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The Knif V804 PRE is a high-end vacuum tube microphone preamplifier available in two and four channel versions. The preamplifier pays homage to West-German engineering from the 1950’s while utilizing modern components and construction techniques. The front end is based around the Telefunken EF804S, a very special and sought-after NOS pentode, combined with a high step-up ratio Lundahl input transformer. The most distinctive feature in the classic German 1950s designs was the use of pentodes in the first stage of sensitive electronics.
HIGH GAIN LOW NOISE FRONT END
Thanks to the special front end, the self noise of V804 PRE is very low, fully comparable to the best solid state rivals and the maximum gain is also very high. The latter of the two tube stages in the amplifier also features a SQ pentode, the E180F. This stage is also coupled to the outside world through a Lundahl transformer. The core of this transformer is silicon iron which adds a hint of thickness and smoothness to the top register. The gain of V804 PRE is adjusted in 4 dB increments via an Elma rotary switch. The gain adjustment is equipped with an automated -20 dB pad for the lowest gain settings. There are no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path.
DI INPUTS
The V804 PRE comes here with DI inputs with capacitance of only 15pF. This vanishingly low value is roughly equivalent to one foot of the very best cables available and greatly helps in squeezing out the last bits of treble from Hi-Z sources, such as guitars. There are no other tube microphone preamplifiers on the market with such degree of sophistication and minimalism. The performance of the V804 PRE is flawless.
Specifications
| Channels | |
|---|---|
| Chassis | |
| Input Connectors | Analog XLR |
| Output Connectors | Analog XLR |
| Tube or Solid State | |
| Rack format | 19-inch rackmount 2U |