DIY Mic Pre Kits, Lunchbox Mic Preamp Kits, Power Supply Kits

What if you could take the best features from different preamps, and combine them into one Super-Frankenstein Hybrid preamp?

And that's exactly what I did. Welcome my new X-72mk500 Mic Preamp!

I used the latest low-noise modern chipsets, and couple them with big, hunking, hulky, giant input and output transformers from UK/Carnhill.... These same transformers are usually used in Neve-type/clone preamps.

And not only that, you have the option to use Discrete Op Amps (DOA) like 2520/990 type opamps, like the ones you find in API preamps.



What about the sound? The sound to me is BIG, PUNCHY, and HUGE. It adds a deep, nice, WARM coloration to the sound. Really deep-sounding huge. And low frequencies come out punchy and TIGHT. I really love it. Totally unexpected.

I'm using fast video buffer driver chips (spec'd at 2000V/usec) to drive this awesome UK/Carnhill Output Transformers. After the Input Transformer, the signal is amplfied by modern, low-noise chips capable of driving 600-ohm loads. Gain is adjusted by mil-spec Grayhill Selector Switches, and trimmed using Bourns potentiometer.

The 48Volt Phantom Power circuitry also has a "soft-start/ramp-up" feature. When you turn ON Phantom Power, 48 Volts is gradually applied to your expensive microphone. The result is no more annoying and bone-jarring "POPPING" sound when you turn ON or OFF your Phantom Power. It also protects your monitors from this loud popping sound!

MSRP: $625 (with Carnhill/UK Input AND Output Transformer)



Using Input and Output Transformers
12-step Gain from 22dB to 68dB, at 4dB/step
-20dB Input Pad
High-quality parts
Option to use Discrete OpAmps with the 990/2520 format
Using high-performance chipsets, currently the best chip around
Using High-speed 2000V/us, video buffer, high-current transformer line driver
Using Grayhill switch - high quality mil-spec
with output trim Bourns potentiometer - so you can overdrive the input trafo and be able to trim the output of the pre.
Null offset trimmer adjustment
LED-lighted push buttons for 48V phantom, pads, and polarity reverse
Relay Controlled Polarity Reverse
Relay Controlled -20dB Pad
Soft-start/Ramp-up 48V Phantom Power
Includes on-board voltage regulators
Professional PCB, Rohs PCB with double-sided, plated-through holes, 2oz. copper
with soldermask, silkscreen layout,
Includes everything... 5-LED VU Meter, spacers, screws, knobs


NOTE: The X-72mk500 Preamp requires an API 500 Series Rack or compatible rack.

You can also use discrete opamps with these preamps.
Discrete OpAmps not provided with preamps.

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