{"product_id":"avedis-audio-ma5","title":"Avedis Audio MA5 500 Series Mic Preamp","description":"\u003ctable style=\"width: 900px; height: 608px;\" border=\"0\" align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"377\" height=\"596\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style4\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style2\"\u003e- Standard 500 series modular size 1.5\" x 5.25\"\u003cbr\u003e- Single-ended Class A amplifier\u003cbr\u003e- UK-made Carnhill\/St Ives input transformer\u003cbr\u003e- Custom-designed Jensen output transformer\u003cbr\u003e- Stepped-gain rotary switch in 5dB steps \u003cbr\u003e- Output level pot for trim and mute\u003cbr\u003e- LED-lit pushbuttons\u003cbr\u003e- 28kHz feature brings out high frequency detail \u003cbr\u003e- Custom-made Marconi-style knobs\u003cbr\u003e- High headroom \u0026amp; CMR, low noise design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style3\"\u003ePrice $775.00 USD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/Avedis%20Images\/lead-free.jpg\" alt=\"lead free\" width=\"89\" height=\"89\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"184\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/Avedis%20Images\/ma5FrontFW.jpg\" alt=\"MA5black\" width=\"158\" height=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"37\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"284\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg id=\"ma5side\" src=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/Avedis%20Images\/ma5side.gif\" alt=\"ma5side\" name=\"ma5side\" width=\"243\" height=\"580\" border=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 894px; height: 235px;\" border=\"0\" align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"888\" height=\"231\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style2\"\u003eThe MA5 was created to fill the need for a high-quality microphone preamplifier with the characteristic sound of early ‘70s British Class-A consoles. The re-engineering in the creation of the MA5 stemmed from years of experience restoring both American and British modules, deeply rooted in classic transformer-balanced, discrete electronics. Only the best and most suitable components are used throughout, regardless of cost, to attain the best sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a year was spent on the MA5- not only on the engineering side of the design, but also in extensive sound evaluation with observation of specific settings, gain structures, and key components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have always believed that our ears' sensitivity coupled with experienced judgment of sound is still unparalleled- even with some of the best audio test analyzers which we own and use. In the end, it is our ears we are trying to satisfy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MA5’s full and open sound is due to a rich harmonic content, particularly in the very low frequencies- even down to, and below, 10Hz. The clear mids and smooth highs come through without sounding dull or smeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMA5 Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 791px;\" border=\"4\" align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"292\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"489\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u0026lt;10Hz to -3dB at 67kHz\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eInput Impedance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e≅1250 ohms\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003e\u0026lt;75 ohms, bias variable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003eCommon Mode Rejection Ratio\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u0026gt;100dB min @ 60Hz\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eMaximum Output Level\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e+32.2 dBu @ 100KΩ, +27 dBu @ 600Ω bias variable\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003ePower Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e±16 vdc @ 75mA per rail\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eGain Voltage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e0 to 33.4 Volts\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eGain dB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e0 to 71.2 dB\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eEquivalent Input Noise\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e-110 dBu; Unweighted 300kHz bandwidth\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e2.7 lbs \/ 1.13kg\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003eThank you Jay Matheson and EQ Magazine for including the MA5 in the 500 Roundup\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/MA5.html\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/Avedis%20Images\/EQ_dec08.jpg\" alt=\"EQmag1208\" width=\"690\" height=\"371\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 1019px;\" border=\"0\" align=\"center\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"1013\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style10\"\u003eFAQ's\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eHow can I run LINE level inputs into it from my PT's or converters?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the MA5's gain is stepped, it makes a very accurate and great-sounding line amplifier to run mixes through. It will add its signature harmonic overtones to the low end. However it is important to optimize the input load and output source impedances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LINE PAD-Z is designed for mic pre's without line inputs, such as the MA5, enabling you to plug a line signal into the mic input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LINE PAD-Z adaptor serves three important purposes: 1) It provides the proper load to your PT or other converters without overloading them. 2) It drops the level -35dB, to the range of a microphone. 