GOLDEN AGE PRE73 MK3 Microphone preamp

The PRE-73 MKIII is a one-channel vintage style microphone-, line- and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The in- and output is transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each one optimized for its purpose. This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available.

The circuit used in the PRE-73 MKIII is similar to the preamp section in the classical 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have 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 essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

Features  :

• Vintage Style electronics. No intergrated circuits in the signal path.

• Maximum gain in MIC mode is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sources.

• GAIN switch range 20 - 80 dB. GAIN/LINE mode switch, gain is reduced by 30 dB in LINE mode.

• Selectable two position high frequency AIR boost eq, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz.

• Selectable 6 dB/octave two frequency high pass filter at around 40 (HP1) and 170 Hz (HP2).

• Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.

• Switchable impedance in MIC mode, 1200 or 300 Ohms, will change the tone of most mics. The input impedance in LINE mode is 10 kohm.

• Switchable phantom power and absolute phase.

• A high-impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar or bass.

• A simple but effective 4-step LED output level meter.

• The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage(s) for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.

• Combo XLR/TRS input jack and separate output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections.

• Insert jack for inserting EQ´s and other units.

• Selectable 600 ohm output termination.

• The pcb is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer.

• External power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits and transformers.

• A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.

The MKIII has the following new features compared to the MKII:

• Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.

• Selectable two position high frequency AIR boost eq, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz.

• Selectable two frequency high pass filter, 6 dB/octave at 40 or 170Hz.

• The pcb is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer.

• Revised and less complicated GAIN switch with a separate switch for MIC/LINE selection.

• All GAIN settings can also be used in LINE mode .

The CPR12 is an easy to use, flexible and multifunctional 10 channel pre-amplifier. Six of these input channels are selectable between Mic / Line level and equipped with a 3 band tone control. The first two can be switched to priority and phantom power. The other four channels are direct line inputs.

Every input channel has its own gain and fader volume control with PFL button which makes it possible to pre-listen each input or output channel with the built-in pre-listening speaker, and can be routed to one or both output channels. This makes the CPR12 a full two-zone system.

Other present features are a priority input, a recording output, separate sub-out channels and the 24 V DC emergency power connection. This last feature makes it possible to power the CPR12 with emergency power when the main power is shut down. In this case, the priority input will automatically mute all input signals, and a evacuation message will be announced. The steel 19" housing has a height of 2 HE.

• 10 audio input sources
• 6 Mic / Line inputs with 3 band EQ
• 4 Direct Line Inputs
• Fader volume control
• Two output zones
• Built-in pre-listening speaker
• Priority input for emergency situations
• + 15 V DC Phantom power
• Works on 24 V DC emergency power
  

• Model Name / Type: CPR12 / 10 channel 2 zone pre-amplifier
• THD+N:
• Signal/Noise: > 90 dB
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Phantom Power: + 15 V DC
• Emergency Power: + 24 V DC
  
• Power Supply: 100 - 240 V AC / 50 - 60 Hz
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 420 x 88 x 320 mm

 The OctaMic II provides 8-Channel 192 kHz / 24 bit AD conversion with eight hi-class microphone and line pre-amplification channels, featuring a combination of sophisticated components and approved RME technology.

Lowest distortion, excellent signal to noise ratio and perfectly linear frequency response transmit and amplify the microphone signals truly unchanged.

The OctaMic II includes some significant enhancements compared to the OctaMic:

The balanced TRS inputs of the Neutrik Combo XLR jacks are phantom power-free and can be operated as real line inputs too. The improved design of the input circuits allows for a maximum input level of +21 dBu with a convenient gain range from 6 dB up to 60 dB.
Improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) ADC 107.5 dB
Improved THD, especially at higher gains
Optimised heat dissipation by a new and larger housing with improved convection
Internal wide range power supply with line filter, insensitive to voltage fluctuations
Super-stable, short circuit proof 48 V phantom power


Features

OctaMic II offers 8 balanced XLR mic / line inputs via Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks. Each channel contains switches for 48V phantom power, a low cut filter and phase reversal. Amplification can be set between 6 and 60 dB. LEDs for signal, clip, and activated phantom power give a complete overview on the unit's status. When the special Clip Hold mode is activated, any detected clip-state will cause the corresponding LED to flash once per second. With this, the user gets a long-term peak detection, and no longer needs to constantly watch the LEDs. At the same time momentary overloads are still displayed correctly.

