Mäag Audio PREQ4® 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier w/AIR BAND®

The PREQ4 introduces an all-encompassing channel strip that evolves from the PREQ3 module, seamlessly integrating into the standard 500VPR rack. It presents an astonishing 65 dB of exceptionally clean gain, offering a solution for low-output ribbon microphones or scenarios involving quiet sound recordings—crucial for Foley and film applications that necessitate high gain with minimal noise floor interference.

Front Panel Controls and Functionality

The PREQ4’s front panel starts with separate switches for +48-volt phantom power activation and phase reverse (polarity) adjustment. Following suit is a switchable -20 dB attenuator pad, strategically placed in the circuit prior to the input transformer to prevent unwarranted saturation when handling a notably “hot” microphone signal. Adjacent to the pad switch resides the high-pass filter in/out switch. This filter boasts a subtle slope, initiating at 160 Hz and tapering off by -3 dB at 70 Hz. Importantly, each of these switches—48-volt phantom, phase reverse, -20 dB pad, and high-pass filter—features LED indicators to provide immediate status confirmation.

Enhanced Gain Management and Air Band Control

Positioned just above is the gain +20 dB range switch, offering the flexibility to shift the nominal throughput gain range from 25 to 45 dB to a broader 45 to 65 dB range. The subsequent Air Band in/out switch, alongside other switches, incorporates LED status indicators. These LEDs prove invaluable, particularly within dimly lit recording environments, by ensuring precise setup and operational clarity.

Precision Gain and Air Band Gain Control

The gain control is centrally placed, flanked by a green LED signifying signal presence at -20 dBu and a red LED indicating proximity to clipping at +23 dBu. Just above this, the Air Band gain control comes into play, providing up to +12 dB of boost within the versatile VARI Air Band section. A 6-position switch facilitates the selection of the starting frequency for this shelving equalizer, offering options of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 kHz.

Superior Microphone Preamplification

The PREQ4 stands as an impeccable tracking microphone preamplifier, seamlessly delivering an uncolored, pristine sound quality to recordings. Its innovative design permits a choice in extending high frequencies in a transparent and melodious manner, all while maintaining a harmonious sonic profile devoid of harshness. The PREQ4 is a revelation for any audio professional seeking top-notch recording solutions.