500 Series Preamp

Ultra-clean to heavy distortion...You decideThe VHD+ Pre Module for the popular 500 format modular rack platform makes the uniquely versatile VHD based preamp technology from Duality, SSL's industry leading large format studio console, available for studios of all sizes. The VHD+ Pre module is an immensely versatile recording and processing device. It can deliver ultra clean SSL SuperAnalogueTM grade recordings but also features a switchable VHD mode. SSL's patented Variable Harmonic Drive (VHD) system uses a 100% analogue signal path to generate rich harmonic distortion.Increase VHD input gain and the Variable Harmonic Drive process introduces either 2nd or 3rd harmonic distortion or a blend of the two to your source material. At lower gain settings it adds gentle valve-style warmth or a touch of transistor edge. As the gain is increased the more extreme the distortion becomes, until at high gain settings it delivers fierce trashy transistoresque grunge.The VHD+ Pre module gives the user ultimate versatility from a studio grade preamp. Whether it's ultra-clean traditional SSL, subtle warming or totally trashy transistor distortion, VHD will change your expectations of what a preamplifier should deliver.Key featuresSSL SuperAnalogueTM grade preamp2nd order harmonics (valve warmth to extreme distortion)3rd order harmonics (transistor edge to totally trashed)Absolute control via 2nd and 3rd order harmonic blendVariable Harmonic Drive (VHD) in/out switchSwitch-able LF Filter+48V phantom powerPhase invert switchPAD switchHi-Z switch

Deceptively simply, extremely effective SiX Channel Strip (SiX CH) is a single-width 500 Series channel strip using the SuperAnalogueTM channel processing features from SSL’s SiX console including the Mic-pre, low and high frequency EQ, as well as the single knob compressor.FeaturesSSL SuperAnalogueTM  mic pre+48V phantom powerPhase invert switch5 segment LED meter in dBuSwitched 12 dB/oct, 75 Hz High Pass Filter (HPF)Classic SSL HF and LF EQSwitch from shelf to bell curveSingle knob Channel Compressor with variable Threshold.Front Panel TRS Line Input with 1MΩ Hi-Z switch.SuperAnalogue Using the same technology as SiX and large-format SSL consoles, SiX CH features a SuperAnalogueTM mic pre, offering wide gain range and ultra-low noise. It’s clean, fast and punchy - the perfect preamplifier for any source material.SSL HF and LF EQSiX CH EQ is a classic SSL style gentle, broad stroke two-band design with high and low shelving filters at 3.5 kHz and 60 Hz, +/-15 dB gain range. Each band can be independently switched between shelving and bell curves. The bell curves change centre frequency to operate at 5 kHz and 200 Hz giving greater versatility from the two controls.Channel compressor A ‘one knob’ channel compressor with features that give powerful and versatile performance from its deceptively simple controls. Using the tried and tested SSL feed-forward circuit design, program-dependant attack time and automatic make-up gain to maintain signal level.TRS Line Input The front facing TRS line input offers a convenient way to add instruments on the fly or use SiX CH as a feature packed summing module. 10 kΩ nominal Line Input impedance can be changed to 1 MΩ via the Hi-Z switch. The 1MΩ impedance makes this input suitable for very high impedance sources such as passive guitar pickups without the need for an external DI box.

