what, inclusing the lunchbox? It's not the right answer, he is looking for sub $400US for a one channel preamp. Solid State Logic Alpha VHD. Add analog warmth to your digital recording rig with 500 series preamps. The 511 features a useful sweepable high-pass filter from 20 to 250 Hz, a +48V switch, polarity buttons, input gain control, output trim (-6 to +6dB) and 8-LED metering. Classic GC for sure. Revolution 2x2 The truly high-end, portable recording interface — includes Studio One Artist LEARN MORE PG-XLM Power Conditioner LEARN MORE Patented Black Lion Technology LEARN MORE A one of a kind compressor. Millenia or DAV BG1 as clean stereo preamp ? Our list wouldn’t be complete without something from the company who started it all, and this time it’s a brand new module that many have been craving. With a big, bold preamp and the flexibility of variable Silk/Texture, Rupert Neve designed the 511 to combine classic sonics with 500-series value. I would say any of the CAPI preamps depending on what you want. What about the GAP 500 series pre? It also features a front DI input, buttons for +48V, a gain pad (-18 for the mic and -8dB for the DI), and a stepped gain knob for precise dials and recalls. Offering a compact and portable solution with the studio-grade sound quality traditionally associated with 19" rackmount units, the 500 Series has its origins in the legendary early-1970s consoles that defined the sound of American rock recordings of the era. Some of the most popular options are preamps like the Warm Audio WA12 500 Series Microphone Preamp and the Golden Age Project Pre-573 MKII 500-Series Peamp - but naturally, the right ones for your needs are going to depend on what those needs are. Share Reply Quote. Shadow Hills Industries make some of the most distinctive pieces of audio equipment today, and it’s no different with their Mono GAMA preamp. Someone gives their honest opinion and (just cause it doesn't meet another persons idea of a "right answer") they get blasted. 500 Series gear lets you pick, mix, and match components to create a setup that’s space-conscious, modular, flexible, configurable, customizable, affordable, and offers you the best of the best in analog sound quality. Really improve everything I've thrown at them so far. There are countless mic preamps available in the 500-series format, but I can't think of any others that include a dedicated effects loop for guitar pedals. Based upon the first solid-state TG consoles designed by EMI in the late 1960s, the TG2-500 is a discrete, transformer-balanced design offering 60dB of mic amplification via course and fine gain controls. It is still produced in the UK by AMS Neve, and the 'LB' iteration is a new version designed to fit into API's Lunchbox portable racks. The Chandler TG2-500 is another good one. The 500 series modules themselves are small-sized, affordable signal processor units that are purchased separately. TG2-500 £999. D2O is a low noise discrete microphone preamp, it is a further development of the famous German V series preamps, widely recognized as one of the best sounding preamps. Great product. Best known for their ultra-high mixing consoles… Solid State Logic (SSL) has been among the top names in pro audio since their founding back in 1969. “The mics open up, CurveShaper adds air without harshness, and the detail is amazing. The 551 Inductor EQ is the only equalizer for the 500 Series actually designed by Rupert Neve. We all love vintage Neve but what about some new and current Neve? 501 Mic Amp. In this video Paul Drew looks at his 500 series rack and explains why he purchased these specific 500 series modules and what he uses each of them for. MA5 for neve sound. With a simple design that only occupies one rack unit, the P1 features a gain knob, convenient frontal DI input and phase buttons (polarity), a -10dB pad and switchable +48V phantom power, making it a very straightforward to use preamp that will sound great with very little effort. These are known as one of the best in the market. A partnering 500-series EQ module is available to complete the original feature set, too. A huge module that will occupy three slots of your lunchbox, but for a reason - Brent Averill Enterprise’s 1073D is basically a fully-fledged channel strip using the revered 1073 preamp with Carnhill transformers, a three-band EQ with a high-frequency shelf (+/-16dB at 10, 12 & 16kHz), a 'mid' bell with fixed Q (+/-18dB at 0.36, 0.7, 1.6, 3.2, 4.8, 7.2 kHz), a low shelf (+/-16dB at 35, 60, 110, 220 Hz) and a high-pass filter with 50, 80, 160 and 300 Hz options. good to see the 511 mentioned, it's a GREAT mic preamp imo. It also features an output control and switchable impedance to create a variety of tones. The VP26 is one of their most successful releases. Buy 500 Series Preamps online. Create a username and password below and an account will be created and your post entered. Click to compare prices – (Amazon/Thomann) Up next… 