Geni Swing Guitars

Preamp Circuit

When you're putting together a system, the three most important components are going to be your signal source, speakers (including subwoofers), and power source. These three elements work together to determine what your system ultimately sounds like.

The Signal Source

An in-dash player is the heart (or brain) of your sound system-it plays your music and sends signals out to the speakers.

What to look for

Music formats: Most units sold these days play regular CDs, and many will play MP3s that you've burned yourself. Others are satellite radio-ready or have CD changer controls. Think about how you listen to music and get the one that's right for you.

Dedicated amplifier preamp outputs: These plugs on the back of the player send your music directly to an amplifier. If you plan on adding a subwoofer you'll need at least one set of preamp outs, more if you plan on adding multiple amps. Look for 4V or higher outputs-they'll send a cleaner, more powerful signal to your amp.

Subwoofer fader: This dedicated fader lets you control the volume of your subwoofer(s) directly from the in-dash player in case you need to take it down (or turn it up) a notch.

Movies and navigation: Some in-dash players let you watch your favorite DVDs, perfect for family vacations. You can even get a unit with built-in GPS navigation, so you never have to stop for directions again.

Accessory inputs: Do you love your iPod® or MyFi(TM)? Many units have special inputs for portable devices, so you can enjoy your digital music and satellite radio on the road.

Speakers

Speakers take the signal from your in-dash player and turn it into sound.

What to look for

Full-range speakers: These speakers reproduce the full range of sound. Upgrading your flimsy factory speakers to new three-way aftermarket models will improve your sound dramatically, making your music clearer and giving you more bass response. Most cars have four two-way speakers-two in the front and two in the rear. Use our fit guide to see what works for you.

Subwoofers: These large speakers are dedicated to reproducing bass frequencies. Normal full-range speakers aren't capable of reproducing the lowest bass notes. Adding a subwoofer or two will really improve bass performance, making all of your music sound deeper and more alive. You'll hear your music the way it was meant to be heard (and felt).

Subwoofer box: Most subwoofers need to be housed in some type of enclosure to make them sound their best. The size and style of the enclosure will depend on the type and size of the subwoofers you purchase, the amount of space available and the amount of bass you're looking for.

Speakers and subs come in many sizes and varieties. To find out what's best for you car, check out our articles on speakers and subs, or visit your local Circuit City store.

The Power Source

An amplifier takes the signal from your in-dash player and makes it bigger and more powerful, then sends it to your speakers. Adding an amp (or two) will not only make your system louder, but will also make everything sound better at low volumes.

What to look for

Multi-amp system: Some people only use an amplifier to power a subwoofer, letting the full-range speakers run directly off the in-dash player's internal power. This can sound fine, but for the best sound possible, opt for separate amps for all of your speakers. One four-channel amp or a pair of two-channel amps will keep highs and mids clear and detailed.

Power: It takes a lot of power to reproduce low bass frequencies, which most in-dash players are incapable of supplying. By giving your subwoofers clean, dedicated power, they won't have to work as hard to reproduce these frequencies. Get the most powerful amp you can afford for your subwoofer-there's nothing worse than mushy bass caused by a lack of power.

Built-in crossover: A crossover helps to ensure that your sub(s) don't try to reproduce anything but bass frequencies by filtering out mids and highs. A crossover can also help filter out bass frequencies if you decide on a multi-amp system.

Accessories

It's time to put your system together, but before you get started, make sure you have all the proper accessories. Here are a few of the things you may need to get everything hooked up:

Wiring harness: You'll need to purchase a wiring harness to connect your new in-dash player to your car's existing wiring. Harnesses are inexpensive and easy to connect, saving you a lot of hassle.

Installation kit: Your factory player was designed specifically to fit your car's dashboard. An installation kit gives you all the hardware you need to give your new in-dash player a seamless factory look.

Amplifier audio cables: You'll need a separate cable for each amp you're connecting to your in-dash player. They're easy to hook up-one end connects to the preamp outputs on the back of your player, and the other end connects to the amp.

Amplifier power kit: Amps get power from your car's electrical system, but they need a separate connection to function properly. A power kit provides everything you need to get your amp hooked up properly, including power cables and fuses. Make sure the power rating on the kit you buy is greater than or equal to the wattage of the amplifier(s) you've chosen.