The Chandler Limited Little Devil 500 Series Preamp gives you a warmth and a range of tone that will add instant vitality to your tracks. As a preamplifier, the Little Devil 500 Pre gives you a solid Class A boost, hot enough for low-output mics, including ribbons. Dial in the feedback, and the Little Devil 500 Pre springs to life, morphing smoothly through a wide range of detail that you can use to get exactly the character you need. The way the Little Devil Pre enhances and smoothes out harsh transients also makes it an ideal color box for line-level sources, and the front-panel DI makes it perfect for direct bass and guitar as well. With all this going for it, the Chandler Limited Little Devil Preamp is a no-brainer addition to your 500 Series rack.Chandler Limited Little Devil 500 Series Preamp at a Glance:Flexible input routingPowerful tone sculpting toolsYour sonic obsession: Chandler's missionFlexible input routingThe flexible input options of the Chandler Little Devil 500 Pre will save you time and effort getting everything set up. You can use either XLR or TRS cables for connecting to the pre, and you can select whether the inputs are high or low impedance. The Little Devil Pre offers up to 66dB of gain to really push your signal. Power your favorite condenser mics with the built-in 48V phantom power supply.Powerful tone sculpting toolsThe Chandler Limited Little Devil 500 Pre is also a powerful tool for sculpting the tones you want for your tracks. The bright switch and low cut filter let you sculpt the highs and lows of your signal, and the phase control, well, flips the phase. You'll love the big and open sound of the Little Devil's Class A design. A Feedback/Bias control gives you the ability to change the the way the amplifier reacts. You can increase the harmonic range and the nature of clipping and distorion by simply rotating a knob. You can dial in soft Class A clipping to gushy tube type clipping.Your sonic obsession: Chandler's missionRecording engineers are always looking for fresh tonal colors and approaches when tracking - it's an obsession. Chandler feeds this addiction with their innovative take on the technologies of the past. They start with painstaking component selection. The Little Devil Preamp's parts list reads like a 40-year-old document. Seriously - they just don't build 'em this way anymore. Hand-wired and assembled in the USA, the Little Devil Pre utilizes 100% discrete transistor circuitry and specially wound transformers. Aside from the fact that you'll have this puppy forever, the weapons-grade build quality is a means to an end - the sound. Glorious, fat, supremely musical sound, with amazing clarity and headroom. Stock your arsenal with the Chandler Limited Little Devil 500 Series Preamp.Chandler Limited Little Devil 500 Series Preamp Features:48V phantom power66dB of gainSelectable impedanceBalanced mic or line inputsLow Cut switchBright switchPhase switchFeedback/Bias control

The Chandler Limited Germ 500 MkII 500 series preamp gives you classic Germanium Pre Amp sound in a conveniently modular format. From Neve to Fairchild, it's no wonder that germanium transistors have been used in some of the greatest audio gear of all time. That's why Chandler decided to build their Germanium series around this tried-and true technology. And with the Germ 500 MkII, you can put this same sound right in your 500 series rack. Discover the secret weapon many of today's top engineers swear by, order your Chandler Limited Germ 500 MkII 500 series preamplifier today!Chandler Limited Germ 500 MkII 500 Series Preamplifier at a Glance:Feedback control lets you dial in the perfect toneThick setting lets you add extra dimension to your soundTime-tested Germanium soundFeedback control lets you dial in the perfect toneThe Germ 500 MkII's Feedback control is the key to its incredible tone-shaping ability. Like all amplifiers, the Germ 500 MkII uses feedback (the process of feeding the output signal back into the input of the amplifier) to boost gain. But unlike typical preamplifiers, Chandler Limited's Germ 500 MkII lets you control the amount of signal that's fed back. The Feedback control affects more than just gain, it alters the overall character of the unit, including its total harmonic distortion and frequency response, allowing you to perfectly sculpt the contour of your tone.Thick setting lets you add extra dimension to your soundOne of the features that makes Chandler Limited's full-sized Germanium Pre Amp stand out is its Thick function, which is why they chose to include it when they designed the Germ 500 MkII. This subtle tone-shaping control makes the Germ 500 MkII perfect for adding a gentle low-end swell to sources that sound weak or thin. You'll particularly love the way the Germ 500 MkII's Thick function adds weight to the sound of guitars.Time-tested Germanium soundEquipped with genuine germanium-transistor-based Drive and Feedback circuits, the Germ 500 MkII lets you dial in luscious lows and creamy highs. Germanium transistors have been instrumental in the most revered preamplifiers and signal processors for decades. That's why Chandler Limited uses germanium transistors in many of their most popular models. With a Germ 500 MkII, that same signature sound is more accessible than ever before!Chandler Limited Germ 500 MkII 500 Series Preamplifier Features:The sound and functionality of a Chandler Germanium Pre Amp, in a handy 500 series modular formatClass A, germanium-transistor-based drive and feedback circuits for genuine Germanium toneAn impressive 65dB of total amplification lets you use an kind of microphone, even low-output ribbonsFeedback control allows you to dial in the tonal contour, letting you control the character of your soundThick control introduces a subtle rise to your low end - perfect for adding girth to guitar toneFront-panel instrument input provides easy access for tracking guitar and bass-15dB pad switch provides a total of 70dB of dynamic range