2. Hairball also offers two opamp choices, with a Jensen 990 option for a super fast and clean sound and a Esien Audio BA512 option for more drive and smoother highs - Hairball advises that they’re subtle colours that are not radically different, so you can’t go wrong with either. Thanks! My Studio. D.A.V. Anything JLMAudio and I love my Heritage 73' Jr. https://www.gearslutz.com/board/lach...el-583s-g7317/. The parts are 1:1 matches with all the original components of the API 312a. Transparent, a little texture and openness in the highs and dead quiet. When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. I have the transformerless ones, but I'm planning to build a pair with trafos too... You wont get the Neve sound out of this one but I like my DAV BG1 and they have a quite affordable 500 series version of it. Definitely an endgame preamp that will likely stay on your lunchbox forever! Classic Gearslutz. The guys asking for a cheaper option and you throw a $1,400 mic pre out there. Thank you. That's my point. Mic preamps, EQs, and compressors are the three main categories of signal processors available in the 500 series format, though more and more manufacturers are making reverb and delay units, headphone amplifiers, direct boxes, and even small scale mixers in the 500 series … 500s only become cheaper when you're loading up on several. If Hairball made a combo of the Gold and LOLA (essentially, using the two Jensen transformers for I/O on the LOLA). The difference between V1 and V2 is that V2 supports 5 and 6 string bass much better, with the ability for the processor to extend control to those lower frequency registers. Jensen transformers and a 990 opamp. A-Designs P-1 Acclaimed for their 'Hammer' EQ and 'Nail' compressor, A-Designs brings the spirit of their flagship Pacifica preamp to the 500 series format. A very budget-friendly unit that you can pick up as a pre-assembled unit or as a DIY kit to build on your own. If you already own a lunchbox, the OSA pres are good candidates for this price used..( sometimes)..Good luck.. Five fish audio 500 pres. The BAE 1073MPL is a 500 Series version of the 1073MP (a mic preamp version of the 1073 equalizer), having the same well-known characteristic Class A sound with its harmonically rich low end, slight resonant highs, and maintained focused mids. A single-slot unit with all the magic of the British consoles from the 1970s but with a modern twist on the '28k' button, which extends the top end for a more contemporary and open sound. After trying a bunch of pre amps out (including pre amps on the list) I have settled on 500 series Neve 1073LB and 500 series Millennia HV-35. It honestly sounds like just the thing I'm looking for, too. The 1073D also comes with a Marconi-style input gain knob, a smaller output knob and there are buttons for +48V, polarity, mic/line mode, and input impedance (switchable between 1200 or 300 ohms) - EQ bypass and a frontal line input complete the options. Yet another awesome amp to consider. It features separate input and output controls, a +48V switch, a -20dB pad, mute buttons and the sonic signature of the 2520 opamp. Having already designed a world-class preamplifier—the highly acclaimed $7100 K-1 (see Wes Phillips' review in March 1997)—Hansen set out to offer audiophiles "80 to 90%" of the K-1's sound and build quality at a price more of them can afford.Not that the new K-3 is a piece of "budget" gear. The A-Designs Audio 500 microphone preamp series is comprised of five different 500 series-compatible mic/line pres, each one meticulously voiced with a specific sonic functionality in mind. 70% Coffee, 30% Beer . With all the quality one expects from Rupert Neve Designs, the 511 is designed to squeeze all the goods from the acclaimed Portico series into the 500 series format without compromise. There are 35 of these out there, and the last pair I saw sell on Gearslutz went for $600 a piece. With the sonic options provided by the “Silk” variable texture control it’s a great pick if you’re after a flexible mic pre with great quality all the way through. Just finished 3 Lolas... they are some of the best pres I've ever heard. I have a pair of these, and there is nothing they cannot capture! 4. A cool feature with the Neve with the extra front input is that it can be used as an insert to help define a track during mixing without rerouting anything. It’s one of Gearslutz' members' most loved preamps - and with very good reason! chameleon labs has a similar 500 pre coming out for cheap, with optional carnhill transformer on the output.. Those FiveFish pres look great! The challenge for Ayre's Charley Hansen was formidable. Posted by on February 22, 2021 on February 22, 2021 I am sure the OP really appreciates this. I like the airy top on the GT500, but the AML has full eq section and it is real smooth and creamy, reminds me of a BAE MPF which is one of my favorite. I use the SC-1 and it is absolutely fantastic sounding. Two selectable impedances makes the 1073MPL work well with a variety of microphones. Around 250, depending on which one you choose. The 512v updates the classic 512 design and now offers output control, a transformer option and a combo XLR & 1/4” connector at the front. BLUEY LEARN MORE Revolution 2x2 The truly high-end, portable recording interface — includes Studio One Artist LEARN MORE PG-XLM Power … Best 500 Series Compressor Selection Methodology The first edition was published in 2017 and the latest edition was published on December 4, 2020. