amp, and main output/EQ output stages of the product.According to A Designs' Peter Montessi, The JM-3001s preamp is an original design with depth and detail for miles, while the EQ is a full parametric with its own transformer, so you can use it with or without the pre. The freq settings are highly reminiscent of classic console filters and musically complement any source you run through them. The instrument input is totally separate from the pre and EQ and sounds amazing on its own as well." The JM-3001s microphone preamplifier is a single-stage, transformer-coupled and balanced I/O design benefitting from the C12X for ultra-transparent audio. This section feeds the EQ and preamp output mult simultaneously and includes phase reverse, a -20dB pad, +48V phantom power with LED indicator and a plastic conductive gain control pot.The instrument input preamplifier is a single-stage, single-ended, high impedance input designed primarily with guitar and bass pickups in mind. Similarly utilizing a C12X discrete op amp, this section is separate from the mic pre and includes a 1/4-inch phone jack and gain pot on the front panel. Like the mic preamp, this section also feeds the EQ and preamp output mult simultaneously.The equalizer input/insert return is a direct-coupled, balanced input that is post the mic pre and the instrument input. Inserting a TRS 1/4" phone jack into this connection allows for direct input to the equalizer, bypassing both the mic pre and instrument input.The JM-3001s three-band parametric equalizer is a unique design featuring 33 frequencies with three bands of overlapping ranges covering from 50Hz to 15KHz. Both the frequency selection and the 12 dB equalization controls are step-type switches for precise and repeatable settings. Each band has a Q switch with three fixed positions: sharp (S), wide (W) and narrow (N). The low and high bands are normally of a peak/dip type, but flipping the shelf switch to the up position on those bands changes the characteristic to shelf type. The shelving switch disables the Q feature on high and low bands only.When in the up position, the high/low filters insert the fixed 12dB/octave high- and low-cut filters. These filters work
A Designs Mp-2A Stereo Tube Microphone Preamplifier
There aren't many companies that can design and build one preamp that engineers and producers feel that they could make an entire record with. A Designs Audio has built two. The all-tube MP-2A and the solid-state Pacifica, but we're here to talk about the MP-2A (you can check out the Pacifica later). With A Designs Audio's MP-2A, not only do you get a never-ending sweetspot and sonic majesty, it also gets top marks in "works and plays well with others." Meaning, while some preamps are picky when it comes to mics, the MP-2A welcomes all - and sounds great no matter what you put through it - ribbon, dynamic, or condenser. Better still, while the MP-2A falls squarely into the realm of "color" preamp, it never overwhelms a track with too much character. If you've been searching for an all-tube preamp with a rich bottom end, sweet and airy top end and enough tonal versatility to record all of your tracks without over-colorization at mixdown, think A designs Audio MP-2A. A Designs Audio MP-2A, First Take: True tube in, tube out stereo mic preamp World-class custom-wound transformers Two "tone" switches, give you four unique tone signatures. Audiophile quality and components and a price below comparable boutique preamps True tube mic preamp The MP-2A is a classic 2-channel tube mic pre based on the celebrated MP-1. It offers the same true tube in/tube out design, plus the same quality that made the original MP-1 and MP-2 the buzz of the professional audio industry. New features include a -20 db pad switch, two selectable tone switches for four possible tones, plus 60db of gain (perfect for next generation ribbon mics) Classic features include a world-class Cinemag input transformer coupled with a custom wound output transformer, delivering the low noise and top quality sound that you demand from a high-end, high-priced mic-pre. Additional features include a balanced combo XLR/1/4 inch input, a true VU meter, phantom power and phase reverse switches, and a front panel line level input jack. Custom transformers, the key to punchy sound and quiet operation A lot of preamp builders believe that transformers are things to be avoided, but in reality, they're responsible for the sound we prefer in rock/pop music. The trick is finding good ones. Bad transformers can ring or decimate the upper frequency range, but when a transformer is properly designed and built, such as those by Cinemag (whose lineage includes making transformers for the top consoles in recording history) they are a thing of beauty, delivering a full, punchy sound like no other. Plus, thanks to the superior electronic isolation of transformers, noise and hum is reduced. That's why you can overdrive an MP-2A and get rich, milky distortion without the extra noise. The transformers you find in A Designs Audio's preasmps are hand- and "ear-" built by Tom Reichenbach of Cinemag. Tom is the son of the designer of the legendary Quad Eight consoles, whose sound rivaled Neve and
A Designs P1 Single Channel Microphone Preamp Module
"In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy sound In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. A single, affordable channel of the incredible Pacifica for your A Designs lunchbox
A Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
