Grace Design m801 Mk2 High Fidelity Microphone Preamplifier
In 1994 we released the Model 801 microphone preamplifier, 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.12 years later, we released the next generation of this preamplifier, renamed the m801, 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, and eliminating the external DC power supply for a cleaner, simpler design.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.
SpecificationsFrequency 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-103kHzTHD+N 22-22KHZ@ 20dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz @ 40dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz @ 60dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz INTERMODULATION DISTORTION@40dB gain +20dBu out SMPTE/DIN 1:1 (50Hz, 7kHz) SMPTE/DIN 4:1 (50Hz, 7kHz) NOISE – REFERRED TO INPUT@60dB gain 50O source -130dB@60dB gain 150O source -127dB@60dB gain 600O source -123dBPHASE DEVIATION100-20KHz @40dB gain CROSSTALK ANY CHANNELAny Channel @40dB gain 1kHz -140dBAny Channel @40dB gain 10kHz -130dBCMRR@60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 1KHz >85dB@60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 10KHz >75dBPHANTOM POWERVoltage +48V +0.9/ -0.06.8kO resistor match tolerance +/- 0.1%MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL1kHz, 100KO load +28dBuIMPEDENCEInput 8100OInput, Ribbon Mode 20kOInput, Pad Engaged 1.3KOOutput 150KODIMENSIONSWeight 13lbs (5.9kg)Height 2UWidth 19?Depth 10?POWER CONSUMPTION100-240VAC 50/60Hz 40 Watts max
