Issue 5, April 1994
Mic-PreEminence User Guide
Page 6
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Introduction
General Description
The Mic-PreEminence is a high-
performance, two-channel microphone
preamplifier. The Mic-PreEminence, with
its low noise, low distortion, and high
speed design provides a level of technical
and sonic performance that is virtually
unmatched. As a complete, stand-alone
unit, the Mic-PreEminence is applicable
for studio and location recording, digital
sampling, live broadcasts, and sound
reinforcement.
Features
• Two independent preamplifier channels
• +48Vdc phantom power, switchable
on/off
• Dual, 5-segment LED level metering
• Output phase reverse switch
• Selectable balanced or unbalanced
outputs
• Adjustable gain range, +12dB to +68dB
• Electronically balanced input and output
circuitry
Note From the Designers
The Mic-PreEminence was designed by
James Cunningham with help from Gordon
Kapes, Mitch Budniak, and Phil Sutterlin.
When designing the Mic-PreEminence, our
goal was to produce a transparent, clean
sound. We were not shooting for specs, but
rather for great sound. We knew that if we
achieved the sound, the specs would be
there. We wanted nothing added to or
subtracted from the original signal besides
gain, unlike the characteristics of most
console mic preamplifiers. We use superior,
high-performance circuits not found in other
audio equipment. By building a dedicated
microphone preamplifier, we were not
hampered by the cost restrictions that
console manufacturers have. We think that
the result is an incredibly great sound and
excellent specifications.
Additional Note From the Designers
This issue of the Mic-PreEminence instruc-
tion manual covers a new and improved
version, the Mic-PreEminence Second
Edition. We are gratified with the response
we’ve received about the original unit over
the past few years. We’ve heard some
fabulous recordings that were made by
excellent engineers, along with assistance
from the Mic-PreEminence. Keep up the
good work!
Changes were made for three reasons:
improve reliability, enhance unbalanced
operation, and provide better level meter-
ing. For reliability, zener diodes were added
to the input circuitry to prevent overvoltage
spikes from damaging the circuitry. These
diodes do not hurt the sound in any way.
They only kick in at very high signal levels,
levels that are not present in any normal
microphone input signal. They are espe-
cially helpful in minimizing the spikes that
are created when the phantom power
switch is turned on or off.
To make using the Mic-PreEminence’s line
outputs more convenient when interfacing
with unbalanced “–10” equipment, a sepa-
rate unbalanced output with nominal signal
level of –10dBv has been added to each
channel. The unbalance switches have
been replaced with output select switches.