3) Its output impedance \"looks\" like a microphone to the MA5 preamp, so source impedances appear normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the use of the LINE PAD-Z on the input of the MA5, unity gain would be at the 35dB position on the gain switch, with the output turned all the way up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIMPORTANT: When coming out of the preamp into the A\/D converter, you must go into the LINE input of your digital converter, not the MIC input which would add gain; otherwise you will have headroom issues and a poor signal-to-noise ratio. Some inputs are both, so you must switch to LINE input or use the TRS part of the combo XLR - read the manual to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LINE PAD-Z works very well and can be used with other high quality, low noise preamps. Not recommended for unbalanced interfaces. DO NOT ENGAGE PHANTOM POWER WHEN USING THIS LINE PAD!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLINE PAD-Z SPECIFICATIONS: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMade with Switchcraft parts\u003cbr\u003eInput impedance = 10K ohms\u003cbr\u003eAttenuation = -36dB\u003cbr\u003eOutput impedance = 150 ohms\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice: $35.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eMay be purchased with the MA5 preamplifier, or separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 400px;\" border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/Avedis%20Images\/LinePad.jpg\" alt=\"Line PAD-Z\" width=\"528\" height=\"110\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eHow much current does it draw?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e75mA per rail, so 150mA total. This is about double compared to the current draw of the E27 since it is a class A amp with a big output transistor. But unlike class AB units, the current draw stays fairly constant, regardless of level or load to the output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style9\"\u003eAPI 1608 info:\u003c\/span\u003e It has come to our attention that the MA5's initial current surge the first second of powering up causes the 1608 power supply to trigger its regulation and turn off. We will work together and hopefully come up with a solution that does not compromise the sound of the MA5, yet meets API's console requirements. Please contact us with any questions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style5\"\u003eADDITIONAL INFO: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is equally important to work out how the power supply in a rack or lunchbox responds to the inrush of current to the modules in it. All power supplies we tested have current limiting regulation, meaning that the power supply rail will shut off if it senses a lot of sudden current draw, which can be triggered just by turning the rack\/lunchbox on when full of modules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eSo, always check to make sure all the lights are lit and everything is working when you first power up. If a rail does not power up, and the power supply had gone into its current limit mode, then turn it off. You will have to find a trim pot on the inside of the power supply which regulates the current limit and turn it up one o'clock at a time and retest each time until the power supply turns on without triggering the limit. Be absolutely sure it's the \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ecurrent\u003c\/span\u003e limit adjustment, and not the \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003evoltage\u003c\/span\u003e adjustment, trim pot you are turning. Get a professional's help to do this, or contact the manufacturer of the rack or lunchbox.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe BAE 11-space Rackmount comes with a large power supply. An example of what the trimpot looks inside is pictured here:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www.avedisaudio.com\/Avedis%20Images\/trimpot.jpg\" alt=\"trimpot\" width=\"208\" height=\"184\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease contact us if you have any questions and we'll help you out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eWhat's the 28kHz pushbutton for?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eThis was an idea borrowed from our E27 equalizer, but this time it's only a 6dB rise and \u003cstrong\u003eshelving\u003c\/strong\u003e rise at 28kHz. We realized it was so useful for bringing back life and realism to many instruments, we had to put it in the MA5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eIt started when we first heard it on live orchestral music recorded by a friend- we could hear the sound stage and its reflections, resulting in a better depth of field. On acoustic guitars, it brought out the upper-end frequency timbre of the instrument. On drums, it sounds particularly nice on the room mic, capturing the natural high-frequency reflections better. Even dynamic microphones can be utilized in certain applications that you wouldn't have used before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eFor vocals, it brought the singer closer without turning up the sibilance frequencies. We thought it might be a good idea to put them on vocals, as many of today's condenser microphones inherently have a bright top end, but not always in the right place for a particular voice. Adding 28kHz would allow you to use a de-esser or equalizer without losing too much of the top end detail, and without using too much additive eq later. This does depends on the characteristics of the microphone, so be careful not to put the 28kHz on everything!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eThere's much more to the applications of the 28kHz feature... just experiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEWLY UPDATED\u003c\/strong\u003e: About the DI....