The Chandler Limited TG2-500 500 Series mic/line preamp module is a spot-on re-creation of the rare EMI TG12428, found in the recording and mastering consoles of EMI (and later Abbey Road) studios in the late '60s and early '70s. The TG2-500 is built using the original TG12428 schematics. Put the sound of the preamp used in such iconic recordings as The Beatles' Abbey Road and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon in your 500 Series rack. Order your TG2-500 from Sweetwater today!Chandler Limited TG2-500 500 Series Mic/Line Preamp at a Glance:There's history behind this amazing-sounding preYou get warmth and punch - plus an open, airy high endPut this in your rack and brace yourself for some serious toneThere's history behind this amazing-sounding preThe Chandler Limited TG2-500 500 Series module is a re-creation of the rare EMI TG12428 preamp fitted in EMI/Abbey Road recording and mastering consoles of the late '60s and early '70s. This instantly identifiable sound was used on many legendary Abbey Road recordings, including The Beatles Abbey Road and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon.You get warmth and punch - plus an open, airy high endThe Chandler Limited TG2-500 500 Series preamp module incorporates the same discrete transformer-balanced amplifiers as the TG Series limiter, giving you a creamy, smooth tone with an open, airy high end. The sound, as described by many users, is imbued with vintage warmth and punch - but with a more open top end. The unit does indeed have a small rise in its high frequency response, along with some warmth-inducing distortion which contribute to its unique, punchy sound.Put this in your rack and brace yourself for some serious toneChandler Limited's TG2-500 500 Series preamp was built from the original EMI TG12428 design notes and circuit board drawings provided by Abbey Road and EMI. With a genealogy like that, this preamp's a no-brainer. When you plug into the Chandler Limited TG2-500 Abbey Road Special Edition preamp, you plug into the sound behind some of the most memorable recordings in classic rock history. Put one (or more) of these preamps in your 500 Series rack and brace yourself for some serious tone.Chandler Limited TG2-500 500 Series Mic/Line Preamp Features:Topology based closely on the original EMI TG12428 at EMI/Abbey Road studioDiscrete transformer-balanced amplifiers produce a warm tone with clear highs and rich lowsInput gain ranges from +20dB to +50dB48V phantom power, phase reverse, and an impedance switchImpedance switch toggles between 300 ohms and 1200 ohms, to match any micChannel output gain control lets you run the input gain hot for extra colorRequires compatible 500 Series chassisChandler Limited and their associated logos are registered trademarks of Chandler Limited, Inc. Abbey Road Studios, EMI, TG, REDD, RS and their associated logos are trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

The 8173 module is a Heritage Audio´s new design, which has been engineered to fill input module slots in the restoration process of vintage 80 Series sound mixing consoles. It is also compatible with the Heritage Audio Frame 8 and Rack 2 powered enclosures. The 8173 could be easily described as a 1073 with the mid bands of a 1081. We´ve decided to keep the 1073 Baxandall shelving lo and hi eq bands as they sound amazing, but have implemented a choice of 3 hi shelving frequencies, a la 1084. Special care has been taken in sourcing the correct components that ensure performance will be as close to a 1070s unit as it is possible nowadays. Custom polystyrene and film tone capacitors have been developed to closely match the Siemens Styroflex and Mullard Mustard types of the late 60s and early 70s. Custom input transformers have also been co designed with Carnhill Transformers´ Oxford factory to our special requirements. The Heritage Audio 8173 is entirely handmade in our facilities in Spain, employing the same old-fashioned wiring and soldering techniques of the 70s. All its circuitry is held into five plug in cards. Specifications: Microphone input impedance: HI, 1200 Ohm minimum, LO, 300 Ohm minimum. Higher gain positions gradually have greater impedances, optimum for lo gain ribbon mics. Input is transformer balanced and floating. Line input impedance: 10KOhms bridging, transformer balanced and floating. Output impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, transformer balanced and floating, to drive a load of 600 Ohms. Maximum output: Greater than +26dBu into 600 Ohms, THD: Less than 0.025% at 1Khz, Less than 0.05% at 100Hz. Frequency response :20Hz (+0.3dB) to 20Khz (-0.2dB). Maximum Gain: Slightly greater than 80dB. Noise: Less than -100dBu. Power consumption: Less than 110 mA @24VDC.