For a complete selection of quality car audio components, please visit www.DominantCarAudio.com.

http://www.dominantcaraudio.com

Rocktron Gainiac 2 Guitar Preamp $249 This 2-channel Rocktron Gainiac guitar tube preamp packs enough heat (and gain) for even the most hard-core metal heads! With over 70dB of gain and an incredible EQ circuit, the Gainiac can deliver any tone under the sun. By turning up a special "Scoop" control, you suck out the midrange frequencies and produce the heaviest sounds imaginable. Use the bottom and top EQs to shape the lows and highs. The clean channel delivers the warm, punchy sound that guitarists of every persuasion love to hear.

Circuit $11.49 Circuit

Studio Projects VTB-1 Tube Blend Mic Preamp $149.99 The new Studio Projects VTB-1 Tube Blend Mic Preamp is the ultimate in low-cost microphone preamplifier technology. Incorporating true class A/B switching, the VTB-1 is a totally discrete circuit. Unique to the VTB-1 mic preamp is the Tube Drive circuit based on a a 12AX7 tube that allows the user to blend as little or as much of the Tube Drive as desired. The Studio Projects VTB-1 allows the user the most flexibility of any mic pre in its price class.The VTB-1 preamp allows you to go from a pristine solid state sound to any combination of Tube Drive you choose - even hard distortion for guitars and bass! The Studio Projects VTB-1 is must-have device as the perfect mic preamplifier for any microphone!

Studio Projects Vtb-1 Tube Blend Mic Preamp $149.99 The new Studio Projects VTB-1 Tube Blend Mic Preamp is the ultimate in low-cost microphone preamplifier technology. Incorporating true class A/B switching, the VTB-1 is a totally discrete circuit. Unique to the VTB-1 mic preamp is the Tube Drive circuit based on a a 12AX7 tube that allows the user to blend as little or as much of the Tube Drive as desired. The Studio Projects VTB-1 allows the user the most flexibility of any mic pre in its price class.The VTB-1 preamp allows you to go from a pristine solid state sound to any combination of Tube Drive you choose - even hard distortion for guitars and bass! The Studio Projects VTB-1 is must-have device as the perfect mic preamplifier for any microphone!A superb vocal mic pre with warm transparent characterGreat for use as a tube DI boxIdeal for production, broadcast, and voice over workPerfect for the professional and home project studio

Dtar Equinox Parametric Equalizer Preamp $258.3 The Equinox from D-TAR, is an audiophile-quality 3-band parametric equalizer preamp with low noise components and circuit design that makes it ideal for studio and live use. The Equinox preamp's frequency sweep control, bandwidth control, and boost/cut control corrects or enhances very specific tonal problem areas. Dual notch filters control or eliminate acoustic feedback. D-TAR Equinox is an ideal preamp for musicians who require precise control of their EQ in any environment.D-TAR - Duncan/Turner Acoustic ResearchSeymour Duncan and Rick Turner are two legends who spent years working with musicians, perfecting their tone. Seymour founded his self-named company in 1978 which has become well-known for its wide variety of guitar and bass pickups used by just about every name player from Billie Joe Armstrong to Angus Young. Rick co-founded Alembic, was president of Gibson Labs West Coast R&D Division, co-founded Highlander Musical Audio making piezo acoustic guitar pickups for Lindsay Buckingham, Ry Cooder, David Lindley, and Andy Summers, and runs his own Renaissance Guitars. Now Seymour and Rick are working together to create innovative products for acoustic musicians. Their D-TAR motto: "With respect to acoustic tone."3 Band Parametric Equalizer Preamp Allows precise EQ control to correct or enhance very specific tonal problem areas with frequency sweep control, bandwidth control, and boost/cut controlTwo independent notch filters Eliminate acoustic feedback20 dB gain switch Provides instant gainTrue bypass switching of non-activated functions bypass switch removes entire EQ and notch filter sections from signal chain leaving only high impedance, low noise input and buffered outputHigh quality components extremely low noise and distortion, audiophile quality sound¼" stereo input jack allows connecting input and output to Solstice on a single, stereo cableCompact, portable design an be used as a stand-alone preamp for ultra portable instrument amplification systemsInput Jack: ¼" Stereo, input on tip / output on ring, allows interface with DTAR Solstice (Acoustic Mixer) using a single, stereo cable.Output Jack: 1/4" MonoPower Supply: Internal ±15V derived from 15VAC external, wall mounted power transformer.

