MPA3, a microphone preamp in API 500 module format

Specification:

• API 500 format, single space.
  
• Wide gain range (20-64dB)
• Precise, 12 steps, switched gain control
• ±6dB fine gain control
  
• -20dB Pad
• 48V Phantom Power Switch
• Hi Pass Filter Switch
• Polarity Switch
• Precise PEAK Meter with eight LEDs
  
• Electronically Balanced I/O

While testing it, we did a series of recordings, including drums, male and female vocals, acoustic guitars, saxophone. Here are some of the clips:

• Drums1 (Neumann KM184)
• Drums2 (Neumann KM184)
• Male Vocal (Neumann KM184)
• Acoustic Guitar 1 (Neumann KM184)
• Acoustic Guitar 2 (Neumann KM184)
• Female Vocal 1 (Neumann KM184)
• Female Vocal 2 (Neumann KM184)
• Male Vocal (AKG C414). Voice of Aleksandar Sandorov.

We also did comparative tests with five matched Neumann KM184 microphones, each going to a different mic pre.

Preamps used for tests, were:

- Micpre module 312L in API7600 channel strip
- ATI 8MX2
- Avalon VT737SP
- BoZo MPA3 (API 500 format module)
- Millenia HV-3D
The whole test archive can be downloaded at: all.tar.gz

Resolution magazine 2010 7-8:

 MPA3 Mic Preamp is a member of the API VPR Alliance .