The new 500 Series preamplifiers from A-Designs Audio include (left to right) the P-1, EM-Red, EM-Blue, and EM-Silver modules, each with a distinct sonic signature.
A-Designs Audio has introduced four new 500 Series-compatible microphone preamplifier modules – the P-1, EM-Red, EM-Blue and EM-Silver. The modules are designed for use in mobile studio and other digital recording environments where space is at a premium.
Like the company’s successful Pacifica preamp, the P-1 captures the sound of the 1970’s Quad Eight Ventura, Coronado and Pacifica consoles. Features include a 1/4in Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, 48V phantom power with red LED indicator, -20dB pad and phase switches, custom wound input and output transformers, and thumb screws for easy installation.
The other three new units, the EM-Red, EM-Blue, and EM-Silver modular microphone preamplifiers, are all variations of the P-1, each with its own distinct tonal character. The EM-Red varies from the P-1 on the input side, with a custom transformer designed to bring excel when recording acoustic guitar with a condenser microphone, as well as on other instruments where midrange tonal accents are desired.
Conversely, the EM-Silver and EM-Blue differ from the P-1 in their output transformers. The EM-Silver uses a custom steel winding to produce a dark, warm tone designed that complement ribbon microphones. The EM-Blue uses a nickel wound output transformer to create a brighter, airy tone said to be useful with darker sounding microphones or instruments that require a crisp sound, such as a snare drum.
All four versions of the new A-Designs Audio 500 Series preamps are currently shipping.
For more information, visit www.adesignsaudio.com/p-1_emseries.htm.