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for WA12 500 Series Microphone Preamp at Amazon.com. If you’re looking for that coveted 1073 sound without entirely breaking the bank then Heritage Audio’s 73JR might be your ticket to joy. A few minths ago, I built a Hairball Audio Elements Gold pre, which ist excellent. 16th December 2015 #22. We have polled our community to gather their nominations for awesome sounding units and here we are - ten of Gearslutz' members favourite 500 series preamps. - Warren, Spain. Period. Enter the Portico 511, an elegant mic pre with a “Silk” texture option that can take it from a clean and pristine 'sound of the present' to the lush, warm tones of the past. Get out. The MA5 features LED-lit buttons for the 28k options, 48V and polarity flip, a nice Marconi-style input gain knob and a smaller knob for the output trim. Shop our incredible range of 500 Series Preamps, including AEA RPQ500, D.A.V ELECTRONICS BG501, ELYSIA SKULPTER, NEVE 1073LB, API 512V, BIG BEAR AUDIO MP1+, CRANE SONG SYREN and more. Which, isn't a bad thing. - Daniel R, post on Gearslutz.com. Everything has a fantastic build quality and Shadow Hills’ distinctive retro visuals. Available in all preamps styles, from classic solid state designs such as the API 512c, Neve 1073lb, or Focusrite Red 1, to vintage tube designs such as the Radial Engineering Powertube 500, Crane Song Syren, or LaChapell Audio 583s MK2. This is the D2O 500 series version, it comes in a single slot format. A soulful preamp packed with a famous UK-made Carnhill/St. Classic Gearslutz. A very appealing unit for anyone who wants to add an iconic mic preamp sound to their lunchbox. Chill Watch Smart alctron 500 series review. 1 Review written The MP-500NV features a variable gain stage that allows the user to drive the input while taming the output for more or less colouration, and it’s quite a breeze to dial in thanks to a stepped input control, an output gain calibration knob and input/output metering on 6 LEDs so you never lose sight of the levels. I have a Shadow Hills Mono Gama, Avedis MA5, Five Fish SC-1mk500, and Chandler Germanium. An excellent choice if plenty of character and tone are desired. electronics - The Broadhurst Gardens No. Low noise discrete microphone preamp D2O Mono. No surprise - Wes and company have managed to define the 500-series ribbon mic preamp that also brings out the best of any mic.” – Chris Koltay read the full review I'm Jon Sine uploading daily vlogs about my life as a DJ & Producer. When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Rascal Audio Two-V. Best preamp I've tried in the 500 series. Could you explain a bit? Check out the incredible array of 500 Series preamps, dynamics processors, and EQs available at Sweetwater. The 73JR also comes with separate input and output level controls (with that ubiquitous Marconi knob), buttons for a -20dB gain pad, +48V, an 80Hz low-cut filter, a line/mic level selector, a low impedance option and phase (polarity) switching. The company also market the basic preamp element of the original 1073 design in two-channel, 1U rackmount forms, as the 1073 DPA and DPD (the latter with an integral A-D converter), and as a 500-series (API Lunchbox) module, the 1073LB. Since most of the preamps I've been looking at are out of stock everywhere, I'm likely to cool my jets on a purchase, but it's good to know the Grace m501 is a good option. Already have an account? Click here to login, The ability to reply to and create new discussions, Access to members-only giveaways & competitions, Interact with VIP industry experts in our guest Q&As, Access to members-only sub forum discussions, Get INSTANT ACCESS to the world's best private pro audio, Promote your eBay auctions and Reverb.com listings for free. If you can afford it, you’re unlikely to ever find a preamp better than this one. The Lola features custom-built transformers closely following the classic design of the 1073 console channel strip, an input knob with 4.5 steps, an output calibration knob, illuminated buttons for +48V, polarity and line mode and a 10-segment LED output meter with PPM and VU options. Preamp: Much like its studio rack counterpart, a 500 Series preamp can capture the warmth of tubes, the clean power of solid state, or a combo of the two in a hybrid model. Oh no! They have released the Camden 500 (500 Series) preamp with the goal of being