John Hardy M-1 Microphone Preamplifier, 3 Channel  From John Hardy

The M-1 Mic Preamp is among the finest mic preamps in the world. It provides the accuracy and transparency that is missing in other mic preamps. No matter what your application, the M-1 will provide superior sound quality. The world's best input transformer (Jensen JT-16-B), best op-amp (990 discrete op-amp) and the elimination of all capacitors from the signal path combine to provide the highest performance.

The M-1 has a 19" wide mainframe rack-mount chassis (1.75"H x 19"W x 8"D) and can be ordered with 1 to 4 channels. There are two meter options and the best Jensen output transformer (JT-11-BMQ) is also available as an option. Additional channels and options can be easily added later up to the total capacity of the mainframe.

The M-1 was introduced in 1987 and while sonically identical to the M-2 there are a few control differences. The M-1 has a two-section gain-pot providing continuously variable adjustment in two overlapping ranges that are selected by the "HIGH GAIN" switch. (The M-2 has a 16 position gain-switch with 1% metal-film resistors providing accurate and repeatable gain settings. Since the "HIGH GAIN" switch isn't necessary, the M-2 is available with either a "20 OHM MIC" switch OR a "20dB PAD" switch).

Highlights:

* JT-16-B Input Transformer. Jensen's best mic input model.

* 990 Discrete Op-Amp. Faster, quieter, more powerful and better sounding than typical monolithic op-amps.

* Elimination Of All Coupling Capacitors From The Signal Path. Results in less degradation of the audio signal.

Standard Features:

* Dual Range Gain Control And 'High Gain' Switch. Provides great feel and resolution for easy and accurate adjustments.

* Polarity Reverse Switch.

* Phantom Power Switch.

* All Front Panel Switches Are LED Illuminated.

* Gold Plated XLR Connectors for maximum reliability.

* Ground Lift Switch On Each Channel. Helpful for eliminating ground loops.

* Toroidal Power Transformer With Additional Shielding. Eliminates hum problems so no external power supply is needed.

* Universal Power Supply. Internal switch provides six primary voltage choices to accommodate use anywhere in the world.

* Chassis Ground Isolation Switch. Helpful for eliminating ground loops.

* Built To Order, the way YOU want It. Various options can be easily field installed at a later date.

Options:

* VU-1 meter. Very accurate and informative 20 segment LED meter card with separate peak LED for monitoring preamp output.

* PK-1 Peak LED metering only (not required if VU-1 is installed).

* JT-11-BMQ Output Transformer. Jensen's best line output transformer.

* Pin 2 Or Pin 3 High. Can be ordered either way and internal jumpers make changes in the field easy.