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Sound Pure's Take

When we first decided to be a dealer for Maag, I was particularly interested in their preamp. They’re most well known for their EQ’s (the EQ2 and EQ4), which are both fantastic so I assumed this level of quality would be found in the preamp as well. We brought in a pair of the PreQ4’s to live in our studio, but before hearing them for myself, I had no clue what to expect. I’d read that it’s a very clean preamp, and it has a high frequency shelving EQ that can lift the top in nice ways, but sometimes “clean” can have just as many different definitions as “colored” does. 

Now that I’ve used these preamps in a variety of different settings, I’ve really grown fond of them. It’s a clean preamp, but with just a tiny bit more weight and excitement to it than a fully transformerless design like the Grace or Millennia. You still maintain a huge wealth of harmonic detail, but without losing the musicality of the instrument or voice. The High-frequency shelf (aka Air Band) is quite handy and can be beautifully subtle, but the real take home here is the sound of the preamp itself. Check out our videos about the preq4 to hear for yourself.

If you want a clean preamp, but fear the sterility that may come with absolute transparency, get a PreQ4 and don’t look back.

Watch & listen

Maag PreQ4-500 Mic Preamp Demo

Also in this recording Apogee Digital Symphony I/O MkI 16x16 Analog Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon

The Maag PreQ4-500 is a single channel 500 series mic pre featuring the legendary AIR BAND. The AIR BAND is a variable frequency shelf boost ranging from 2.5 to 40kHz with an incredibly gentle curve, resulting in increas... Read more

The Maag PreQ4-500 is a single channel 500 series mic pre featuring the legendary AIR BAND. The AIR BAND is a variable frequency shelf boost ranging from 2.5 to 40kHz with an incredibly gentle curve, resulting in increased signal "openness." The Maag PreQ4 is an excellent mic pre for nearly every recording application. It provides transparency and top end presence that is second to none while maintaining the clear, detailed and full bodied sound behind the mic. This fantastic preamp is available for SoundPure's exclusive Try Before You Buy program, so you can see how the Maag PreQ4 sounds in your studio with your gear. If you like what you hear, check out the gear used to make this video at SoundPure.com, or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Maag Audio PreQ4

Santa Cruz Beeswing Mahogany/Adirondack H13 Acoustic Guitar

Also in this recording Peluso P84 Solid State SDC Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Santa Cruz Beeswing H13 Acoustic Guitar was built to achieve power beyond what could be expected from a small-bodied guitar. Its a perfect guitar for aggressive finger style blues and vocal accompaniment. If you like... Read more

The Santa Cruz Beeswing H13 Acoustic Guitar was built to achieve power beyond what could be expected from a small-bodied guitar. Its a perfect guitar for aggressive finger style blues and vocal accompaniment. If you like what you hear check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Dream 50 Plexi: 3rd Power Amplification Mk II Launch

Also in this recording 3rd Power Amplification Dream 50 Plexi Guitar Amp - Black 3rd Power Amplification Dream Series 2x12 Cabinet V30/Gold Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The DREAM 50 PLEXI's dual 12AX7 preamp and tone stack circuitry featuring Volume, Treble, Middle and Bass controls faithfully deliver an authentic plexi experience that leans toward a late '68 plexi with an excellent bal... Read more

The DREAM 50 PLEXI's dual 12AX7 preamp and tone stack circuitry featuring Volume, Treble, Middle and Bass controls faithfully deliver an authentic plexi experience that leans toward a late '68 plexi with an excellent balance of tone, attitude and grit. In this video, CEO and Designer for 3rd Power Amplification, Jamie Scott, introduces the world to his mark 2 series amplifiers. This amp is available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy Program, so if you want to hear how this amazing amp sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email to Amps@SoundPure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

3rd Power Amplification Mk II Launch: British Dream

Also in this recording 3rd Power Amplification British Dream MKII Head - Black 3rd Power Amplification Dream Series 2x12 Cabinet V30/Gold Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

3rd Power's BRITISH DREAM amplifier represents what a modern interpretation of a vintage amplifier should be. It possesses the soul and fire of these legendary vintage amplifiers but now with modern features and a rejuve... Read more

