Outfitted with variable harmonic coloration for sonically enhancing tracks, the Fredenstein MicPre Plus 500 Series Microphone Preampis a 500 Series microphone preamplifier offering a high-quality gain stage in a highly accessible price class for producers, musicians, and engineers. The discrete signal path features an American-made output transformer as well as Fredenstein's specially designed OPA2 opamp, allowing it to impart a smooth tone along with high-performance noise and distortion specs. A simple twist of the Color knob adds harmonics based on tube-type circuits, a great way to liven the sound of your source in a hurry.

The Artistic MicPre Plus utilizes a single knob to provide a gain range of +20 to +65 dB, so it can adequately serve dynamic, ribbon, or condenser microphones. Plus, the impedance of the mic input can be switched between 300 and 1500 ohms via the Low-Z switch. A front-panel 1/4" jack is provided for direct connection of a Hi-Z instrument such as an electric guitar, bass, or keyboard. The pad switch can be used to attenuate the input signal by 20 dB to prevent distortion when tracking loud instruments such as drums.

Mic and 1/4" Instrument Inputs    Up to 65 dB of Gain    Variable Harmonic Coloration    American-Made Output Transformer    Discrete Signal Path    48V Phantom Power    -20 dB Pad    Switchable Mic Input Impedance    Switchable Polarity

A single discrete amplifier is used for the active gain element, and there are no chip based amplifiers in the signal path. To achieve a high level of performance, the circuit is based on Fredenstein's OPA2 discrete audio operational amplifier. As in all Fredenstein products, the OPA2 is not a copy of an older design, but is a completely new design manufactured in SMT technology with matched and integrated dual input transistors to guarantee vastly improved specifications compared to older designs. The OPA2, in the tradition of similar modules, is socketed and can be exchanged without tools. The industry-standard pinout makes it compatible with many other amplifier modules.

The sound is further defined by the American-made, steel-core output transformer, which is known for its smooth, vintage sound without being dark or mushy.

The Artistic MicPre Plus features an innovative tube-type distortion circuit. The variable Color control allows harmonic coloration from very subtle to extremely pronounced. In addition, the Color feature is also level-dependent in the same way tube gear behaves. Variable color enables a myriad of new creative possibilities and prevents cold and stale sounds. When you turn the Color knob all the way counterclockwise, the Color LED turns off and the Color circuit is completely disabled.

In addition to its standard 500 Series mic input, the Magic Pre offers a front-panel 1/4" Hi-Z instrument input (balanced/unbalanced) with an impedance of 2 megohms. The impedance of the mic input can be switched between 300 and 1500 ohms via the Low-Z switch. The rear microphone input is automatically disconnected when a plug is inserted in the DI connector.

The face of the Artistic MicPre Plus sports dedicated switches for 48V phantom power, impedance, polarity, and a -20 dB pad. Output level is indicated with two LEDs, SIG and +20 dB.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is this preamp good for voice over recording?

A: The EZ-MPA2 is ideal for adding microphone inputs to mixers and amplifiers with line inputs, and it can be used in houses of worship, restaurants, clubs, meeting rooms, educational facilities, conference rooms, studios and commercial sound systems. -------------------This product is not designed or recommended for voice-over or other vocal recording projects.

Q: 2. Will this work on Dracast S-Series Plus Daylight LED500? The light has been discontinued, but I need a couple of soft boxes for the two that I have.

A: This is for the LED500 Pro it is not compatible with a S-Series light.

Q: 3. does this unit come with a power supply? My main intent for it is to put between my TT and Pioneer spc-1 preamp, because of the long distance between the two. I'll also use it to transfer some vinyl to computer, but for that purpose I believe the USB connection will power it.

A: The power supply is included with the USB Phono Plus.

Q: 4. Is this good for a room or just a table?

A: This softbox would generally be used for softening the light coming from a Dracast LED500 Plus LED panel. The light itself can work well to light a small room or a subject at a table, but it all depends on how you position the light.

Q: 5. When we record with Audacity it only records one side of the speaker on both tracks, ignoring the other side, meaning it is not stereo and only one side of the track can be heard. What is the problem, usb cable or usb output port from the preamp?

A: Check your computer settings - assuming Windows, go to Control Panel-Hardware and Sound-Sound-Recording. Select the USB Audio CODEC and click Properties, then Advanced. Make sure the Default Format is 2-channel. I do this every time I want to record something - most times the setting will be remembered, but every so often it will revert to 1-channel. Very annoying if I've recorded 5 albums before I notice!

Q: 6. Hello.Is the rca phono input compatible with a moving-coil input?Thanks

A: One disadvantage of the moving coil cartridge is that it generates a smaller voltage and requires a secondary preamplifier, sometimes known as a head amp. The head amp increases the voltage enough for a phono input on a stereo component. Some moving coil cartridges have higher output and are compatible with a standard phono input, but its output will be somewhat lower than a moving magnet cartridge. So this ART phono preamp is most likely NOT compatible with many moving-coil cartridges unless the manufacturer has designed the cartride for use with a standard phono preamp like the ART.

Q: 7. Hi I have apollo twin x (Quad) and i have buy preamp GRACE m101 . Should I have Converter between these two equipment? If yes What is it the best converter for voiceover and for this equipment??

A: A converter is not necessary. Simply come out of the 1/4-inch TRS balanced output to the 1/4-inch portion of the combo input of the Apollo Twin X Quad. It is important to send the signal into the Apollo as a line level signal, to take advantage of the Grace preamp.. A Pearstone PM-TRS 1/4" TRS Male to 1/4" TRS Male Interconnect Cable (6'),BH #PEPMTRS06 would be a good choice for a balanced cable.

Q: 8. Will this amplifier eliminate the tinny sounding play back on my Mac when trying record from my turn table?

A: I had no problem with tinny sound

Q: 9. will it work with windows 10?

A: Absolutely ... I've been using it on Win10 today on my system.

Q: 10. will this work with a phono level turntable without a preamp?

A: Yes--this IS a preamp. It has RCA jacks IN (left and right stereo) and preamp OUT (also RCA jacks). And USB OUT to your computer. And headphone OUT with a volume control in order to monitor. It is a standard stereo mini jack (3.5mm), not 1/4 inch. The headphone level control does not affect the level of the USB out. You can also select Phone or Line INPUT on the front panel, with a GAIN control. I use it to record from a turntable with magnetic cartridge to my MAC computer, while I monitor the audio from the turntable with a stereo headset. Works like a charm.