Fishman Pro Eq Platinum Acoustic Guitar Preamp $149.95 The Fishman Pro EQ Platinum is an acoustic guitar preamp that utilizes a 4-band equalizer modeled after the versatile Prefix Plus. Each band is assigned to just the right frequencies for acoustic equalization. Also borrowed from the Prefix Plus design are feedback-fighting phase and notch controls. An innovative "smooth" compression circuit has been added to subdue explosive high frequencies when you strum hard or snap the strings. The Fishman Pro EQ Platinum also features a balanced XLR output, allowing it to be powered by phantom power. The ground lift feature is designed to function even when phantom power's applied to the preamp.

Grace Design M101 Microphone Preamp $685 In 2000, the Grace Design model 101 microphone preamp helped fuel a revolution. When people took professional recording into their own hands, it was there with all of the quality and performance of a high-end mic preamplifier, but with a price that made it available to the masses. Eight years later, and the cause moves forward with the newly redesigned m101 preamp.Maintaining Grace Design pedigree throughout, the m101 employs balanced, transformerless, transimpedance circuit topology. With incredible bandwidth and headroom, the m101 is natural, musical and detailed, allowing engineers and musicians to consistently record vibrant, amazing tracks.The m101 is equipped with a redesigned universal switching power supply that's dead quiet and accepts input voltages from 100 to 240V AC. The front panel is a tough black anodized/laser etched black, which ensures legibility and usability in varying light conditions. And all preamp functions have a dedicated indicator LED, including the 48V phantom power and HPF switch.Built in as standard is Grace's unique Ribbon Mic Mode, which bypasses the input decoupling capacitors, raises the input impedance from 8.1k to 20k, and defeats the 48V phantom power, preventing damage to delicate ribbon mic elements. Ribbon mics, you're welcome.The gain range is 10-75dB, including the additional +10dB of gain available with the output trim control. This provides ample gain for use of any type of microphone in any recording situation. The gain control is a precision gold-plated, 12-position switch, and the circuit path is built with 0.5% metal film resistors.Included is a HI-Z input on the front panel. Rear panel I/O options include both balanced TRS and unbalanced TS 1/4" outputs, along with the standard XLR balanced out and XLR microphone in.Equally at home amplifying a vintage condenser mic or a plugged-in acoustic guitar, the m101 delivers the kind of high fidelity performance previously available only to big budget recording studios and Grammy winning musicians. Add it all up while considering that the price is unmatched and the picture becomes pretty clear the m101 is one little hot rod piece of pro audio gear for everyone from home recording enthusiast to top professional.Note: For a truly outstanding sound and value, we suggest using the Grace m1011 with the CAD e300 condenser mic (see (#271261) for amazingly clear and detailed, yet warm-sounding vocals.Fast and musical transimpedance architectureUpdated audio path with 0.5% precision metal film resistorsNew 12 position gold-plated rotary gain switchHigh performance output line driver amplifier and HPF amplifierRibbon mic mode (also great for dynamic mics)- Relay bypass of phantom power decoupling capacitors, increased input impedance, and 48V lockoutWider 10-75dB gain rangeEnhanced RFI interference suppressionThree output connectors: XLR balanced, TRS balanced and 1/4" unbalancedBombproof laser-etched black anodized front panelSealed gold contact relay for Hi-Z i

Aguilar OBP-3SK/PP Onboard Bass Preamp $149 3-band EQ with 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, 400 or 800Hz (selectable by push/pull pot), and 6.5kHz, which can be installed as 9- or 18-volt circuit. 1" x 1" x .6". Includes stacked treble/bass pot and push/pull midrange pot.

Aguilar OBP-3TK/PP Onboard Bass Preamp $149 3-band EQ with 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, 400 or 800Hz (selectable by push/pull pot), and 6.5kHz can be installed as 9 or 18 volt circuit. 1" x 1" x .6". Includes separate treble, bass, and push/pull midrange pots.

Aguilar OBP-3SK Onboard Bass Preamp $144 3-band EQ with 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, 400 or 800Hz (selectable by toggle switch, and 6.5kHz, can be installed as 9 or 18 volt circuit, 1" x 1" x .6", Includes stacked treble/bass pot, midrange pot and toggle switch for midrange frequency selection.

Aguilar Obp-3Sk Onboard Bass Preamp $144 3-band EQ with 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, 400 or 800Hz (selectable by toggle switch, and 6.5kHz, can be installed as 9 or 18 volt circuit, 1" x 1" x .6", Includes stacked treble/bass pot, midrange pot and toggle switch for midrange frequency selection.

