A-Designs MP-2A

MPN #MP-2A

$3895.00

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4.7/5 (3 reviews) Write a review

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Stereo tube microphone preamplifier and D.I. with all discrete circuitry, point-to-point wiring, as well as input and output transformers

There aren't many preamps that engineers and producers feel could be the only one they would use to make an entire record; but, according to industry professionals, the all-tube MP-2A stereo preamplifier fits that bill. Designed to provide the versatility and sonic flexibility sought after by discerning professionals around the world, the MP-2A "works and plays well with others" - meaning that while some preamps can be finicky when it comes to certain mics, the MP-2A performs spectacularly no matter what kind of mic you run through it: ribbon, dynamic, or condenser....old school, middle of the road, or state of the art - MP-2A welcomes them all...but it doesn't stop there! MP-2A is also an excellent instrument pre/DI, adding life and depth to basses, guitars, analog and digital keyboards.

Built to audiophile-quality standards with a price tag well below other boutique preamps in or near its class, the MP-2A has no integrated circuits in the signal path - it relies solely on discrete components: the perfect combination of tubes (EF86 for the inputs, 6N1-P on the outputs), Audience capacitors, and custom Cinemag Output transformers, and is meticulously hand crafted with point to point wiring. Each channel sports a -20dB pad, a pair of Tone switches providing four distinctive possible sonic signatures on each channel, and up to 60dB gain for use with even the most power-hungry ribbon mics. Cinemag input transformers coupled with custom-wound output transformers ensure the low noise top-quality performance expected from a top shelf preamp. Additional features include balanced Neutrik XLR inputs, true VU metering, 48v phantom power, polarity switches, and front-panel Hi-Z input jacks.

Many preamps tend to have only one narrow range, or "sweet spot". Move past it...and the magic is gone. The problem with a small sweet spot is that you can't always run the preamp there, since the strength of the input signal can vary dramatically from sound source to sound source. Not so with the MP-2A - its fixed-gain amplifier/output attenuator combo performs with a very high degree of consistency, delivering "the magic" across a much greater range of input signals. Polarity switches allow recording a stereo sound source out of phase in order to enhance stereo imaging, or taming undesirable bass via cancellation. Factor in the unique tone switches that deliver a sonic palette of four unique flavors on each channel (what other preamp offers that), and you can easily see what we mean when we say you could make an entire record with just this one incredibly versatile device.

Whether you're looking for clarity and transparency, or the rich, euphonic sound of input tubes, the MP-2A delivers all that in spades, and more!

Features

All True Tube Design

Dual EF86 Input Tubes

Dual 6N1P Output Tubes

Dual Cinemag Input Transformers

Dual Custom Wound Output Transformers

Dual VU Meters

Dual Level Controls

Dual -20dB Pad Switch

Dual Polarity Switch

Dual Phase Switches

Two pairs of Selectable Tone Switches

Custom Milled Face Plate

Solid Vented Metal Frame

2U Rack size

Toroid Power Transformer

Dual XLR Input Connectors

Dual XLR Output Connectors

Dual 1/4 Inch Direct Injects

High Gain (60 dB)

Specifications

Input Impedance: 1.4k Ohm
Gain Range: 60 dB
Noise (EIN): -128 dB
Mic Phantom Power: 48 Volt, Switchable
Mic Input Phase: 0-180 Ohm Switchable
Instrument Jack Input: dual XLR rear plus dual 1/4" front
Input Impedance: Min > 100k Ohm
Balanced Output: dual XLR
Output Impedance: 600 Ohms Switchable to 10k
Maximum Level: +22 dBu
Output: Low-Z, transformer-balanced
Frequency Response: 28 Hz - 60k Hz
Distortion (THD): > .08 @ 1 Khz
Power Requirements: 100/120/230 VAC - 42 Watts
Dimensions (W x H x D): 19" x 3.5" x 10", 482 x 89 x 254 mm
Weight: 18 lbs. (6.8 kg)
Shipping Weight: 20 lbs (7.7 kg)

Reviews

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4.5

Jean Roy

Sept-Iles

September 26, 2018

New preamp surpass lots of plugins

Its been a week since I've received my new preamp.
I tested and used a tons of different emulation plugins with sometimes fair results and sometimes big disappointments.
This one is subtile yet really brings my recording to a new level. I use it daily on voices, strings instruments, sampled instruments, synth etc. Read more

5.0

Trevor Burt

Mississauga, Ontario

August 2, 2018

New Preamp = Sonic Bliss

Warmth, clarity, and depth are delivered with unequalled transparency by my new A-Designs MP-2A. My recordings have been elevated to a whole new level by this preamp. It has already exceeded my most optimistic expectations.

4.5

Yvon Dachille

Saguenay

March 26, 2015

Quel préampli!

J'étais déjà un fervent des préamp à lampes mais là j'ai trouvé la perle. Il me suit partout maintenant, guitare, voix, captation de quatuor à cordes.

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