Consider the A-Designs Pacifica solid state stereo microphone preamplifier if you're ready for your first really good preamp--or the last one you may ever need. How often in life do you encounter someone or something that no one has anything bad to say about? We haven't met that "someone" yet, but the "something" is the A Designs Audio Pacifica solid state, dual-channel preamp. This Tec Award nominated beauty has won more praise from engineers and producers than just about any other preamp to hit the streets in a long, long time. A Designs Audio Pacifica, First Take: 2-channel, solid state preamp with 2 x front-panel Hi-Z inputs Custom-wound input and output transformers Captures the sound quality of the legendary Quad Eight console but with more presence and high end Balanced XLR I/O, phase reversal, -20dB pad, +48V phantom power The Sound of the '70s Reborn The 1970s was a time of great music and great change in pro audio--a golden age if you will. The introduction of "solid state" electronics led to an explosion in development and a very different sound than the tube gear of previous decades. The recording console in a high-end 1970s studio was likely a Neve, API, or Quad Eight. These companies set the standards for audio quality -- with a unique sound firmly imprinted on the popular recordings of the era. Even though the Quad Eight mysteriously faded from view, many engineers firmly believe that the Quad eight Ventura, Coronado, and Pacifica consoles were the very best sounding of the big three. Boston's "More Than a Feeling" and Pink Floyd's The Wall were mixed on a Quad Eight! But rather than just crank out another clone, A Designs Audio's Peter Montessi and audio designer Jon Erickson (who spent years bringing vintage gear back to life for LA studios), added their own touch to bring the preamps of the glory days to serve the present-day needs of the recording world. The result is the Pacifica, a fabulous-sounding preamp the captures the heart and soul of the California and takes the LA sound a step further. Custom Transformers, the Key to a Big Punchy Sound In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. (Ed Reichenbach was also one of the designers of the Quad Eight console on which the Pacifica is based.) Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also ear-made" by Jon and Peter, who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. After extensive listening tests and redesign after redesign, they finally found the sound they were looking for. And herein is the most important distinction of the A Designs Pacifica. While its name, look, and inspiration was taken
A Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
Consider the A-Designs Pacifica solid state stereo microphone preamplifier if you're ready for your first really good preamp--or the last one you may ever need. How often in life do you encounter someone or something that no one has anything bad to say about? We haven't met that "someone" yet, but the "something" is the A Designs Audio Pacifica solid state, dual-channel preamp. This Tec Award nominated beauty has won more praise from engineers and producers than just about any other preamp to hit the streets in a long, long time. A Designs Audio Pacifica, First Take: 2-channel, solid state preamp with 2 x front-panel Hi-Z inputs Custom-wound input and output transformers Captures the sound quality of the legendary Quad Eight console but with more presence and high end Balanced XLR I/O, phase reversal, -20dB pad, +48V phantom power The Sound of the '70s Reborn The 1970s was a time of great music and great change in pro audio--a golden age if you will. The introduction of "solid state" electronics led to an explosion in development and a very different sound than the tube gear of previous decades. The recording console in a high-end 1970s studio was likely a Neve, API, or Quad Eight. These companies set the standards for audio quality -- with a unique sound firmly imprinted on the popular recordings of the era. Even though the Quad Eight mysteriously faded from view, many engineers firmly believe that the Quad eight Ventura, Coronado, and Pacifica consoles were the very best sounding of the big three. Boston's "More Than a Feeling" and Pink Floyd's The Wall were mixed on a Quad Eight! But rather than just crank out another clone, A Designs Audio's Peter Montessi and audio designer Jon Erickson (who spent years bringing vintage gear back to life for LA studios), added their own touch to bring the preamps of the glory days to serve the present-day needs of the recording world. The result is the Pacifica, a fabulous-sounding preamp the captures the heart and soul of the California and takes the LA sound a step further. Custom Transformers, the Key to a Big Punchy Sound In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. (Ed Reichenbach was also one of the designers of the Quad Eight console on which the Pacifica is based.) Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also ear-made" by Jon and Peter, who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. After extensive listening tests and redesign after redesign, they finally found the sound they were looking for. And herein is the most important distinction of the A Designs Pacifica. While its name, look, and inspiration was taken
A Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
A Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
A Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
A Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