Aguilar Obp-3Tk/Pp Onboard Bass Preamp $149 3-band EQ with 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, 400 or 800Hz (selectable by push/pull pot), and 6.5kHz can be installed as 9 or 18 volt circuit. 1" x 1" x .6". Includes separate treble, bass, and push/pull midrange pots.

Aguilar Obp-3Sk/Pp Onboard Bass Preamp $149 3-band EQ with 18dB of boost/cut at 40Hz, 400 or 800Hz (selectable by push/pull pot), and 6.5kHz, which can be installed as 9- or 18-volt circuit. 1" x 1" x .6". Includes stacked treble/bass pot and push/pull midrange pot.

Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp 886830181436 $146.03 With the Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp, Electro-Harmonix offers an affordable tube micrphone preamp that won't disappoint. Equipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driver, it gives microphones the widest dynamic range with the warmest possible tone and accuracy. The 12AY7 Mic Pre uses an actual 200V supply instead of the "faked out" 12 or 48 volts you'd get with common models and delivers 50dB of gain into a high impedance load or 40dB gain into 600 ohms. The 12AY7 Mic Preamp's special FET current-balancing circuit allows the tubes to amplify the microphone signal to line level while eliminating noise and protecting against hum and hostile electrical environments. It has an extra TRS output for separate line control, which can be used as a splitter or an aux send for monitoring. Input connections are balanced in and out (XLR) with a 1/4" TRS balanced buffer out. The Electro-Harmonix mic pre unit also boasts a phase reverse switch and a +4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic level. The 48V phantom power is soft starting and pop-free.

Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp 889406756632 $97.35 With the Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp, Electro-Harmonix offers an affordable tube micrphone preamp that won't disappoint. Equipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driver, it gives microphones the widest dynamic range with the warmest possible tone and accuracy. The 12AY7 Mic Pre uses an actual 200V supply instead of the "faked out" 12 or 48 volts you'd get with common models and delivers 50dB of gain into a high impedance load or 40dB gain into 600 ohms. The 12AY7 Mic Preamp's special FET current-balancing circuit allows the tubes to amplify the microphone signal to line level while eliminating noise and protecting against hum and hostile electrical environments. It has an extra TRS output for separate line control, which can be used as a splitter or an aux send for monitoring. Input connections are balanced in and out (XLR) with a 1/4" TRS balanced buffer out. The Electro-Harmonix mic pre unit also boasts a phase reverse switch and a +4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic level. The 48V phantom power is soft starting and pop-free.

Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp $194.7 With the Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp, Electro-Harmonix offers an affordable tube micrphone preamp that won't disappoint. Equipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driver, it gives microphones the widest dynamic range with the warmest possible tone and accuracy. The 12AY7 Mic Pre uses an actual 200V supply instead of the "faked out" 12 or 48 volts you'd get with common models and delivers 50dB of gain into a high impedance load or 40dB gain into 600 ohms. The 12AY7 Mic Preamp's special FET current-balancing circuit allows the tubes to amplify the microphone signal to line level while eliminating noise and protecting against hum and hostile electrical environments. It has an extra TRS output for separate line control, which can be used as a splitter or an aux send for monitoring. Input connections are balanced in and out (XLR) with a 1/4" TRS balanced buffer out. The Electro-Harmonix mic pre unit also boasts a phase reverse switch and a +4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic level. The 48V phantom power is soft starting and pop-free.

Fishman Pro EQ Platinum Acoustic Guitar Preamp $130.46 The Fishman Pro EQ Platinum is an acoustic guitar preamp that utilizes a 4-band equalizer modeled after the versatile Prefix Plus. Each band is assigned to just the right frequencies for acoustic equalization. Also borrowed from the Prefix Plus design are feedback-fighting phase and notch controls. An innovative "smooth" compression circuit has been added to subdue explosive high frequencies when you strum hard or snap the strings. The Fishman Pro EQ Platinum also features a balanced XLR output, allowing it to be powered by phantom power. The ground lift feature is designed to function even when phantom power's applied to the preamp.3-way power from 9V battery, 48v phantom or AC adaptor

Aguilar OBP-3TK On Board Bass Preamp $144 In a housing not much bigger than a pick, the OBP-3 offers you tons of headroom and sonic flexibility. With 3 bands of boost or cut plus selectable midrange frequency, you can easily dial in your dream tone. Rolling off the treble produces instant vintage smoothness. Ultra-transparent circuit enhances the sound of your instrument without masking its inherent tone.Tons of headroom and sonic flexibility3 bands of boost or cutSelectable midrange frequencyEnhances the sound of your instrument without masking its inherent tone

