RME MICSTASY Preamp / Converter A/D

Micstasy is an 8-Channel hi-end mic/line preamp and AD-converter combining typical RME features with a number of previously unseen features. It can be used analog (Mic/Line In to Line Out) and digital (Mic/Line In to Digital Out), with both signal paths operating simultaneously. Special highlight: the device is fully remote-controllable via MIDI (also MIDI over MADI).

The Micstasy's innovative concept allows for amplification and digitization of ALL analog signal sources. Be it high-level stage signals, typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones: Micstasy understands them all - in a way that is simply thrilling.

The signals amplified by the Micstasy are available at the analog outputs for passing them on, making an expensive splitter box on stage obsolete. All functions can be remote controlled via MIDI and MIDI over MADI, allowing the device to be placed near the microphones, ensuring highest sound quality. Adding the optional MADI Card results in even more options. The I64 MADI Card provides serial pass-through capability from one Micstasy to the next (up to 8). All up to 64 audio signals are then available at the last device on one single line.

Applications

Console input extending for both Digital and Analog mixing
consoles in Studio, Live and Broadcast
Mic Pre-amps for ADAT/ Hard Disk/ Multitrack Recording
 
Innovation
If you love your compact Digital (or Analog) mixing console, but wish it had
more microphone inputs, ARX has the solution ? the 8 Pre: eight channels
of superb sounding Microphone Pre-amps in a compact 1 RU chassis.
The 8 Pre is the ideal console extender for those times when you need more
microphone inputs. Now you can put those unused line inputs to good use,
and who knows - the 8 Pre pre-amps sound so good that you?ll probably end
up using them all the time instead of the ones that came with your mixer!
Superb Audio Quality
The 8 Pre?s ultra low noise figures come from extensive use of premium
components plus care and attention to board design and layout. The result is
superb, transparent audio quality and the headroom to handle anything that a
mic can throw at it.
Gain is adjustable from 20 db through to 60 dB via a trim control on the front
panel, plus we?ve included a ?20dB Pad switch to tame the hottest condenser
mic output if required. The Clip status LED lights up 1 dB before the onset of
clipping, just to warn you you?re getting close.Phantom power is switchable in
banks of four channels: 1 through 4, 5 through 8. A Phase reverse switch is also
provided on each pre-amp channel to eliminate any close miking problems.
In short, the ARX 8 Pre is the mic Pre-amp that you?ll wish the console manufacturer
had used. It provides a unique solution to today?s multiple Mic Pre-amp requirements.

T E C H N I C A L S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Gain 20dB to 60dB
Input Pad ?20dB
Input Impedance 4 KOhm
Input Headroom +23dB
Output Impedance 300 Ohm
Output Level (Max) +23dB
Frequency Response 20Hz ? 20KHz ±0.2 dB
Signal to Noise ratio (Gain set @ 20 dB)
?93dB Unweighted, ?99dB ?A? weighted
Distortion @ Unity Gain .004%, 20 Hz ? 10 KHz
Dynamic Range 116 dB
Phantom Power 48 VDC
Input Connectors Balanced XLR
Output Connectors Balanced TRS jack
Clip Indicator Illuminates 1 dB prior to clipping
Power Requirements 100/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC
Weight 5 lbs/2.2 Kg
Dimensions 19“W x 1?“H x 6“D, 482 x 44 x 155mm

Features
Superlative sound
Studio quality mic preamp
Total control - Input Gain, EQ contour, Output Gain,
Overload indicator
Multiple output connectors
XLR/jack combo input 
Switchable 48 V DC Phantom Power for condenser Mics
Compact, computer friendly package
Needs no external power supply
 
ARX is proud to introduce the e-pre - the ultimate microphone pre-amp for
hard disk recording, designed by audio professionals, not computer engineers.
The all-new e-pre is so much a part of your system that it fits right into a spare
5?" slot in your computer case! It's the perfect tool for all your day-to-day
recording requirements. No equipment racks to plug in, no masses of cabling to
connect - the e-pre is ready and waiting when you need it.
The e-pre is a studio quality microphone pre-amp using the same internal components
as high end mixing consoles, built into a compact, computer friendly package.
It has controls for:
Input Gain - fully variable from 10dB through to 60dB to suit all types of microphones,
plus switchable 48 V Phantom Power to enable condenser microphones to deliver
their best.
A Contour control for EQ sweetening, providing fast, easy access to a whole range
of useful EQ curves
Output level control - fully variable to match the e-pre's output to the input of the sound
card. From -10dB consumer cards through to +4dB for professional sound cards, the
e-pre can handle it.
Multiple output connectors match up with any kind of sound card, including mini jacks,
standard jack, RCA (phono) plugs, and even a connector to link to the internal CD ROM
audio input of your sound card (if fitted).
We've even fitted a 12 VDC input connector on the rear to enable the e-pre to run from an
external power supply if required (eg for use with notebook computers or stand-alone use).

Any way you look at it, the e-pre by ARX is the total professional microphone pre-amp for
all your hard disk recording needs

e-pre Benefits
Professional Balanced XLR mic input
True 48v phantom power
Runs into the Line input of ANY sound card - uses the card you've already paid for
High headroom = clean recordings
Smart EQ
Compatible with non-computer audio equipment
Professional performance and specs in a user friendly package
 

T E C H N I C A L  S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Impedance
Mic 2 K Ohms Balanced; XLR type Pin 1 Audio Ground, Pin 2 +, Pin 3-
Line 25 K Ohms Balanced, ?" TRS jack Tip +, Ring , Sleeve Audio Ground
Phantom Power Voltage Switchable +48 V DC on XLR Pins 2 and 3
Max Input Level Mic +15 dB, Line +20 dB
Input Gain 10 dB Minimum, variable to 60 dB Maximum
Output Level -10 dB variable through 0 dB to +4 dB
Overload Indicator Measured at all Gain points throughout the circuitry
Output Noise -90 dB Unweighted, -97 dB 'A' weighted
(Measured with Gain nominal 20 dB, Output level -10 dB)
Frequency Response 20 - 20 KHz ± 0.25 dB
Distortion
100 Hz 0.0085%
1 KHz 0.008%
10 KHz 0.0083%
(Measured with Mic Gain 20 dB, Output 0 dB)
Power Requirements 12 V DC from either computer supply or external supply
(external power supply not included in e-pre package)
Size 148mmW x 42mmH x 150mm D (5?“W x 1?H x 6“D)
Weight Under 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs)
 

The 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 Mk2 has a maximum gain of 80 dB on the mic input and the gain range on the Line input is -20 to + 10 dB. There is also a high-impedance instrument input.

The PRE-73 Mk2 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 ohms, 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.

The Mk2 update consists of:
- An unbalanced insert jack (nominal level about 18 dBu) added on the back panel for inserting units like the coming GAP EQ-73, a three band eq.
-  LED meter levels adjusted.
- 600 Ohm termination resistor and jumper added to power supply board (accessible from the inside of the unit).
- Revised Gain switch, turning the know clockwise now increase the gain.
- Reduced noise at high gains by a change to the power supply grounding scheme.

• 1 microphone, XLR (bal.) or 6.3 mm jack (unbal.)
• Gain control, 10 steps (6-50 dB)
• Phantom power can be switched on
• Clip LED
• 1 line output, XLR (bal.) or 6.3 mm (unbal.)
• Operation via supplied power unit