Grace Design m801mk2 Microphone Preamp

Slapping an “analog warmth” plug-in on every track can only get you so far. Capturing rich, open, musical performances as they happen requires analog hardware, a good set of ears, and above all - it requires Grace Design. The Grace Design m801mk2 Microphone Preamp introduces a number of improvements upon the original Model 801 from 1994 — yet still delivers Grace’s signature sonic quality and reliability.

THE NEW AND IMPROVED M801MK2

The m801mk2 Microphone Preamp utilizes custom-designed amplifier circuitry that expands upon the features of the original. Don’t worry, the m801mk2 still includes a fully differential signal path, and Ribbon Mic mode for use with low output ribbon microphones.

The m801mk2 significantly improves noise performance at low gains, allowing you to capture even the most delicate of moments with fewer distractions. Similarly, the m801mk2 improves RFI/EMI immunity for more protection against interference from cell phones, WiFi antennas, bluetooth devices and even interstellar transmissions, according to Grace.

The m801mk2 also increases low frequency bandwidth for improved phase response, making multi-miked sources sound more musical and open. In addition to sonic enhancements, the m801mk2 also introduces a cosmetic improvement—the external DC power supply has been replaced with a standard IEC cable to create a cleaner, simpler design.

THE MODEL 801 LEGACY

In 1994 Grace Design released the Model 801 microphone preamplifier—their very first production model. For the first time, engineers were reaching for outboard preamps, as the Model 801 provided significantly better performance than the built-in circuits in the recording consoles of the day.

It featured independent circuit boards for each channel, gold contact rotary gain controls wired with precision metal film resistors, gold contact sealed relay signal switching—and perhaps most importantly to the sound, there were NO electrolytic capacitors in the signal path.

12 years later, Grace released the next generation of the Model 801, called the m801.

20 years later, the next generation - the m801mk2 - is here.