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Key Features
Product Ref: 114031
Considered by leading engineers to be the definition of the famous MIDAS sound, the MIDAS microphone preamp has been expertly crafted through decades of precision design experience and premium-grade components to achieve truly astounding sonic characteristics. The MIDAS preamp is perfect for accurately capturing the desired sonic image, and can be heard in countless concerts and recordings. The MIDAS preamp in the 501 module utilises an upgraded design with ultra-low noise octal discrete input transistors for truly transparent operation, as well as exceptional sonic flexibility and dynamic control.
The MIDAS preamp within the 501 utilises a design that has become renowned for providing an incredible sound when driven hard. Thanks to the design of the 501's input stage, the module allows up to +24dBu signal levels with no requirement for a pad. Simultaneously, the soft-clipping characteristic that provides crystal-clear audio reproduction with the perfect amount of harmonic content ensures truly astounding results for your recordings and live performances. The 501 also features a unique 'Warm' mode, engaged via a toggle switch that inserts a premium-quality balanced input transformer in front of the preamp. This lowers the input impedance from 10 k Ohms down to 1.5 k Ohms, as well as providing the benefits of galvanic isolation to the microphone input, resulting in a beautiful vintage sound and setup.
Boasting impressive high-precision 31-segment rotary LED meters, the 501 reads the signal post-amplifier/pre-filter to provide input metering from -20dBu up to +20dBu in 1 and 2dB steps, as well as output metering in the same range. The 501's input gain can be adjusted using the large precision 12-position rotary switch with gain settings ranging from 0 to +60dB in 5dB increments. The output trim is adjustable using a fully-variable potentiometer across a +/-20dB range. When used together, you can achieve a phenomenal +80dB maximum gain, perfect for even the lowest-level ribbon microphones.