3rd Power's BRITISH DREAM amplifier represents what a modern interpretation of a vintage amplifier should be. It possesses the soul and fire of these legendary vintage amplifiers but now with modern features and a rejuvenated design. You'll be amazed by BRITISH DREAMS's crisp performance with superior precision, consistency and beauty. In this video, CEO and Designer for 3rd Power Amplification, Jamie Scott, introduces the world to his mark 2 series amplifiers. This amp is available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy Program, so if you want to hear how this amazing amp sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email to Amps@SoundPure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

3rd Power Amplification Mk II Launch: Dream Weaver

Also in this recording 3rd Power Amplification Dream Weaver MKII Head - Black 3rd Power Amplification Dream Series 2x12 Cabinet V30/Gold Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Dream Weaver MKII features '59 Tweed and '63 Blackface based amp voices on channel one and a rich, organic Plexi experience on channel two. It possesses the soul and fire of these legendary vintage amplifiers but now... Read more

The Dream Weaver MKII features '59 Tweed and '63 Blackface based amp voices on channel one and a rich, organic Plexi experience on channel two. It possesses the soul and fire of these legendary vintage amplifiers but now with modern features and a refreshing design. You'll be amazed by DREAM WEAVER's crisp performance with outstanding precision, beauty and rugged construction. In this video, CEO and Designer for 3rd Power Amplification, Jamie Scott, introduces the world to his mark 2 series amplifiers. This amp is available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy Program, so if you want to hear how this amazing amp sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email to Amps@SoundPure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

3rd Power Amplification Mk II Launch: Dream 40 AC

Also in this recording 3rd Power Amplification Dream 40 AC Head 3rd Power Amplification Dream Series 2x12 Cabinet V30/Gold Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

3rd Power's DREAM 40 AC amplifier takes the comprehensive AC channel of our British Dream MKII and packs it all into a smart, streamlined package. You'll be amazed by DREAM 40 AC's crisp performance with superior precisi... Read more

3rd Power's DREAM 40 AC amplifier takes the comprehensive AC channel of our British Dream MKII and packs it all into a smart, streamlined package. You'll be amazed by DREAM 40 AC's crisp performance with superior precision, consistency and beauty. In this video, CEO and Designer for 3rd Power Amplification, Jamie Scott, introduces the world to his mark 2 series amplifiers. This amp is available for SoundPure’s Try-Before-You-Buy Program, so if you want to hear how this amazing amp sounds in your studio with your gear, shoot us an email to Amps@SoundPure.com. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

McPherson 4.5 Camrielle Zircote / Redwood Acoustic Guitar Demo

Also in this recording McPherson 4.5 Camrielle Zircote / Redwood Acoustic Guitar Miktek C5MP Small Diaphragm Condenser Matched Pair Apogee Digital Symphony I/O MkI 16x16 Analog

In this video, SoundPure Acoustic Guitar Expert, Robinson Earle, demos this fantastic Zircote/Redwood acoustic guitar from McPherson. What sets McPherson guitars apart from the rest is their rich full tone and clarity. I... Read more

In this video, SoundPure Acoustic Guitar Expert, Robinson Earle, demos this fantastic Zircote/Redwood acoustic guitar from McPherson. What sets McPherson guitars apart from the rest is their rich full tone and clarity. If you like what you hear, check out this guitar at SoundPure.com, or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Goodall Traditional Rosewood/Adirondack OM Acoustic Guitar Demo

Also in this recording Goodall Traditional Rosewood/Adirondack OM Acoustic Guitar Miktek C5MP Small Diaphragm Condenser Matched Pair Apogee Digital Symphony I/O MkI 16x16 Analog

In this video, SoundPure Acoustic Guitar Expert, Robinson Earle, demonstrates the lush overtones and never-ending sustain of this Traditional Rosewood OM guitar from Goodall. Its tone is extremely powerful in the bass an... Read more

