Avedis Audio MA5 Class-A Microphone Preamplifier - Vintage British Warmth
This is the black knob version.
Available in 3 versions
- Black face, black knob
- Black face, red knob
- 1073 style blue grey with traditional Neve style knobs
The Avedis Audio MA5 is a 500 Series Class-A microphone preamplifier inspired by early 1970s British consoles, delivering full, open sound with rich harmonics and low-end extension below 10 Hz. Handcrafted in the USA with custom transformers and discrete circuitry, it provides 71.2 dB of gain, low noise (-110 dBu EIN), and high headroom (+32.2 dBu output), ensuring pristine amplification for vocals, drums, and instruments. The 28kHz button adds subtle high-frequency detail lost to cable capacitance, while all units are tested for consistency, making the MA5 a timeless choice for professional studios.
Rich Harmonic Character
The MA5's direct-coupled, single-ended Class-A amplifier and in-house transformers produce smooth mids and highs without dullness, with exceptional low-frequency response for warm, punchy bass. Its 1250 ohm input impedance and bias-variable output suit ribbons, dynamics, and condensers, while the stepped gain switch (5 dB steps) and trim pot allow flexible staging for harmonic enhancement or clean gain.
Flexible Studio Tools
Phantom power is internally filtered for safety, and the 28 kHz shelf (+6 dB peak) revives high-end detail. Output level pot mutes or trims, and LED-lit buttons illuminate the Marconi-style knobs. At 70 mA per rail, it's efficient for 500 Series racks, with CMR >100 dB at 60 Hz for noise-free operation.
Key Features of the Avedis Audio MA5
- Class-A preamp with 71.2 dB gain and low EIN (-110 dBu)
- Custom mic input transformer and all-vintage output transformer
- 28 kHz shelf for high-frequency detail recovery
- Stepped gain switch (5 dB steps) and output trim/mute
- Internally filtered +48V phantom power
- LED-lit push-buttons and Marconi-style knobs
- High headroom (+32.2 dBu) and CMR (>100 dB at 60 Hz)
- Hand-tested and matched for consistency
- 70 mA per rail, VPR compliant
Technical Specifications
- Type: 500 Series Class-A mic preamp
- Frequency Response:
- Input Impedance: ≈1250 ohms
- Output Impedance:
- CMRR: >100 dB min @ 60 Hz
- Max Output Level: +32.2 dBu @ 100 kΩ, +27 dBu @ 600 Ω
- Power Requirements: ±16 VDC @ 70 mA per rail
- Gain: 0 to 71.2 dB
- EIN: -110 dBu (unweighted, 300 kHz bandwidth)
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.25 in (38 x 133 mm)
- Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.13 kg)