Aguilar Obp-3Tk On Board Bass Preamp $144 In a housing not much bigger than a pick, the OBP-3 offers you tons of headroom and sonic flexibility. With 3 bands of boost or cut plus selectable midrange frequency, you can easily dial in your dream tone. Rolling off the treble produces instant vintage smoothness. Ultra-transparent circuit enhances the sound of your instrument without masking its inherent tone.Tons of headroom and sonic flexibility3 bands of boost or cutSelectable midrange frequencyEnhances the sound of your instrument without masking its inherent tone

LR Baggs DS PRE Dual Source Preamp $135.99 The Dual Source Preamp is available independently of the Dual Source System, offering players an all-discrete, Class A, two-channel onboard mixing preamp -- an essential component for those building custom two-source acoustic guitar amplification systems. The Dual Source PRE also comes with a Remote Control, which mounts nondestructively to the soundhole and puts volume and mix controls at your fingertips. Universal Onboard Mic/Pickup Mixer The Dual Source Preamp is a miniature onboard microphone/pickup mixer. It features all-discrete, Class A circuitry and provides a perfect mix between the most popular pickups and mini-microphones. Like a rack in a matchbox, the Dual Source Preamp provides a great sounding, simple to use and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of a blended system without hauling around a rack full of gear or cutting your guitar for knobs. The Remote Control Unique to the DS, and a must for stage use, is the exclusive soundhole mounted controller, the Remote Control. It attaches nondestructively to the edge of the soundhole and puts master volume and microphone volume controls right at your fingertips. In mix mode the Remote Control provides a pan control between the pickup and mic, plus a master volume. However, simply flipping a switch separates the mic and pickup for independent access by simply plugging in a stereo "Y" cable. Importantly, in split mode, the Remote Control provides individual volume controls for both the mic and pickups. The Electronics If you have ever wondered how LR Baggs can make such great sounding stuff for such a low price, here it is - they do more with less. They strive to find the most elegant and simple circuit solutions possible. They also continually work to eliminate any unnecessary or sonically degrading parts in their circuitry. Not only does this make for the purest possible sound, it actually reduces the cost. The entire Dual Source Preamp/Mixer signal path, for example, contains only six transistors and a few film caps. LR Baggs also insists on all-discrete Class A circuitry, with no negative feedback, for the lowest noise and the sweetest, most transparent sound possible. Contrast this with common "Op-Amp" based circuits, where each Op-Amp contains dozens of transistors, and the genius of LR Baggs designs will be apparent. Universal Onboard Mic/Preamp Mixer All-Discrete Class A circuitry Soundhole mounted Remote Control

Lr Baggs Ds Pre Dual Source Preamp $135.99 The Dual Source Preamp is available independently of the Dual Source System, offering players an all-discrete, Class A, two-channel onboard mixing preamp -- an essential component for those building custom two-source acoustic guitar amplification systems. The Dual Source PRE also comes with a Remote Control, which mounts nondestructively to the soundhole and puts volume and mix controls at your fingertips. Universal Onboard Mic/Pickup Mixer The Dual Source Preamp is a miniature onboard microphone/pickup mixer. It features all-discrete, Class A circuitry and provides a perfect mix between the most popular pickups and mini-microphones. Like a rack in a matchbox, the Dual Source Preamp provides a great sounding, simple to use and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of a blended system without hauling around a rack full of gear or cutting your guitar for knobs. The Remote Control Unique to the DS, and a must for stage use, is the exclusive soundhole mounted controller, the Remote Control. It attaches nondestructively to the edge of the soundhole and puts master volume and microphone volume controls right at your fingertips. In mix mode the Remote Control provides a pan control between the pickup and mic, plus a master volume. However, simply flipping a switch separates the mic and pickup for independent access by simply plugging in a stereo "Y" cable. Importantly, in split mode, the Remote Control provides individual volume controls for both the mic and pickups. The Electronics If you have ever wondered how LR Baggs can make such great sounding stuff for such a low price, here it is - they do more with less. They strive to find the most elegant and simple circuit solutions possible. They also continually work to eliminate any unnecessary or sonically degrading parts in their circuitry. Not only does this make for the purest possible sound, it actually reduces the cost. The entire Dual Source Preamp/Mixer signal path, for example, contains only six transistors and a few film caps. LR Baggs also insists on all-discrete Class A circuitry, with no negative feedback, for the lowest noise and the sweetest, most transparent sound possible. Contrast this with common "Op-Amp" based circuits, where each Op-Amp contains dozens of transistors, and the genius of LR Baggs designs will be apparent. Universal Onboard Mic/Preamp Mixer All-Discrete Class A circuitry Soundhole mounted Remote Control

