There aren't many companies that can design and build one preamp that engineers and producers feel that they could make an entire record with. A Designs Audio has built two. The all-tube MP-1A and the solid-state Pacifica, but we're here to talk about the MP-1A (you can check out the Pacifica later). With A Designs Audio's MP-1A, not only do you get a never-ending sweetspot and sonic majesty, it also gets top marks in "works and plays well with others." Meaning, while some preamps are picky when it comes to mics, the MP-1A welcomes all — and sounds great no matter what you put through it — ribbon, dynamic, or condenser. Better still, while the MP-1A falls squarely into the realm of "color" preamp, it never overwhelms a track with too much character. If you've been searching for an all-tube preamp with a rich bottom end, sweet and airy top end and enough tonal versatility to record all of your tracks without over-colorization at mixdown, think A designs Audio MP-1A.A Designs Audio MP-1A, First Take: True tube in, tube out mono mic preamp World-class custom-wound transformers Two "tone" switches, give you four unique tone signatures. Audiophile quality and components and a price below comparable boutique preampsTrue tube mic preampThe MP-1A is a classic 1-channel tube mic pre based on the celebrated MP-1. It offers the same true tube in / tube out design, plus the same quality that made the original MP-1 and MP-2 the buzz of the professional audio industry. New features include a -20 db pad switch, two selectable tone switches for four possible tones, plus 60db of gain (perfect for next generation ribbon mics) Classic features include a world-class Cinemag input transformer coupled with a custom wound output transformer, delivering the low noise and top quality sound that you demand from a high-end, high-priced mic-pre. Additional features include a balanced combo XLR/1/4 inch input, a true VU meter, phantom power and phase reverse switches, and a front panel line level input jack.Custom transformers, the key to punchy sound and quiet operationA lot of preamp builders believe that transformers are things to be avoided, but in reality, they're responsible for the sound we prefer in rock/pop music. The trick is finding good ones. Bad transformers can ring or decimate the upper frequency range, but when a transformer is properly designed and built, such as those by Cinemag (who's lineage includes making transformers for the top consoles in recording history) they are a thing of beauty, delivering a full, punchy sound like no other. Plus, thanks to the superior electronic isolation of transformers, noise and hum is reduced. That's why you can overdrive an MP-1A and get rich, milky distortion without the extra noise. The transformers you find in A Designs Audio's preasmps are hand- and "ear-" built by Tom Reichenbach of Cinemag. Tom is the son of the designer of the lege More details about product A-Designs MP-1A Mono Tube Microphone Preamplifier
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