The  6673 module is a Heritage Audio´s new design which has been engineered to fill input module slots in the restoration process of vintage 80 Series sound mixing consoles. It is also compatible with the Heritage Audio Frame 8 and Rack 2 powered enclosures. The 6673 is a 4 band equalizer in a 1073 sized module, combining the mid band of the vintage 1066 module and an expanded 1073 mid band. This fact allows a more complex equalizing whilst at the same time maintaining the same sonic qualities. Vintage connoisseurs already know how sweet the 1066 mid band sounds and how well it complements the 1073´s one. Additionally the 6673 features three frequency´s options for the high shelf, as opposed to the fixed ones on both the 1073 and 1066, covering both. Special care has been taken in sourcing the correct components that ensure performance will be as close to a 1070s unit as it is possible nowadays. Custom polystyrene and film tone capacitors have been developed to closely match the Siemens Styroflex and Mullard Mustard types of the late 60s and early 70s. Custom input transformers have also been co designed with Carnhill Transformers´ Oxford factory to our special requirements. The Heritage Audio 6673 is entirely handmade in our facilities in Spain, employing the same old-fashioned wiring and soldering techniques of the 70s. All its circuitry is held into five plug in cards. Specifications: Microphone input impedance: HI, 1200 Ohm minimum, LO, 300 Ohm minimum. Higher gain positions gradually have greater impedances, optimum for lo gain ribbon mics. Input is transformer balanced and floating. Line input impedance: 10KOhms bridging, transformer balanced and floating. Output impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, transformer balanced and floating, to drive a load of 600 Ohms. Maximum output: Greater than +26dBu into 600 Ohms, THD: Less than 0.025% at 1Khz, Less than 0.05% at 100Hz. Frequency response :20Hz (+0.3dB) to 20Khz (-0.2dB). Maximum Gain: Slightly greater than 80dB. Noise: Less than -100dBu. Power consumption: Less than 110 mA @24VDC.

The Heritage Audio 1073 has been engineered to fill input module slots in the restoration process of vintage 80 Series sound mixing consoles. In case outboard fitting is preferred, the HA1073 can be installed into the Heritage Audio Frame 8 and Rack 2 powered enclosures. Special care has been taken in sourcing the correct components that ensure performance will be as close to a 1070s unit as it is possible nowadays. Custom polystyrene and polypropylene film tone capacitors have been developed to closely match the Siemens Styroflex and Mullard Mustard types of the late 60s and early 70s. Custom input transformers have also been co designed with Carnhill Transformers´ Oxford factory to our special requirements, which ensure correct harmonic distortion content and saturation points. The Heritage Audio 1073 is entirely handmade in our facilities in Spain, employing the same old-fashioned wiring and soldering techniques of the 70s. Manufacturing a single module takes several days of one of our master builders. All its circuitry is held into four plug-in cards. Specifications: Microphone input impedance: HI, 1200 Ohm minimum, LO, 300 Ohm minimum. Higher gain positions gradually have greater impedances, optimum for low gain ribbon mics. Input is transformer balanced and floating. Line input impedance: 10KOhms bridging, transformer balanced and floating. Output impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, transformer balanced and floating, to drive a load of 600 Ohms. Maximum output: Greater than +26dBu into 600 Ohms, THD: Less than 0.025% at 1Khz, Less than 0.05% at 100Hz. Frequency response :20Hz (+0.3dB) to 20Khz (-0.2dB). Maximum Gain: Slightly greater than 80dB. Noise: Less than -100dBu. Power consumption: Less than 110 mA @24VDC.

A lot of preamps on the market do a good job of raising the volume of mics and instruments. Unfortunately, many pres are doing only that, raising volume.  The “Super clean” designs of today often leave the signal exiting the preamp sounding much the same as it did entering it.If you are looking for a preamp to improve and shape your signal you will most definitely love the WA12-500 MKII. The WA12-500 MKII is designed to transform plain instruments and vocals into exciting tone.  If your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you’ve always wanted, there is a good chance you will love the WA12-500 MKII.The WA12-500 MKII is a completely discrete, high voltage, dual-transformer microphone preamplifier design with high gain (+71dB), high headroom, low noise, and an exciting sonic performance – great for all types of recording applications.  A high quality mic preamp is one of the most critical pieces needed to achieve the elusive ‘larger than life’ sound, and the WA12-500 MKII is more than capable of delivering.  The WA12-500 MKII is based around a discrete op-amp, the X731, which is our own reproduction of the vintage classic Melcor 1731, considered by some to be the warmer predecessor to the modern 2520-style op-amp.  The X731 can achieve vibrant, clean and lifelike tones; but can also be driven into mild saturation at much higher gain levels.  The effects can be subtle, but very pleasing to the ear.  The WA12-500 MKII can also accept any discrete op-amp on the market that conforms to the +/-16v, 2520 pinout standard.  Specifications:Utilizes premium grade input and output USA CineMag transformers.71db of Gain, fully discrete signal path.Utilizes a discrete 6-pin socketed 1731 style opamp.  Can be replaced with other 6-pin "2520 foot-print" opamps for varying tone/flavor.TONE button – Switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms.  Changes the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs.2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input on front panel. Sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag Transformers and the discrete opamp. Great for guitars, bass, keyboards and other instruments that have a 1/4″ output jack.48 volt Phantom Power.Output attenuation control (after the CineMag output transformer) allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation.LED Meter gain indication.20db pad.​  

