Grace Design m801mk2 Mikrofonforsterker
In 1994 we released the Model 801 microphone
preamplifier,¹ which was the first production model for Grace Design. It
set a new standard of sonic quality and reliability for microphone
preamplifiers, providing much better performance than the built-in
circuits in the recording consoles of the day. It featured independent
circuit boards for each channel, gold contact rotary gain controls wired
with precision metal film resistors, a musical sounding transimpedance
(current feedback) gain stage, gold contact sealed relay signal
switching, and there were NO electrolytic capacitors in the signal
path.²
12 years later, we released the next generation of
this preamplifier, renamed the m801,³ which refined the design features
of the previous version, and added a fully differential signal path and
Ribbon Mic mode, which optimized the signal path for low output ribbon
microphones.
Now 20 years later, the next generation is here, now named the m801mk2.
Newly designed amplifier circuitry adds to the features of the previous
versions while significantly improving noise performance at low gains,
increasing low frequency bandwidth for improved phase response,
improving RFI/EMI immunity for today’s ever noisier world,4and
eliminating the external DC power supply for a cleaner, simpler design.5
Today’s modern recording studio is invariably loaded
with incredible sonic processing capability, making the opportunity to
add great sounding color routine. But capturing the magic at the front
end is still the job of skillfully designed analog hardware, for which
there is no substitute. This makes our preamps more relevant than ever.
If your source sounds great and your mic is plugged into the m801mk2,
you’ll be rewarded with a recording of breathtaking depth and realism.
If you choose to color it up from there, you’ll be starting with the
best possible raw material you can get.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE |
@ 20dB gain ± 3dB 150O source |
3.2Hz-530kHz |
@ 20dB gain ± 0.2dB 150O source |
14.8Hz-109kHz |
@ 40dB gain ± 3dB 150O source |
3.2Hz-500kHz |
@ 40dB gain ± 0.2dB 150O source |
15.4Hz-103kHz |
THD+N 22-22kHz |
@ 20dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz |
<.0004% |
@ 40dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz |
<.0008% |
@ 60dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz |
<.0070% |
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION |
@40dB gain +20dBu out |
SMPTE/DIN 1:1 (50Hz, 7kHz) |
<.0015% |
SMPTE/DIN 4:1 (50Hz, 7kHz) |
<.0020% |
NOISE - REFERRED TO INPUT |
@60dB gain 50O source |
-130dB |
@60dB gain 150O source |
-127dB |
@60dB gain 600O source |
-123dB |
PHASE DEVIATION |
100-20KHz @40dB gain |
<3° |
CROSSTALK |
Any Channel @40dB gain 1kHz |
-140dB |
Any Channel @40dB gain 10kHz |
-130dB |
CMRR |
@60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 1KHz |
>85dB |
@60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 10KHz |
>75dB |
PHANTOM POWER |
Voltage +48V |
+0.9/ -0.0 |
6.8kO resistor match tolerance |
+/- 0.1% |
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL |
1kHz, 100KO load |
+28dBu |
IMPEDANCE |
Input |
8100O |
Input, Ribbon Mode |
20KO |
Input, Pad Engaged |
1.3KO |
Output |
150O |
DIMENSIONS |
Weight |
13lbs (5.9kg) |
Height |
2U |
Width |
19” |
Depth |
10” |
POWER CONSUMPTION |
100-240VAC 50/60Hz |
40 Watts max |