Frontside switches include power on/off and output level, for a choice of -10 dBV, +4 dBu or Hi Gain (+19 dBu) as reference level. This unusual feature offers two advantages. First, the reference level can be easily switched to match any of RME's current interface devices, from HDSP 9632 through Multiface up to the renowned ADI-8 series converters. Second, the Signal to Noise ratio is optimized, and the Clip-LED will exactly match the ones of the ADI-8 (2 dB below 0 dBFS).

The balanced line level output signal is available at the back of the unit via 8 stereo TRS jacks. The specially developed, internal hi-performance switch mode power supply lets the OctaMic II operate in the range of 100V to 240V AC. It is short-circuit-proof, has an integrated line-filter, is fully regulated against voltage fluctuations, and suppresses mains interference.

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AD-Conversion

The 8-Channel AD-conversion of the OctaMic II operates at up to 192 kHz. The digitized signal is available simultaneously at the double ADAT output (S/MUX, up to 96 kHz), and at a DB-25 connector (4 AES/EBU outputs, up to 192 kHz). The digital part can be clocked internally (master) and externally via word clock, AES/EBU and SPDIF.

RME's outstanding SteadyClock(TM) ensures perfect AD-conversion, as jitter on the external sync-sources is nearly completely removed. All settings are done via DIP-switches on the back of the OctaMic II. Analog outputs and both digital outputs operate fully simultaneously. The choice of reference level affects the analog outputs only, the signal/clip indication and the AD-conversion will react only to the Gain-pots.


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Tech Specs

8 balanced XLR/TRS mic/line inputs

54 dB gain range

Input impedance: XLR 2 kOhm, TRS 5 kOhm

Analog input level: from -40 dBu up to +21 dBu

Maximum output level: +21 dBu

Output impedance: 75 Ohm

Output level switchable Hi Gain / +4 dBu / -10 dBV

Signal to noise ratio (SNR): 129 dB EIN @ 150 Ohm

THD:
Large frequency range (200 kHz) with special EMI input filtering

Frequency response -0.5 dB: 5 Hz - 200 kHz

Hi-pass filter: 80 Hz, 18 dB/oct.

Line Out: 1/4" TRS (6.3 mm stereo jack), servo-balanced

Phantom power: +48 Volt switchable per channel

Internal wide range switching power supply 100-240 Volt AC

Unbeatable price/performance ratio!

AD conversion

SNR: >110 dB(A)

Supported sample rates: 28 kHz - 200 kHz

THD:
Sync Sources: AES/EBU (also SPDIF coaxial), wordclock, internal

SteadyClock(TM) ensures best sound quality even with jittery external clocks


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Accessories

Digital breakout cable Pro, AES/EBU, D-sub25 to 4x XLR-3 female + 4x XLR-3 male, 1m/3m/6m (ALVA Audio)
Digital D-sub cable, AES/EBU, D-sub25 male to D-Sub25 male, 1m/3m/6m (ALVA Audio)
Optical ADAT Toslink cable 1m/2m/3m/5m/10m (ALVA Audio)
Word Clock cable, 1 x BNC male to 1 x BNC male, 1m/5m/10m (ALVA Audio)

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Add-On

BOB-32    Universal Breakout Box with 2 x 8 XLR to 2 D-sub connectors (supports TASCAM and YAMAHA format), flip-frame case

The PRE-73 DLX is a one-channel vintage style microphone-, line- and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The line and microphone input and the line output are transformer balanced, using three different transformers, each one optimized for its purpose.
This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available. The subjective sound quality delivered by vintage equipment is often prefered over the one delivered by modern units, a situation that is even more obvious now when music is recorded with clean-sounding digital audio equipment.

