Wolff Audio W1 Console ST 500 Series Preamp

The Wolff Audio W1 is a single‑channel 500 Series microphone preamp that brings true Wolff Audio console architecture into a compact, modular format. Designed by Paul Wolff, it uses the same transformer topology, relay‑controlled signal path, and gain structure found in Wolff Audio’s flagship consoles. With unusually low baseline gain, precision relay switching, and a dual‑stage design that allows engineers to drive the preamp for tone while maintaining clean output levels, the W1 delivers punchy, musical results on everything from delicate sources to extremely loud instruments.

CONSOLE DNA IN A 500 SERIES MODULE

The W1 features custom Cinemag input and output transformers, a socketed op-amp design allowing users to install their preferred op-amp, and a fully relay-controlled signal path for gain, pad, phantom power, and line switching. Unlike conventional mic pres, the W1 operates at significantly lower baseline gain, allowing engineers to capture extremely loud sources without sacrificing tone or headroom. When set to zero gain mode the op-amp runs at unity and a -10 dB is applied to the transformer making the W1 run at approximately 20 dB more that typical microphone preamps. The result is a microphone preamp that preserves transformer loading, maintains proper impedance relationships, and delivers a fat, punchy, musical tone even on aggressive sources.

PRECISION GAIN CONTROL AND OUTPUT MANAGEMENT

Gain is selectable in 10 dB increments up to 50 dB, with an additional ±6 dB trim stage and a dedicated output fader — a design made possible by Wolff’s dual-stage architecture. You can drive the preamp for tone and still hit your converters safely with no impedance problems. Maximum gain reaches approximately 56 dB, placing the W1 comfortably in high-gain territory while maintaining stability and clarity.

STUDIO-READY MONITORING, METERING, AND MORE

The W1 includes a dual-mode LED indicator derived from Wolff Audio’s console design, showing both –20 dB and +4 dB reference points, with intelligent release timing and clip indication.

Front-panel features include:

• Neutrik Combo ¼-inch/XLR mic and instrument input
• Relay-controlled 20 dB pad
• Relay-controlled 48V phantom power with output dimming
• Polarity reverse
• Gain trim and output fader
• Console-grade LED metering

WOLFF AUDIO W1 FEATURES:

• Single‑channel 500 Series microphone preamp based on true Wolff Audio console architecture
• Provides punchy and musical tone even on aggressive sources
• Low baseline gain, precision relay switching, and a dual‑stage design
• Custom Cinemag input and output transformers
• 50 dB gain selectable in 10 dB increments
• Dual-mode LED indicator derived from Wolff Audio’s console design