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Post by bluegrassdan on Aug 21, 2021 6:45:22 GMT -6
Which preamps are you aware of that have switchable input transformers? The Speck Electronics has a switch for transformer/transformerless, but I wonder if there are units with, for example, “iron” vs “nickel” or “vintage” vs “modern.”
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Post by jcoutu1 on Aug 21, 2021 6:55:37 GMT -6
Shadow hills gamma. Warm tonebeast. Slate fox.
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Post by matt@IAA on Aug 21, 2021 7:04:52 GMT -6
I believe all of those examples are output transformers.
I don’t know of any that use different input transformers.
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Post by nobtwiddler on Aug 21, 2021 7:34:42 GMT -6
Coil Audio
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Post by superwack on Aug 21, 2021 9:04:06 GMT -6
The Atlas Pro Juggernaut has switchable input (and output) nickel/iron transformers also the undertone has an input transformer in/out switch so that kind of counts
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Post by Tommy Harron on Aug 21, 2021 11:33:22 GMT -6
Louder Than Liftoff Chroma/Chroma+ have a Neve/API style transformer and circuit switch.
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Post by matt@IAA on Aug 21, 2021 12:14:04 GMT -6
Chroma only has one set of transformers that I see. Just two sets of circuits.
Part of the reason is that the input transformer in a mic pre is probably the single most expensive part. Output is probably second, but is half the price.
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Post by EmRR on Aug 21, 2021 12:26:00 GMT -6
Potentially detrimental to have that be a switching part, takes very little switch/wire distance to measurably impact response. Easily better with a relay network, either way it’s more crap to go funky at the lowest possible signal level, where it will show up the most.
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Post by superwack on Aug 22, 2021 12:15:20 GMT -6
Potentially detrimental to have that be a switching part, takes very little switch/wire distance to measurably impact response. Easily better with a relay network, either way it’s more crap to go funky at the lowest possible signal level, where it will show up the most. The Juggernaut uses a relay network to mute the path, switch the transformer, then unmutes. it’s sold by Atlas Pro Audio but designed/built by Tim Farrant of Buzz Audio and he’s a pretty great designer. I actually had one when they first came out and were only like $1800 for the twin, rackmount version. I think it’s crazy they are almost double that price now. I sold it (for more than I paid) because, as great as it sounds, I kept getting bogged down by the options. With the input/output transformers, a switchable inductor, variable impedance, etc. there are something like 656 different combinations - ain’t nobody got time for that! |
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Post by drbill on Aug 23, 2021 10:01:11 GMT -6
Chroma only has one set of transformers that I see. Just two sets of circuits. Part of the reason is that the input transformer in a mic pre is probably the single most expensive part. Output is probably second, but is half the price. Chroma. API input tx + associated circuitry. Neve input tx + associated circuitry. Silver Bullet is the same except X2 for stereo + other goodness.... |
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Post by matt@IAA on Aug 23, 2021 11:01:11 GMT -6
Gotcha thanks for correcting me. Does it switch the outputs also?
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tkm
New Member
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Post by tkm on Aug 25, 2021 10:54:54 GMT -6
I'm late to this thread because I had to join to post, but I want to affirm that the Slate Fox has input transformers on both the vintage and modern channels as well as output transformers on both. The entire point of the unit is that you can switch between either set of transformers, input and output vintage, or input vintage and output modern, and vice versa. I sold my unit a couple months ago because I've transitioned to radio production, but I loved the sound of vintage input and modern output for most things. Plus, by lowering the input gain and increasing the output gain you can create some very useful transformer saturation in both modes. It is quite versatile, although nothing compares to the Atlas Pro Audio Juggernaut for the multitude of sounds it can produce. Used Fox preamps are quite reasonably priced in my opinion and unless you need greater versatility, it can be your studio workhorse.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2021 9:35:57 GMT -6
Undertone MPDI-4 and the MPEQ-1 both have switchable input and output transformers. (MPEQ-1, it’s a different output jack)
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Post by sopwith on Aug 27, 2021 19:29:35 GMT -6
The Atlas Pro Juggernaut has switchable input (and output) nickel/iron transformers also the undertone has an input transformer in/out switch so that kind of counts
I have a juggernaut and love it - also lets you adjust the impedence along with switching the transformer. Extremely versatile and a great complement to my Heritage 73 and sweet / clean Buzz Elixir.
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Post by thecolourfulway on Aug 29, 2021 1:08:27 GMT -6
I'm late to this thread because I had to join to post, but I want to affirm that the Slate Fox has input transformers on both the vintage and modern channels as well as output transformers on both. The entire point of the unit is that you can switch between either set of transformers, input and output vintage, or input vintage and output modern, and vice versa. I can’t find much on these, but the pictures seem to only have one set of in/out transformers…so I would guess the “modern” option is ICs….no? |
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Post by nnajar on Sept 8, 2021 14:12:23 GMT -6
we have the juggernaut here as well and it's fantastic. Really nice sound with a surprising amount of versatility.
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Post by yewtreemagic on Sept 30, 2021 10:15:52 GMT -6
I know the OP wanted switchable input transformers, but here's a new 500-series P1 preamp from Bad Dogs with swappable Lundahl or Jensen output transformers that may interest someone: www.soundonsound.com/reviews/bad-dogs-p1Martin |
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Post by yewtreemagic on Sept 30, 2021 10:21:55 GMT -6
Actually, here's a novel collection of seven flavoured mic preamps from Tierra Audio that DO offer different input transformers on some models (not switchable, although you could perform quick swap overs): tierra.audio/flavours-preamps/ Salt & Pepper models have no input transformer Vanilla, Chilli, Mint, & Truffle models all contain a Lundhahl transformer. Cocoa model has a Carnhill transformer Martin |
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