SAAS Type III MP-500 500 Series Preamp/DI

Product Description

The SAAS Type III MP500 is a dual-gain-stage microphone preamp based on the preamps in Russian Recording's vintage Sphere Eclipse Type III analog recording console. It uses newly manufactured Reichenbach 7341 microphone input and 7393 output transformers, made in the same factory using the same drawings and materials as those found in vintage Sphere consoles, along with two SAAS-designed DOA60 discrete op amps. The DOA60 was inspired by the sound of the original SPA60 amplifiers used in vintage Sphere consoles, using thoughtfully chosen modern components to improve consistency, specs, and stability, while retaining the detail, imaging, and sonic character that made the original amplifiers so special.

EXPANDING ON A VINTAGE DESIGN

One amplifier handles input gain, the second handles output gain, the combination providing at least 83 dB of total available gain. The original vintage console preamps were limited to two input gain settings coupled with an input pad. The MP500 expands on that with a 12-position Grayhill rotary switch for input gain, a single -20 dB pad, selectable input impedances of 300Ω or 1.5kΩ, with fully variable output level, giving the engineer precise control over both gain stages and the ability to handle quiet and loud sources with ease. The 1.5kΩ setting reduces gain by about 6 dB depending on the microphone's output impedance, while adding a subtle rise in the high frequencies. A selectable 20 dB boost can be added to the output stage when additional gain is required.

DEDICATED DI

The MP500 also includes a dedicated active Direct Input (DI) for direct instrument recording. Unlike many other 500 series preamps, the direct input uses a dedicated input stage inspired by instrument amplifiers of the 70s. The DI signal still passes through both DOA60 gain stages and the output transformer.