Sound Value in an All-discrete 500 Series Pre
The Fredenstein Artistic MicPre Plus is a high-performance 500 Series microphone preamp with a 100% discrete signal path using Fredenstein's proprietary OPA2 operational amplifier and an American-made steel-core output transformer. Features include 65dB of gain, a 20dB Pad, switchable polarity, selectable input impedance, and 48V phantom power. The top-panel DI jack accepts both balanced and unbalanced signals and has an input impedance greater than 2m ohms to ensure compatibility with most guitar and bass pickups. The Artistic MicPre Plus delivers big, bold vintage-inspired sound with clarity and detail. Turning the Color knob dials in Fredenstein's innovative variable Color circuit and treating your signal to sweet, tube-like level-dependent harmonic enhancement.
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Big iron and the OPA2 op-amp
The Artistic MicPre Plus employs a US-made steel-core output transformer, which is particularly critical to the sound of the unit, helping to deliver its punchy, vintage-inspired sound with clarity and detail, without sounding dark or midrangy. Also under the hood is Fredenstein's proprietary OPA2 discrete audio operational amplifier. Not a clone of an older design; the OPA2 is new technology with matched, integrated dual input transistors that greatly improve upon the specifications of vintage op-amps. Like vintage units, however, it's a socketed design with industry-standard pin-out that you can swap without tools. The OPA2 (along with the high-quality transformer) is key to this preamp's sonic wizardry. At Sweetwater, we've put the Artistic MicPre Plus to the test, and we like what we're hearing. It's a tremendous value, and a great addition to your 500 Series rack.
Fredenstein Artistic MicPre Plus Features:
- High-performance 500 Series microphone preamp
- 100% discrete signal path
- 65dB of gain handles your low-output dynamic and passive ribbon mics
- US-made steel-core output transformer for big, clear, punchy sound
- Proprietary OPA2 op-amp for vintage tone with state-of-the-art performance
- 20dB Pad, switchable polarity, selectable input impedance, and 48V phantom power
