From Radial Engineering
- Hand selected 100% discrete electronics
- Hammond broadcast transformer output
- AccuState™ low-noise input circuit
- 3-position Vox control for added air or punch
The Radial PowerPre™ is a high performance microphone preamplifier designed to be used with the Radial Workhorse and other 500 series modular racks. It features 100% discrete components for optimal signal transfer and employs a 'vintage' Hammond broadcast output transformer for warmth and exceptionally smooth tone.
The design begins with a front mounted XLR for instant connectivity plus a recessed 48V phantom power switch for safety. Unlike most mic preamps that require careful gain adjustment to avoid troublesome noise, the PowerPre is equipped with the newly developed AccuState™ input stage that automatically optimizes signal-to-noise at all levels with up to 55dB of gain. This is supported with a full 10 segment LED meter for precise signal monitoring.
To add extra character; a 3-position Vox control lets you set the PowerPre to 'breath' for added high frequency air such as when accentuating a vocal track or adding harmonic content to an acoustic guitar. The 'punch' setting adds body when recording electric guitar or can be used to fatten a voice. When set to linear, the PowerPre delivers a truly natural rendering for orchestral recording that will suit the most demanding purist. This is augmented with a gentle high-pass filter that helps control low end resonance when layering acoustic instruments.
Ultra quiet, low noise and exceptionally warm sounding… the PowerPre makes spectacular audio easy.
The PowerPre has been optimized for sonic character while still delivering exceptional specifications. With 55dB of pure gain, yet measuring less than -122dBu of noise and greater than 97dB of dynamic handling, the PowerPre is more than capable of handling just about any microphone or source. During listening tests, the sound proves to be remarkably smooth yet astonishingly quiet. This is attributed to attention detail with respect to grounding and part placement along with use of the discrete electronics and the Hammond output transformer. The Vox control adds yet another dimension by introducing two carefully sculpted curves that will enhance and flatter most microphones.
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Specifications |
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Microphone Input |
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Circuit type: |
100% discrete, transformer coupled output |
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Microphone Input: |
Accustate input fully variable gain control |
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Current draw: |
130mA (maximum draw) |
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Frequency response: |
20Hz ~ 20KHz +0/-1dB |
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Input Impedance: |
2.2kΩ (1.5kΩ with pad) |
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Mic preamp gain: |
+55dB |
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Maximum gain: |
+70dB when used with Workhorse* |
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Maximum output: |
+22dBu |
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Output impedance: |
75O @ 1kHz |
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Output type: |
Transformer isolated |
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Common mode rejection (CMRR): |
>75dB |
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Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): |
-122dBu @ maximum gain |
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Dynamic range: |
>97dB |
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Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): |
0.03% @ mid gain with +10dBu output |
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Intermodulation distortion (IMD): |
0.012% @ 50dB gain with +10dBu output |
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Instrument Input |
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Omniport input Impedance: |
150kΩ, unbalanced* |
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Instrument preamp gain: |
+55dB, unbalanced* |
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Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): |
-95dBu, unbalanced* |
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Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): |
0.05% @ mid gain with +10dB output |
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Control Panel |
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Meter: |
10 segment peak indicator with hold |
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Pad: |
-15dB |
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Polarity: |
Inverts pins 2 and 3 at XLR input* |
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High-pass filter: |
150Hz cut off, -3dB @ 100Hz |
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Vox Control: |
3 position preset EQ |
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Phantom power: |
48VDC - 10mA (as supplied by 500 frame) |
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XLR configuration: |
AES spec: pin-1 ground, pin-2 (+), pin-3 (-) |
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Ground lift (rear panel): |
Lifts ground on front panel XLR input only |
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Mechanical |
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Weight: |
1.5lbs (0.7Kg) |
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Shipping size: |
9 x 6.5 x 2 (inches) |
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Compliance (API): |
Yes |
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Compliance (WHOS-Doc): |
Yes |
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Warranty: |
3 years, transferable |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
*Refers to use with Radial Workhorse rack and mixer
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
Try Before You Buy: 48-hour audition. Program details →
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