Cartec Audio PRE-Q5 | Preamps @ ZenProAudio.com

Cartec Audio Pre-Q5
Preamp Equalizer for 500 Series, FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

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Real Price............... $995.00

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Purple Audio Sweet Ten 500 Rack

Radial Workhorse

Cartec Audio Pre-Q5 Preamp Equalizer for 500 Description

The CARTEC PRE-Q5 is a high quality transformer based microphone preamp for the API 500 series format that incorporates a passive inductor equalizer, and a balanced output attenuator. The fully balanced stepped output attenuator (constant impedance T-pad) allows saturation of the output transformer while controlling the output level (allowing you to really drive the PRE-Q5 without clipping the next item in your signal chain). The Line level switch allows all of the features of be used both during tracking and mixing. you could send pre-recorded sounds to the EQ section or use the a combination of the EQ and transformer saturation to enhance synths or any existing sounds.

In between the two gain stages is a filter section identical to that in our EQP-1A, which comes with a treble boost and bass boost that can be bypassed separately, to either add low end, brighten the signal, or both. The high frequency boost is selectable for 8, 12 or 16 khz by a toggle switch. The low frequency boost is selectable from 30, 60 or 100hZ by a 3 way toggle switch as well.

Cartec Audio Pre-Q5 Features

15 to 72 dB stepped gain (-25 low gain range selector)
Mic or line level input, and switched bridged-T output attentuator
Custom wound inductor and input/output transformers
Pultec type low frequency boost @ 100 hz
Inductor high frequency boost @ 7, 10 or 16 Khz
Twin gain stage design, including the passive Pultec filter circuit
VU metering, relay switching, two discrete op-amps

Cartec Audio Pre-Q5 Equalizer Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page

If you ever wished for a present and detailed preamp married to a Pultec style equalizer, and then pushed the boundaries of your wish for it to all fit and work well in the 500 API form...the Pre-Q5 would be that wish come true. You can either use as a line level input or microphone preamp with up to +72dB of gain. There is a 2 band boost only Pultec style EQ that can be bypassed or selected, either band. The high boost selection is 8k, 12k or 16k, the low boost selection is 30, 60 or 100hZ, each band can bring up to +10dB of variable gain. There is an output attenuator pad, switchable from -5 down to -30, to allow you to drive things hard in the amplifier section for some more character. Phantom power, phase reverse, pad (for line level) and EQ are all independently switched.

We found the preamp to be bright, not annoying or harsh, but quite present compared to most any model on the market. This can of course help individual tracks stand out more in a mix, which is generally a good thing. The tone is punchy and full with a cleanish character that delivers top to bottom. On things like drums, guitars and vocals it's a very nice reach for presence. Having an onboard Pultec style EQ (that yes, delivers that vibe too) is an incredible feature that would always net you more just adding a small amount vs sitting around switching between different preamps all day. That bottom end has that big, round delivery that is extra wide, and the top end brings a smooth presence that even just a touch of can bring a lot to your game. We liked being able to turn down the output to prevent overloading the next piece in the chain, a huge plus in a preamp.

Conclusion: So you're telling me for this price I can have a UK built preamp / Pultec EQ in one little slot and it sounds great? Sign us all up please! Stellar sound and ease of use bring this dark green beast into a category of its own, once again Cartec delivers more in one rack space than most any we've seen.

Reviews:

(2 Ratings, 1 Review)

Average Rating:

A great preamp...plus the EQ is amazing!

Joe Hancock (Tulsa, OK) 1/23/2012 12:35 PM

Warren always gives me good advice, but I generally have already decided what I want before I call ZenPro. Warren will always discuss with me any options or alternatives but, we usually see eye to eye. He knows my gear. I was looking for a certain brand of 500 pre. (black face, 3 initials) I already have one and wanted a pair…Warren says” Man, you need to try one of these pre-Q 5’s. I’m tellin’ ya these things are A LIST>>” The rest is history. This is a GREAT preamp…all the way through the process to the final mix, still holding its space and detail. The EQ section is amazing! If you have ever had the opportunity to use an original pultec you will recognize this is an authentic circuit!! The bottom line is, I will have a pair of the Cartec Pre-Q5’s before I complete my pair of “blackies”. This is a $900 pre-amp AND a $900 eq for $899.. Thanks Warren, I’m first on my block to have Cartec in my rack!!