able to fine tune the character of the preamp to suit your needs in the moment. It also comes with a front Hi-Z input for instruments, buttons for +48V, polarity and input/output impedance. At Abbey Road the V series were used to record songs of big names in the music industry like The Beatles and Pink Floyd. The SansAmp Bass Drive 2 DI/Preamp by Tech 21 is there a second version of this series. Anyone have any experience with the Grace m501? You need an account to post a reply. Period. Many recording engineers, producers, and musicians rely on 500 Series processors for the bulk of their signal processing. Click for New and Used prices, user Reviews, more Info & Discussions. The MP-500NV will occupy a couple of slots in your lunchbox but it will easily justify that space with its gorgeous tone-rich sound that will certainly be of great use on any recording. Nothing's gonna equal the value of just a GAP on its own. These preamps were used at Abbey Road to record The Beatles, Pink Floyd to name a view. The GAMA is equipped with a Jensen input transformer, and an output transformer “switching matrix” that lets the user choose between two transformers (nickel or steel) for colour, or even select a 'transformerless' setting for super clarity. A guaranteed, proven and reliable choice - you can’t possibly go wrong with an API. A powerful preamp with a custom Sowter transformer for a big sound, a super quiet noise floor and the same quality of Great River’s rack-mounted NV series. but it looks like the FiveFish SC-1 would sound like a modded Trident S-65? Pretty hard to beat that one. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like the FiveFish SC-1 would sound like a modded Trident S-65? Louder Than Liftoff Chroma gets my vote with built in Neve and API flavors built in selectable at the push of a button. For our December 2020 update we looked at all the 500 Series Compressors available from major American online retailers and short-listed 27 of the most popular for detailed analysis. Browse online from our extensive range for every budget. Crazy the 583s is more versatile than the Juggernaut. Ives input transformer and a custom-designed Jensen output transformer. This is a stripped down version of Heritage’s 1073/500 which omits the EQ and filter but features a smaller footprint and a line input on the front. Offered as "ready-to-use" units but more often supplied as in unbuilt 'kits' for DIY builders, CAPI products are highly regarded by our community and often cited when “affordable mic pre” is the topic. Doc Mixwell. THINK BIG. This low noise discrete microphone preamp is a further development of the famous German V series preamps. You can also drop in colour modules to add saturation or compression greatly increasing the flexibility of the unit. 500 Series racks and modules provide a compact and portable format for professional recording equipment including microphone preamps, EQs, compressors, and effects. It’s important to note that given the nature and scope of CAPI's operation the availability of pre-assembled modules isn’t guaranteed and therefore some hunting may be required. This is the best money I've spent this year. The Daking 500 is $500 new. Each of A-Designs' preamps are designed with a certain purpose in mind, with custom transformers tailored to particular applications, and with that in mind the P1 is their “high-fidelity” proposition in the preamp realm. 2 Years extended warranty for all the registered users. Rascal Audio Two-V. Best preamp I've tried in the 500 series. Other clones can cost $800-1100 a channel, and don't sound half as good. About Us; Portfolio; Careers; Contact Us; Home; Posts Clean, transparent, and exceptionally musical. The 1073 is perhaps the best-known of the many classic preamps designed by Rupert Neve and originally used in the high-end consoles that bear his name. Besides that, it’s the same preamp that many people love, with low noise operation, buttons for a -20dB pad, +48V, an instrument/mic switch, polarity switching and most importantly, all the lovely character from the revered 2520 operational amplifier for that unmistakable API sound. This is strictly regarding VO on only my own voice: Updates would be that Amazing Aurora GT500 with Hi Pass filter, and the AML EZ-1073 with full eq. Despite their small size, 500 preamps can also sport channel strips with onboard EQ and compression. The Buzz Audio Elixir 500 series preamp has become my primary choice for almost any source. The ShinyBox "Si" is a very nice preamp for low dough in 500 series. Muso's is proudly independent, with an online store that delivers across Australia. Acclaimed for their 'Hammer' EQ and 'Nail' compressor, A-Designs brings the spirit of their flagship Pacifica preamp to the 500 series format. If you liked your friend's so much, this is in budget. The guys asking for a cheaper option and you throw a $1,400 mic pre out there. I have 2 of each which pretty much covers my needs.