\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eAfter sound evaluations of three different DI circuits using different bass and guitars for this preamp, we found that we liked the Jensen direct box transformer the best - maybe because the sound went through the mic input transformer as well. It was an immediate winner in tests and had the fullness and definition in the low frequencies we liked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eOur best advice would be for you to purchase a high quality DI, like the one made by Jensen Transformers called the ISOMAX DB-2PX. It's actually a great value because it is a 2-CHANNEL unit, and you could also use it in the way the Line Padz works, running a Line level signal throught it as well (-22dbu of level loss so it's going to be a bit louder than the LPZ) You could have it mounted inside your rack and wire it up to your patchbay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eWe sell it for $200 each directly. Call with any questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style6\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style11\"\u003eWhat's the -6dB for on the output pot?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eIt's a fine trim adjustment to get in between the 5 dB steps of the gain switch. It also mutes when turned down all the way, so you can exchange mics and prevent the speaker thump from phantom power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eNo meter?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eA meter would be nice for seeing if there is signal present, but considering how high the headroom is on this preamp (+31dBu into 10kohms, +27dBu into 600 ohms) the meter you should be looking at is the one for your recorder, like an A\/D converter, which will clip at a lower level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eI've seen these with a Red gain knob. Can I get it that way?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eYes, just let your dealer know you want a red knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eI see your MA5 being produced with a red or a black faceplate. What's that all about? Just cosmetical reasons? Or is there any difference between the two?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eThere are no differences between faceplate or knob colors and it is purely cosmetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eThe first group of MA5's had red faceplates due to a few dealer's suggestions. I had always preffered a blackface (with the red highlights on the logo and name) so had them made but never showed it until a client asked if black was available, and it was. It has been the default color now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eThere was also another color made for another dealer, a greyish color with green tint, which was a color matched from some old test equipment we had, but there are not many of these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eWhen installing them in my API rack, they're a little tight due to the two screws at the top and bottom. What to do?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003ePlace the lower part of the MA5 in first with the screws just inside, then just pull on the top slightly to get the top screws in. The lip on the API lunchbox or rack is bent a little too far in on some units, and using countersunk flathead screws on the MA5 means using weaker screws that can strip easily, instead of the stainless steel that used now. The original dimensions of the MA5 is correct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eCan I purchase output transformers from you for a DIY?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eSorry, no. The output transformer is custom-made for us through a research and design collaboration between Avedis Audio and Jensen Transformers, in a proprietary agreement. Furthermore, we remain even more vigilant with regards to the potential of the cheap copiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eSeconds after powering down, it is normal to still hear a loud signal?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eYes, it's the capacitors discharging but keeping the power up for a little while. This is normal for this particular type of Class A amp. It is recommended to mute your monitors or disconnect the preamps from your speakers or headphones when you power down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style11\"\u003eWhy do I hear a buzz\/hum with the MA5 preamp but not with other pre's I also have in the same rack?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eThe rack itself may have a grounding issue, either as a Pin 1 problem, a common (zero) not connected to chassis, safety ground not connected (unsafe and illegal), or some combination including all three.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe noise is really on all the preamps, but it will be more noticeable with the MA5 because the Class A amplifiers run with more gain than most other 500 series preamps, which have less gain from the op-amp but more step-up gain from the input transformer. Any noise that gets into the audio ground will be heard proportional to the gain, (for example, via building ground\/conduit to pin 1).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003eContact us if you're having a problem with the rack; we will need to run tests and document any problems before having it fixed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style5\"\u003eUPDATE\u003c\/span\u003e: Please DO NOT use the MA5 or the E27 with an OSA rack. The problems with regulator inconsistencies causing high ripple noise, miswiring of the rack, and even safety is a risk to our modules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"style1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"style5\"\u003e2\/19\/10\u003c\/span\u003e - Please be careful not to pull on the output pot to remove the MA5 from the rack. This will damage the output pot and create a dead spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Avedis Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54332126626076,"sku":"ma5","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0732\/1983\/4140\/files\/avedis_ma5_mic_pre_module_red-knob_f.jpg?v=1784603061","url":"https:\/\/jrrshop-3235.myshopify.com\/products\/avedis-audio-ma5","provider":"jrrshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}