Aphex 107 Tubessence Thermionic Tube Microphone Preamp (2 Channels)

Talk about an incredible Mic Preamp! The Aphex 107 has it all. Two discrete preamps, each with individual controls, switchable 48 V phantom power, and front panel XLR jacks! Not only do you get an easy to use, single rack space preamp, but you also get clean, outstanding sonic power and clean performance! Use it in place of your console's preamps, or use it to record straight to your digital audio gear! Now you can afford to keep your audio hot, all the way to the bank!

Aphex Systems has worked diligently to bring you the best in audio signal processing. Even if the signal processing is of the highest quality, audio can be only as good as the weakest link in the chain...from the microphone to master. Typically, one of the weakest links in an audio chain is the very first gain stage in the signal path: the microphone preamplifier.

The Aphex Model 107 Dual Channel Thermionic (Tube) Microphone Preamplifier combines the best attributes of both tube and solid-state circuitry to provide performance unmatched by conventional designs. The solid-state front end is transformerless and only expensive, great sounding capacitors are used in the signal path. The tube circuit is a revolutionary new invention (patents pending) that imparts the sonic characteristics of tubes without the extremely high voltages, heat, fragility, and short life span of conventional tube circuitry. Aphex calls it Tubessence.

The Model 107 provides you with two discrete preamp channels, each with its own dedicated controls. The switchable 48-volt Phantom Power supply makes it compatible with all microphones; dynamic, ribbon, electret condenser, or large diaphragm studio condensers. Despite its extremely attractive price, the Model 107 delivers outstanding sonic performance, such that you can confidently match it with even the most esoteric microphones and the most advanced recording media. The sonic benefit you can expect from the Model 107 is a greater degree of presence, detail, openness, and image. You can also expect extended high frequency response without any harshness. Finally, you should realize improved bass response that is tighter, deeper, and richer than before.

Any facility, from the simplest home studio to major state-of-the-art recording studios, can benefit from using a Model 107 instead of a console's microphone preamplifiers. The improvement will astound you! Bypassing the console altogether and recording direct is yet another opportunity to achieve even hotter sounding tracks. Live performers can also profit from using a Model 107: vocals and instruments are clearer, cleaner, and more up-front. The Model 107 delivers that great sounding mix in the house PA, stage monitors, and studio.

Features
Tubessence Revolutionary new patented circuit uses a 1VRMS tube in a whole new way.

Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) of -128 dBu, worst case at maximum gain.

2 independent channels with front panel XLR inputs.

Up to 64dB of gain available.

20dB pad with Red LED indicator.

2 LED input meter (Green LED = -20dBu, Red LED = 6dB below clip).

Full 48-volt Phantom power with red LED indicator.

Low-cut filter with Red LED indicator: 80Hz, 12dB/octave.

Polarity inversion switch with Red LED indicator.

Individual channel remote mute capability with Red LED indicator.

Switchable +4dBu or -10dBV output with Õ in. TRS phone jacks.

Studio-quality tube circuitry rugged enough for touring and field use.

Applications
Primary microphone preamplifier for recording, video, and film production. 

Live performances with artist actuated remote muting.

Live direct-to-DAT recordings using stereo microphone techniques.

High-quality broadcast talent preamplifier. 

Spec.

CMRR (*1): Greater than 70dB @ 60Hz 

Phantom Power: 48VDC on pins 2 and 3 with internal transient-suppression circuitry

Output
Nominal Output Level (User Selectable on Back): +4dBu -10dBV

Connector: RS 1/4" phone jack same

Type: Single-ended, impedance-balanced (*5) (may be used unbalanced) unbalanced

Output Impedance, Balanced-SEIB (*5): 114-ohms ±10% n/a

Output Impedance, Unbalanced: 200-ohms ±5% 200-ohms ±5%

Maximum Output Level: +20dBu +6dBV (+8.2dBu)

Audio
Frequency Response: +0.1dB/-1.5dB from 20Hz to 1.01kHz; +0.1dB/-0.2dB from 1.0kHz to 20kHz

Voltage Gain (*2): Gain is continuously variable from +18dB to +64dB (-2dB to +44dB with Pad in)

Hum and Noise (22Hz to 22kHz): At max. gain, equivalent short-circuit input noise does not exceed 128dBu

Crosstalk (*3) (20Hz to 20kHz): Does not exceed -64dB

THD: Less than 0.2-% @ +10 dBu output (output set at +4dBu)

Tube Type: 12AT7/ECC81 dual triode (quantity-1)

Remote Mute
Each channel is provided with an individual muting circuit. Each muting circuit is controlled by an external (user-supplied) contact closure (foot switch). Operation of each muting circuit is indicated by a Red LED.

Muting Attenuation: Greater than 50 dB

Mute Control Connection: TS Õ in. phone jack, located on rear panel (one for each channel)

Control Operation: Muting occurs when external circuit closure is provided tip-to-sleeve

Other
Power Requirements: Unit is powered by an external 24-volt, 600mA transformer (supplied with unit). Primary voltage, connectorization, and appropriate agency listings of transformers supplied with units are appropriate for local power at points of destination.

Power Consumption (maximum): 13 Watts

Dimensions: 19 in. W x 1.75 in. H x 5.75 in. overall Depth, Depth behind front panel: 4.5 in.

Net Weight: Rack-mount preamplifier, 3 lbs; wall transformer, 13.3 oz (USA model)

Shipping Weight: 5 lbs.

(*1) Measured at maximum gain with 1VRMS common-mode signal and pad out

(*2) Measured at 1kHz with output selector set to "+4" and output load of 100K

(*3) Measured with both channels at maximum gain; active-channel input is -50dBu; undriven-channel input is terminated with 150

(*4) 1kHz measurement with output selector set to "+4" and load of 100K; signal input is 10mv.; output level is set using gain control on product

(*5) The Model 107 has a single-ended, impedance-balanced output. This type of output is sometimes referred to as "quasi-balanced." When terminated by a balanced input at the receiving end, this type of line exhibits the most important benefits of differential and transformer balanced outputs. Common mode rejection (greater induced-noise immunity) remains the same as well as the ability to leave the shield ground disconnected at the sending end only, thus eliminating ground loop hum. However, quasi-balanced outputs do not have signal on the "signal reference" or negative conductor as do "balanced" outputs. This means that the negative conductor cannot be used as a "hot" (positive) as there is no signal level on it, just a ground reference.