In this video, SoundPure Acoustic Guitar Expert, Robinson Earle, demonstrates the lush overtones and never-ending sustain of this Traditional Rosewood OM guitar from Goodall. Its tone is extremely powerful in the bass and midrange with an emphasis on a broad warmth without lacking treble. This guitar is a wet dream for any bluegrass players, finger-style players, or flat pickers. If you like what you hear, check this guitar out at SoundPure.com, or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Suhr Badger 35 Head Demo

Also in this recording Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Apogee Digital Symphony I/O MkI 16x16 Analog Module

SoundPure Electric Guitar Expert, Matt Anthony, demos this super powerful amp head from Suhr. The Suhr Badger 35 is an innovative mid-wattage amp designed to deliver classic tones at any volume. With it's quad el-84 powe... Read more

SoundPure Electric Guitar Expert, Matt Anthony, demos this super powerful amp head from Suhr. The Suhr Badger 35 is an innovative mid-wattage amp designed to deliver classic tones at any volume. With it's quad el-84 power section the badger 35 summons a wide range of british tones. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com, or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Silver Sparkle Semi-Hollow Guitar Demo

Also in this recording Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Dr. Z Z-Wreck 30 Watt Amp Head - Black Dr. Z 1X12 Speaker Cabinet - Black Apogee Digital Symphony I/O MkI 16x16 Analog Module

SoundPure Electric Guitar Expert, Matt Anthony, shows us just how awesome this Duesenberg Starplayer semi-hollow guitar can sound. This deluxe guitar is played by many of the top players in the world and features a great... Read more

SoundPure Electric Guitar Expert, Matt Anthony, shows us just how awesome this Duesenberg Starplayer semi-hollow guitar can sound. This deluxe guitar is played by many of the top players in the world and features a greatly improved 60s style tremolo and a floating bridge with steel saddles. The tone is clear and warm and the three pickup positions vary enough to play any style. If you like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com, or give us a call anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!  

Suhr Standard Arch Top Bengal Burst Electric Guitar 18596

Also in this recording Dr. Z Z-Wreck 30 Watt Amp Head - Black Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone

  SoundPure Electric Guitar Expert, Matt Anthony, demos this beautiful Standard Arch Top electric guitar from Suhr Guitars. From the moment you pick it up, the Suhr Standard comes alive in your hands as it takes this po... Read more

  SoundPure Electric Guitar Expert, Matt Anthony, demos this beautiful Standard Arch Top electric guitar from Suhr Guitars. From the moment you pick it up, the Suhr Standard comes alive in your hands as it takes this popular shape to new levels of refinement and versatility. The Standard is capable of producing a wide range of tones from vintage chime to modern crunch. Designed for players wanting traditional classic sounds with added versatility, the Standard can be equipped for nearly any occasion. Like what you hear, check out this gear at SoundPure.com, or call us anytime at 919.682.5552. Thanks for watching!

Recorded with this gear

3rd Power British Dream Rock Riffs

Also in this recording 3rd Power Amplification British Dream MKII Head - Black Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter 3rd Power Amplification Dream Series 2x12 Cabinet V30/Gold Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon

3rd Power CE Jamie Scott demonstrates the versatility of the British Dream's ability to overdrive based upon input volume, and plays some killer classic rock guitar riffs.

From Maag Audio

Following its PreQ3 predecessor, the PREQ4 provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence while maintaining the true natural sound behind the microphone.

Presented in the flagship lunchbox® portable format, the PREQ4® offers the legendary AIR BAND®, 65dB adjustable gain, phase reverse capability, 70Hz high pass filter, +48V phantom power, and -20dB PAD. The Maag Audio PREQ4® is an official member of the VPR Alliance.

Max Gain 65 dB
Frequency Response -3 dB points, 10Hz & 75kHz
Nominal Input Impedance XLR) Mic, 150 Ohms, balanced
Nominal Output Impedance (XLR) 50 Ohms, actively balanced
Equivalent Input Noise -128 dBu (-96 dBu Actual Metered Noise)
Headroom +27 dBu
Maximum Phase Shift 25°
THD + Noise < 0.007%
*Specifications subject to change without notice. **Recommend turning the GAIN fully counter-clockwise before engaging.

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

Not eligible for Try Before You Buy or the 48-hour approval period. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.