Grace introduced two new products. First off there is the 2009 PAR EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER, the M103 Channel Strip. Second a new high fidelity 500 series microphone preamplifier module, the M501.
Channel strip… it doesn’t roll off the tongue or smack of a high fidelity recording device. Maybe thats why its taken Grace so long to build one. But they got over it. All labels aside, the new m103 is a powerful tracking tool for virtually any recording scenario. It starts with our tried and true m101 transformerless microphone preamplifier circuity. Headroom, detail, clarity, musicality – its all there. Complete with our exclusive ribbon mic mode, a 75Hz HPF and 48V phantom.
The 3 band EQ section is built around single stage parallel tuning architecture, which minimizes circuitry and delivers natural, musical tonal shaping at all frequencies. Controls include a fully parametric mid, with shelving and peak modes on the high and low bands.
The compressor circuit is based on an optical attenuator – the purest, high fidelity gain control mechanism available. It provides gentle limiting to fairly heavy compression, while remaining nuetral and transparent. The perfect way to zip it all up and send it downstream – clean, intact and alive.
Comprehensive I/O options allow the mic pre and EQ/COMP sections to be accessed independently of each other, and the order of the EQ/COMP is switchable. The compressor controls can be linked for stereo applications, and 10 segment gain reduction and output meters make monitoring signal status simple.
So there it is, we’ve done it. The m103 – a channel strip by name, a powerful tool by design. Stay tuned for complete details.
Presenting the m501, our 500 series module version of the venerable m101 mic preamplifier. Now the signature transparency and detail of our circuit designs is available for your 500 series frame.
While the 500 series market has plenty of colored mic preamplifier options, the natural, musical clarity of the m501 makes it a welcome addition to the field. This circuit is for engineers confident with the quality of the source, mic section and placement, and wish to capture it with as little coloration or distortion as possible.
The m501 module is a balanced, transformerles preamplifier, with 48V phantom, a 75Hz HPF and a 1/4” HI-Z instrument input. Also standard is our exclusive ribbon mic mode, which raises the mic input impedance, bypasses the input decoupling capacitors and deactivates 48V phantom to protect delicate ribbon mics from damage.
Large diaphragm, vintage ribbon or trusty dynamic – the m501 brings out the very best in any microphone and takes the guesswork out of your input chain.