| US$2420 | €2345 | £2000 |
So what makes the QSP-20 preamp sound so good? The audio input feeds directly into our Class A discrete BE41 amplifiers via high end Wima coupling capacitors for the ultimate in clarity and low noise. High current line drivers then excite the Lundahl LL1517 output transformer, which adds a subtle warmth to the sound. The topology is quite different to other mic preamps in that it is balanced throughout. This helps provide the very high headroom specification for an effortless sound and punch. The high impedance inputs feature our BE43 bootstrapped FET amplifiers, perfectly matching your pickups and synths into this gutsy signal path.
If you use dynamic and/or ribbon microphones you know they sometimes need a lot of gain, which many low cost preamps and audio interfaces cannot provide. The QSP-20 4 channel preamp provides up to 70dB of effortless gain for all situations, and the transformer-less input matches all microphone types nicely. Think of the QSP as merely an extension of your microphone - everything sounds real.
Having lots of gain is one thing, but importantly the preamp must also be quiet and the QSP does not disappoint here thanks to our perfected amplifier design. The very wide frequency response (even at high gain) ensures transients and high frequency content are preserved which make the QSP an excellent choice for percussion and acoustic insturments. But it never sounds brittle or sterile - the Lundahl output transformer see's to that! The very high output headroom of +29dBu out performs most low cost preamps and audio interfaces.
Related products | MA-2.2B stereo mic preamp |
GAIN - 41 detented pot that sets gain between +22 to 70dB.
0dB/-20dB - this switch introduces a 20dB pad right at the mic input for high level signals.
0/MUTE/180 - this switch changes the polarity (phase) of the output and in the center postion, it mutes the output.
HI Z/LO Z - selects the input impedance as seen by the microphone which can change the overall tone.
48V - locking toggle switch turns the phantom power on and off.
PK - this red led will light up when the QSP output level reaches +22dBu.
There is also a handy power ON/OFF switch.
I'm pleased to say that my new QSP-20 preamps are happily racked and in
heavy rotation here at our shop! As you know, I bought these to replace my
3 API 3124's and I couldn't be more pleased. It's not that the APIs aren't
a good product of course, but to my ears your design suits me better in
every way. BIG, clear and rich sounding with an incredibly even response
across the full 70db of gain...I swear they capture an extra octave on
both ends of the spectrum when compared to the 3124's. The DI inputs sound
fantastic and the stepped gain pots are a really nice touch too. Can you
tell I'm happy? Congratulations on a really great product!
Woodshop Recording Studio
Min Gain Mic; +22dB (-2dB with pad in)
Max Gain Mic; +70dB
Min Gain Instrument; +12dB (-3dB with pad in)
Max Gain Instrument; +60dB
Maximum Output Level; +29dBu into 3k ohm load
Frequency Response
Mic; 10Hz to 200kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB)
Instrument; 10Hz to 120kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (measured at -20dBu input, gain adjusted for +10dBu output level)
Mic; 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.01% @ 1kHz, 0.005% @ 10kHz
Instrument; 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.015% @ 1kHz, 0.015% @10kHz
Noise
EIN Mic; -131dB A wtg, 150ohm source Z
Signal to Noise Ratio Instrument; -76dB A wtg, input shorted.
CMNR Mic; -78dB @ 100Hz, -100dB @ 1kHz, -100dB @ 10kHz
Input Impedance Mic; 4k ohms/1k2 ohms switchable
Input Impedance Instrument; 1MEG ohms
Power 115V or 230V ac mains, switchable on rear panel, IEC detachable power cable.
The BE41 is a unique Class A discrete audio amplifier designed by Tim Farrant, the owner of Buzz Audio here in New Zealand. The circuit was originally intended for amplifying the very low level output of moving coil pickup cartridges so it features a very low self noise. It exhibits a wide frequency response and very fast slew rate - even at high gains. The powerful output stage has a self adjusting bias arrangement for excellent reliability.
There are two versions of the BE41, one optimized for low level signals (such as microphone inputs) and the other for higher line level signals. The BE41 runs on up to +/-20V power rails, whilst the bigger brother BE40 runs on up to +/-28V rails.
Buzz Audio Ltd
Blenheim
New Zealand
Ph +64(0)3-577-5597
send us an email
