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500-Red Microphone Preamplifier
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Contact our experts for a recommendation of great alternatives. Call us at 800-449-9128.
Pronounced mids and great musicality, perfect for acoustic instruments.
Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy sound
In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights.
The sound of the EM-Red
The A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Red comes with a 50/50 output transformer. A Designs Audio added a little kick to this one by changing the input transformer as well. The result is more "up front mids"! You'll find this very useful when recording acoustic guitar with a condenser microphone. You can also use the EM-Red for recording toms, both rack and floor. As with all the A Designs Audio modules, the EM-Red is VPR Alliance compliant, and features a 48V phantom power switch, DI input, and phase reversal switch.
Solid build quality and functionality
The A-Designs EM-Red features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of all, the EM-Red is another stellar example of the A Designs Audio mission: pro audio made affordable, and quality without compromise.
Requires the A Designs R52 (product # 180038) dual slot external power supply (See accessory box below). The EM-Red is VPR Alliance compliant
Features
- -20dB Pad
- Phase reverse switch
- 48V phantom power with red LED indicator
- Hi-Z instrument DI (1/4")
- Cast aluminum knob
- thumb screws (for easy install and un-install)
- Solid construction
- Custom-wound transformers (input and output)
- Original design (no clones!)
- Free Standard Ground shipping (48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded).
- Orders placed before 3 p.m. ET usually ship the same business day.
Every guitar or bass you purchase from Musician's Friend (electric or acoustic, New or Open Box) includes two years of protection from manufacturer defects.
Our Gear Advisers are available to guide you through your entire shopping experience. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear the latest deals.