The API 512v is a mic / line / instrument preamp, world famous for its ability to provide a low noise (-129 EIN) and unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio applications. Sonically, it delivers the instantly recognizable API sound at an affordable price, and in the scalable API 500 Series format. Offering an impressive 65 dB of gain, the 512v includes front panel Variable Output control, switchable 3:1 output transformer selection, phantom power, switchable polarity, -20 dB pad, and Mic or Instrument/Line selector. The front panel Combo-style XLR and 1/4 inch connector combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed into an API lunchbox®, API's 10 position 500V vertical rack, or into an API console.The API 512v remains faithful to the circuit designs of API's founder Saul Walker. Artfully combining those circuits with API's proprietary transformers and the incomparable 2520 op-amp, the 512v is a highly musical and rich-sounding analog mic pre, equally at home in commercial recording spaces as it is in smaller home studios. Fully featured and still hand assembled, the 512v exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of all API products. SpecificationsMic Preamp with 65 dB of gainVariable Output Level Control3:1 Output Transformer Tap SelectionFront and Back Panel Mic Input AccessLine/Instrument Preamp with 45 dB of gainFront Panel Combo-style XLR + 1/4 inch Line/Instrument InputLED VU meter for Gain Level indication20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument48v Phantom switchable powerTraditional API fully discrete circuit design with 2520 Op AmpFeatures API's unique Five Year Warranty

The API 512C is a mic/line/instrument preamp designed to provide a low noise, unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio systems. Sonically, it is at the top of the "Mic Preamp List", regardless of price. Offering low noise (-129 EIN) and 65 dB of gain, the 512C includes phantom power, switchable polarity, -20 dB pad and Mic/Line or Instrument selector.  Front panel XLR and 1/4 inch connectors combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed in an API LunchBox, Six Pack, 10 position vertical rack, a 2 position horizontal rack, or an API console. What makes the API 512C unique is its long evolution from the original 1967 era 512, the first modular mic pre, to the current full featured 512C, while preserving the original sound character that made it so much a part of the early days of recording. Offering high headroom and a wide variety of inputs and input access ponts, it is ideal for unusual and demanding applications.        FEATURESMic Preamp with 65 dB of gainFront and Back Panel Mic Input AccessLine/Instrument Preamp with 50 dB of gainFront and Back Panel Line/Instrument InputLED VU meter for monitoring output level20 dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument48v Phantom switchable powerTraditional API fully discrete circuit designUses the famous API 2520 Op-Amp

The Tone Beast is a great mic pre with loads of gain that can effortlessly capture an array of sources very well. With top notch CineMag transformers and multiple discrete signal paths, it's hard to beat its big, bold, fully-professional sound at its price.The Tone Beast is a mic pre that likes to be pushed and when pushed will colorize your signal ever so sweetly. The 2 opamps and 2 output transformers at the flip of their switches won't appear to be much different, but as one drives the pre into harmonic distortion, the unique character of each of these components becomes apparent. Additionally the Tone Beast is customizable and allows for other opamps to be sourced and easily swapped into the unit. I've pulled my best tones from this pre right at the saturation point (as loud as I can push the gain before clipping). The output control on the TB12 allows you to limit the signal exiting the preamp even when pushing the gain to really hot levels, giving you maximum control.Specifications:Utilizes premium grade CineMag USA Transformers.71db of gain.Transformer selection provides both Steel and 50% Nickel CineMag output transformers for varying character.Transformer bypass switch allows for removal of the output transformer from the circuit.Discrete Opamp selection allows for choosing between a 1731(vintage) and 918(cleaner) style .opamp.  These are socketed/swappable with your choice of 2520 6 pin footprint opamps.Impedance switch labeled TONE to switch between 150 and 600 ohms input impedance.  Changes the Tone of all inputs (Mic, Line and Hi-Z.).2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input on front panel sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag Transformers and the discrete operational amplifier. Great for guitars, bass, keyboards and other instruments that have a 1/4″ output jack.Capacitor selection between Tantalum and Electrolytic for different characters.80hz hipass filter.Polarity Reverse.+48V phantom power.Output attenuation allowing for saturation flexibility of both the opamps and transformers.¼" insert for the use of inline compressors, eq's etc.Balanced XLR mic, balanced TRS line, and ¼" instrument inputs.-20db Pad.LED VU Meter.Compatible with standard 500 series racks.​​