MAAG AUDIO / PREQ2500

MAAG AUDIO/PREQ2-500 is a 1ch mic preamp from the API500 series.

■Mic preamp, 1ch, API500 compatible

■Microphone Preamplifier with Air Band
Single-channel API500 series format mic preamp with the same input transformer and circuit topology as the higher-end model PREQ2.
Equipped with a 1/4 jack and through terminal for instruments on the front panel

The PREQ2-500 is a single-channel API500 series format microphone preamplifier with the same circuit topology and sound as maag audio's higher-end model PREQ2.
The input stage is equipped with the same MAAG audio nickel core input transformer as the PREQ2, with a total class A gain of 71dB.
The front panel features a 1MΩ 1/4-inch instrument input jack that automatically routes the input when connected and automatically disconnects when phantom power is on.
The front panel also features a through output jack that provides an unbalanced replica of the boosted signal, allowing you to connect a line-level signal to a guitar amp or effects pedal without sacrificing sound quality. Unique uses include reamping and external processing of signals input from low impedance microphone level inputs or instrument 1/4 jacks.

The PREQ2-500 features -128dBu equivalent input noise (EIN) level, +25dBU headroom, and MAAG audio's signature AIR BAND EQ with selectable frequencies of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 kHz and up to 9dB of boost.

Microphone gain can be changed continuously using a single large control knob, and a +25dB boost button allows you to change between two ranges: +20dB to +42dB / +42dB to +71dB. This high mic gain is noise-free and perfect for very quiet sources such as Foley/sound effects or old vintage mics with low output.

The compact front panel also includes a +48V phantom power switch, -20dB pad switch, 70Hz/12dB/Oct high-pass filter, phase inversion switch, and AIR BAND EQ on/off switch.

Product specifications
Max Gain 71dB
Noise level at the lowest gain setting is -100dB. EIN is -128dB
The microphone transformer feeds a differential set of front-end Class A discrete transistors paired with a FET input operational amplifier
High and low gain push button switch. Low range: +20dB to +42dB. High range (gain +25 switch with green LED): +42dB to +71dB. Switchable -20dB pad
+48-volt phantom power, switchable, with red LED. Phase reversal switch: switches the phase of the balanced output
Green signal present LED, red peak LED lights at +25dBu