NEW!
Studio Blade Electronics pre-announces the MA-10A Microphone Amplifier

The Studio Blade Electronics™ MA-10A is an audiophile grade, vacuum tube based microphone preamplifier that combines high performance and extreme versatility. The MA-10A has a selectable input transformer ratio to accommodate a wide range of microphones, from low impedance dynamic and ribbon microphones to high output condenser mics, instrument DI, and line level inputs. The maximum available gain for low impedance microphones is +75 dB. The output stage also has a selectable ratio transformer to allow driving 600 ohm and lower loads. For use as a line amplifier or leveling amplifier, the gain range is -18dB to +57dB. The signal path of the MA-10A is designed to provide extreme dynamic headroom, and can cleanly pass signal levels over +30 dBu end-to-end without clipping. The simple two stage triode amplifier uses local feedback on each stage to control gain and minimize high order distortion products.

Front panel controls include P48 control and indicator, a Jensen transformer DI input, input and impedance selector, stage 1 gain control in 3dB steps, stage 2 gain control continuously variable, output ratio and impedance selector, meter mode selector (peak/VU), a large signal level meter, and power switch with indicator.

The front panel hinges open for service and inspection. Once the MA-10A is installed in your rack, all service can be done through the front door or from the rear. All voltage regulators and power supplies are located on two field replaceable circuit boards.

The vacuum tubes are available at the rear of the unit, as are XLR connectors for mic/line input, DPA HV mic input, and line output. Line voltage is selectable for 115V or 230V, 50 or 60 HZ.

The MA-10A was demonstrated at the 129th AES conference and show, and is currently undergoing final specification testing. Units will be available for in-studio evaluations after December 2010. Units are expected to be available for shipping around mid-2011. Please contact us through Redwood Coast Music for further information.

What People are Saying

http://bobbyowsinski.blogspot.com/2010/11/aes-2010-report-part-2-mics-and-pres.html
http://mikeriversaudio.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/aes2010.pdf

Specifications (Preliminary, subject to change):

Inputs: XLR mic/line input, DPA HV mic input, front panel 1/4" instrument input

Outputs: One line-level output on rear panel XLR

Input impedance:
     (Mic) selectable 1600, 400, or 100 ohms
     (Line) 6.4K ohms
     (Instrument) ~200K ohms

Max input level:
     (1600 ohm mic) +34 dBu @ 50 Hz, 1% THD
     (400 ohm mic) +28 dBu @ 50 Hz, 1% THD
     (100 ohm mic) +22 dBu @ 50 Hz, 1% THD
     (Line input) +34 dBu @ 50 Hz, 1% THD
     (HV mic) +36 dBu @ 10 Hz, <1% THD
     (Instrument) +20 dBu @ 20 Hz, 1% THD

Gain:
     (1600 ohm mic) -12 dB to +63 dB
     (400 ohm mic) -6 dB to +69 dB
     (100 ohm mic) -0 dB to +75 dB
     (Line input) -18 dB to +57 dB
     (HV mic) -16 dB to +59 dB
     (Instrument) -34 dB to +41 dB

EIN:
     (1600 ohm mic) -120 dBu (10Hz - 22KHz, input shorted)
     (400 ohm mic) -125 dBu
     (100 ohm mic) -130 dBu
     (Line input) -114 dBu
     (HV mic) -120 dBu
     (Instrument) -100 dBu

Output impedance: selectable 600, 150, or 37 ohms

Max output level:
     (600 ohm) +32 dBu
     (150 ohm) +26 dBu
     (37 ohm) +20 dBu

Frequency response: TBD, <10 Hz to >40 KHz, ± 1db in all settings and modes

Distortion: TBD, <1% THD at max rated gain or signal level, <0.1% at typical gain and level, mostly low order harmonic products

Operating voltage: 110-120VAC or 220-240VAC, 50 or 60 Hz

Power consumption: ~32 watts typical, 40 watts maximum

Weight: 14 lbs

Dimensions: 19" wide, 5.2" high (3RU), 9" overall depth (7.75" behind panel, 1.25" in front of panel)