Electro-Harmonix 12Ay7 Tube Microphone Preamp $194.7 With the Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp, Electro-Harmonix offers an affordable tube micrphone preamp that won't disappoint. Equipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driver, it gives microphones the widest dynamic range with the warmest possible tone and accuracy. The 12AY7 Mic Pre uses an actual 200V supply instead of the "faked out" 12 or 48 volts you'd get with common models and delivers 50dB of gain into a high impedance load or 40dB gain into 600 ohms. The 12AY7 Mic Preamp's special FET current-balancing circuit allows the tubes to amplify the microphone signal to line level while eliminating noise and protecting against hum and hostile electrical environments. It has an extra TRS output for separate line control, which can be used as a splitter or an aux send for monitoring. Input connections are balanced in and out (XLR) with a 1/4" TRS balanced buffer out. The Electro-Harmonix mic pre unit also boasts a phase reverse switch and a +4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic level. The 48V phantom power is soft starting and pop-free.Equipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driverWide dynamic range, warm tone, and superb accuracy200V supply delivers 50dB of gain into high load, 40dB gain into 600 ohmsFET current-balancing mic preamp circuitry eliminates noise and humTRS output for separate line control (use as a splitter or for monitoring)Balanced XLR in and out1/4" TRS balanced buffer out Phase reverse switch+4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic level48V phantom power with soft start

Used Studio Projects Vtb-1 Tube Blend Mic Preamp $136.49 The new Studio Projects VTB-1 Tube Blend Mic Preamp is the ultimate in low-cost microphone preamplifier technology. Incorporating true class A/B switching, the VTB-1 is a totally discrete circuit. Unique to the VTB-1 mic preamp is the Tube Drive circuit based on a a 12AX7 tube that allows the user to blend as little or as much of the Tube Drive as desired. The Studio Projects VTB-1 allows the user the most flexibility of any mic pre in its price class.The VTB-1 preamp allows you to go from a pristine solid state sound to any combination of Tube Drive you choose - even hard distortion for guitars and bass! The Studio Projects VTB-1 is must-have device as the perfect mic preamplifier for any microphone!A superb vocal mic pre with warm transparent characterGreat for use as a tube DI boxIdeal for production, broadcast, and voice over workPerfect for the professional and home project studio

ART ProMPA II - 2-Channel Tube Mic Preamp $269 The new ART ProMPA II is the next generation in affordable high performance microphone preamp technology. Each microphone input circuit, with selectable 48v phantom power, features variable input impedance which can radically vary the overall performance of any high quality dynamic or ribbon microphone. The ProMPA II can be configured for dual mono or stereo operation with selectable mid/side mic support, summing the adjacent channel, to decode left/right signals.The ProMPA II can operate at either a low or high plate voltage on the two integrated hand-selected 12AX7 tubes for wider variation of preamp tone and performance. Large back-lit analog VU output meters display input or output levels while multi-colored LED arrays, with average or peak hold, show tube gain.Housed in a standard 2 rack unit space rack-mountable steel chassis, with CNC routed black anodized aluminum face panel, the ProMPA II is designed to deliver years of reliable operation in the studio, production facility, or on the road for live sound reinforcement.

Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII $349.99 With circuitry based on the venerable Neve 1073 preamp, considered among the best-sounding preamps of all time, the Golden Age Project PRE-73 MKII version delivers the same vintage sound with lower noise and wider dynamic range. It also features a rear-panel 1/4" insert send/return jack, plus the gain control now operates clockwise for higher gain. The Golden Age Project PRE-73 Mk2 is the first one-channel low-cost preamp on the market that is using a fully discrete signal path with three separate transformers for the balanced mic input, the line input and the output. The circuit is very similar to the classical preamp section of the Neve 1073 pre/eq module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. This classical sound has been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The PRE-73 has a maximum gain of 80dB on the mic input and the gain range on the Line input is -20 to + 10dB. There is also a high-impedance instrument input. The PRE-73 is perfect for almost any signal source, no matter if it’s a microphone with a high or low sensitivity (like a passive ribbon mic), a syntheziser or sound module or an electric guitar or bass. The input impedance of the microphone input can be switched between 300 and 1200 ohm, which makes it possible to affect the tone of most microphones. There is also phase switch and an simple 4-step LED signal level meter. The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.