audio path quality
So what makes the QSP-20 preamp sound so good? The audio input feeds directly into our BE41 Class A discrete 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.
microphone friendly
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.
specs that matter
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.
Features
- 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.
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; +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.