The circuit used in the PRE-73 DLX is similar to the preamp section in the classical 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have 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 essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

FEATURES

- Vintage Style electronics. No intergrated circuits in the signal path.
- Maximum gain on the mic input is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sources.
- Gain range on the Line input: -20 to + 10 dB.
- Switchable impedance on the mic input, 1200 or 300 Ohms, will change the tone of most mics.
- Switchable phantom power and absolute phase.
- A high-impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar or bass.
- A simple but effective 4-step LED output level meter.
- The output level controls makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage(s) for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.
- Combo XLR/TRS input jacks and separate output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections.
- Insert jack for inserting EQ´s and other units.
- External high power power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits and transformers.
- A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.

The PRE-73 DLX has a number of improvement and new features compared to the PRE-73 MKII:
- Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.
- Selectable 1073-style high pass filter, 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz and 300Hz.
- Output Attenuator -7, -14, -21 and -28 dB (located after the output transformer) allows overdriving the output stage and the output transformer for added character by lowering the output signal to a suitable level.
- The circuit board is prepared for Carnhill Mic and Line transformer and high pass inductor.
- The Insert jack can be switched in/out from the front panel. An internal jumper can select that the Insert jack always has an output signal.
- Switchable 600 ohm Output Termination and Ground Lift on the back panel.
- Selectable Active or Passive DI input and selectable input impedance in active mode, Hi Z or 100 kohm, by internal jumpers.
- The DI can signal can be selected to pass or bypass the mic input transformer by internal jumpers.
- Relays are used to control internal switching for DI input, Phantom power, Mic Low Z, Insert and Phase for shorter circuit board signal paths. The relays are controlled by front panel switches.
- Revised gain switch for added headroom.
- Circuit board star grounding scheme.
- Revised power supply with separate regulators for the audio circuits and relay and LED circuits.

PreSonusʼ popular Class A XMAX preamps are widely lauded for their clarity and transparency. Our tube preamps are beloved for their warm, smooth sound. With the Blue Tube DP V2 dual-path mic/instrument preamp, you get both types of high-quality sound in one unit.

Now weʼve improved on the classic unit with the BlueTube DP V2. The solid-state path now feeds PreSonusʼ top-of-the-line Class A XMAX™ mic preamplifier with 80 dB of variable gain—an upgrade from the original BlueTube DPʼs solid-state stage.

You still get all the secondary features you expect in a professional-grade preamp: 48V phantom power, an 80 Hz high-pass filter, -20 dB pad to control hot input signals, and a polarity-reverse switch. Each channel has an illuminated VU meter so you can visually monitor your input levels.

A Tube Drive control provides a wide range of sounds: when itʼs clicked off, youʼre using the solid-state preamp for quiet, transparent amplification; when itʼs engaged, your signals flow through the tube preamp, and you can achieve anything from gentle warmth to edgy distortion.

    2 input channels, each with:
        High-headroom Class A XMAX™ mic preamplifier with 80 dB gain range
        12AX7 vacuum tube gain stage
        Tube Drive tube-saturation control
        48V phantom power
        80 Hz high-pass filter
        -20 dB pad to reduce hot input levels
        Polarity-reverse switch
        Illuminated analog VU input-level meter

    Input/Output
        2 balanced combo mic/unbalanced instrument inputs
        2 balanced XLR main (L/R) line outputs
        2 unbalanced ¼” main (L/R) line outputs

    Physical
        Compact 1/2U chassis
        External 12 VDC, 1A power supply

Two channel classic Focusrite ISA transformer-based preamps Front panel, per channel:

• 1/4" instrument input
• Variable input impedance - Low, ISA 110, Medium, High
• Input selection - Mic, Line, Instrument
• 0 - 30 dB/30 - 60 dB gain switch
• Phantom power switch
• Phase invert switch
• 0 - 60 dB gain in 10 dB steps
• 0 - +20 dB continuously variable trim
• Variable high-pass filter with on/off switch
• Insert point on/off switch
• Eight-LED user-calibrated level meters
• Single power switch

• XLR-F mic inputs
• 1/4" TRS line inputs
• 1/4" TRS Sends
• 1/4" TRS Returns
• XLR-M line output
• Single peak meter calibration dial
• Single IEC power socket