Buzz Audio elixir – 500 Series compatible preamp module

Description

Audio path quality

All discrete signal path using our True Class A BE40 amplifiers at the input and BE50 high current line drivers to excite the Lundahl LL1517 output transformer. The topology is quite different to most other mic preamps in that it is balanced from input to output. The instrument input features our BE43 “bootstrapped FET” high impedance interface that really pumps as a bass DI.

Mojo not mud

The Elixir is an ideal compliment to other 500 series preamps that feature a dark or middly sound. The wide frequency response and fast transient response plus color from the output transformer generate a “warm sweet liquid” sound quality that sets it apart from that crowd. These attributes make the Elixir particulary good at recording percussion, drums (you need to hear it on snare), vocals and stringed instruments. When used at high gains and high output levels the sound of the Elixir does not turn “dirty”, unlike preamps with poor slew rate performance thereby generating dynamic distortions.

Specs that matter

As with all our preamps, the Elixir noise floor is as low as we can make it under the laws of physics and there is plenty of gain for low output ribbon and dynamic microphones. The output headroom at +34dBu is outstandingly unique in the 500 series format, and adds a feeling of real effortlessness to the sound quality. The transformer-less mic input presents a “non-reactive” load to the microphone which means you hear exactly what the microphone manufacturer intended, without the unpredictable nature of an input transformer.

Specifications:

• 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; +34dBu into 3k ohm load
• Frequency Response; Mic 10Hz to 300kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB)
• Frequency Response; Instrument 10Hz to 120kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB)
• Slew Rate; 30V/uS @ +20dBu output level
• Harmonic Distortion measured at -20dBu input level, 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
• EIN Mic; -132.5dB A wtg, 150ohm source Z
• Signal to Noise Ratio Mic; -73dB A wtg, input shorted
• 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/20k ohms switchable
• Size; (37Wx132H). Fits 1 space in API 500 series rack format
• Power requirements; 150mA +/- 15-18 volts DC, as supplied by frame power supply
• Specifications are typical of a production unit and are subject to change without notice. 0dBu reference = 0.775 volts RMS

Additional information