
Benchmark MPA1 (Demo Deal) – No Longer Available
2-Channel Mic Preamp with stepped-resistor gain control, HPA2 headphone amplifier
MFR# Virus TI2 Polar
Product Description
The Benchmark MPA1 is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier designed and manufactured by Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. The MPA1 is meticulously designed to Benchmark standards of transparency, ultra-low distortion, and ultra-low noise performance - making the MPA1 a perfect choice for stereo pairs, ribbon mics, and any other application where purity is the goal.
Pristine Input Stage
The input stage of the MPA1 is designed with high-voltage headroom (+29 dBu) and single-stage gain control to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. The MPA1 maintains superb noise performance across the entire gain range (74 dB) by utilizing precision-matched, low-noise, transistor quad-arrays. A servo-controlled circuit minimizes DC-offset and maximizes headroom.
Complete Low Frequency Response
The MPA1 exhibits exceptional low-frequency performance with a clever dual-capacitor AC-coupling design. This dual-capacitor design defeats the limitations of single-capacitor AC-coupling designs, achieving an exceptionally low corner-frequency with excellent subsonic phase-accuracy.
Innovative Stepped-Resistor Gain Control
The gain control of the MPA1 is completely unique. The gain is controlled via a 38-position, switched resistor ladder, set up in a continuously rotating orientation via relay control. This gain control circuit offers 2 dB per step, 0-74 dB of gain without attenuation, and inter-channel gain precision of +/- 0.03 dB. A make-beforebreak scheme creates a silent switching circuit.
Elegant Phantom Power Protection
The transistor stage is protected from phantom power surges with an ultra-fast, multi-stage protection circuit. This circuit utilizes the high-speed capabilities of low-capacitance Schotky diodes and the high-current capabilities of TVS diodes to absorb the phantom power surges caused by shorts and plugging/unplugging microphones with +48V on. This circuit is pre-biased so that it is isolated from the circuit in normal operation and activated when a surge occurs.
Pristine Input Stage
The input stage of the MPA1 is designed with high-voltage headroom (+29 dBu) and single-stage gain control to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. The MPA1 maintains superb noise performance across the entire gain range (74 dB) by utilizing precision-matched, low-noise, transistor quad-arrays. A servo-controlled circuit minimizes DC-offset and maximizes headroom.
Complete Low Frequency Response
The MPA1 exhibits exceptional low-frequency performance with a clever dual-capacitor AC-coupling design. This dual-capacitor design defeats the limitations of single-capacitor AC-coupling designs, achieving an exceptionally low corner-frequency with excellent subsonic phase-accuracy.
Innovative Stepped-Resistor Gain Control
The gain control of the MPA1 is completely unique. The gain is controlled via a 38-position, switched resistor ladder, set up in a continuously rotating orientation via relay control. This gain control circuit offers 2 dB per step, 0-74 dB of gain without attenuation, and inter-channel gain precision of +/- 0.03 dB. A make-beforebreak scheme creates a silent switching circuit.
Elegant Phantom Power Protection
The transistor stage is protected from phantom power surges with an ultra-fast, multi-stage protection circuit. This circuit utilizes the high-speed capabilities of low-capacitance Schotky diodes and the high-current capabilities of TVS diodes to absorb the phantom power surges caused by shorts and plugging/unplugging microphones with +48V on. This circuit is pre-biased so that it is isolated from the circuit in normal operation and activated when a surge occurs.
Product Specifications
Condition | Demo / B-Stock |
---|---|
Tube or Solid State | Solid State |
Channels | Dual-Channel |
Chassis | 19-inch Rack-mount |
Rack Spaces | 1u |
Direct Input | No |
Digital I/O | No |
Please fill out the form below and a Vintage King Audio Consultant will contact you with a ship date for the Benchmark MPA1 (Demo Deal).
Have a better price in mind for the Benchmark MPA1 (Demo Deal) that you've been checking out?
We're willing to work on it!Please fill out the form below with your contact information.Once the form is submitted, a Vintage King Audio Consultant will contact you as soon as possible with our best price on this product.