Warm Audio Sound Techniques JUDE-MP Microphone Preamp

Some studio sounds become legendary because of the records made with them, and few circuits carry a history quite like the preamps from the original Sound Techniques consoles at London's Trident Studios. The Sound Techniques JUDE-MP microphone preamp brings that celebrated British console character into a modern single-channel format through an official collaboration between Sound Techniques and Warm Audio. Designed from Geoff Frost's original circuitry, JUDE-MP recreates the signal path behind recordings from The Beatles and Paul McCartney to David Bowie, Elton John and Queen, combining authentic Class-A amplification, custom transformers and distinctive impedance control to deliver the depth, punch and musical character of a genuine recording-era original.

Original A-Range Circuitry Preserves the Historic Sound

Rather than approximating the character of the original consoles, JUDE-MP uses the exact Sound Techniques A-Range preamp circuit, preserving the complete topology of Geoff Frost's original design. Its dual-discrete 3035 Class-A amplifier works alongside custom-wound CineMag input and high-purity nickel output transformers for authentic response and harmonic character. With 65–76dB of gain depending on impedance setting, a 10Hz–25kHz frequency response and exceptionally low noise, JUDE-MP provides the flexibility to capture everything from delicate acoustic sources to powerful vocals with genuine analog console character.

Z-Match Unlocks Nine Shades of Microphone Character

The nine-position Z-Match control recreates the proprietary impedance-matching system developed for the original Sound Techniques consoles, changing the electrical relationship between the microphone and preamp to unlock different tonal responses. Three selectable input impedances—60 ohms, 200 ohms and 1.5 kohms—interact with the gain structure to provide nine tonal variations that respond differently depending on the microphone connected. This makes Z-Match particularly powerful with vintage dynamics, ribbons and modern condensers, allowing engineers to explore different combinations of gain, response and coloration before reaching for EQ.

Console-Grade Construction Built for Modern Studios

Every detail of the JUDE-MP is specified to preserve the integrity of the original Sound Techniques design, including hand-wired construction, Wima and Nichicon audio-grade capacitors, carbon resistors and custom CineMag transformers. 48V phantom power, polarity reverse and line-level switching expand its usefulness beyond microphone recording, while XLR and 1/4" connections provide straightforward integration with professional studio equipment. An aluminum faceplate, rugged steel chassis and VU metering complete a single-channel preamp built to console-grade standards, with each unit hand-tested and inspected in Austin, Texas and backed by a five-year warranty.