Grace Design m101 Single Channel Mic Preamplifier - Precision and Musicality
The Grace Design m101 Single Channel Mic Preamplifier upholds the brand’s legacy of excellence with its transformerless, transimpedance circuit topology, delivering exceptional bandwidth, headroom, and sonic clarity. Ideal for engineers and musicians, this preamp captures vibrant, detailed tracks with a natural, musical quality. Equipped with a universal switching power supply (100-240VAC), a durable anodized front panel, and a unique Ribbon Mic Mode, the m101 is a versatile, high-fidelity tool designed for both studio and live use, proudly made in the USA.
Uncompromising Audio Performance
Featuring a fast, musical transimpedance architecture and precision 0.5% metal film resistors, the m101 offers a gain range of 10-75 dB, plus an additional 10 dB via output trim—perfect for any microphone or recording scenario. The Ribbon Mic Mode bypasses decoupling capacitors, boosts input impedance to 20 kΩ, and locks out 48V phantom power, protecting delicate ribbon mics while enhancing dynamic mic performance.
Versatile Connectivity and Control
The m101 includes a front-panel Hi-Z input for instruments and rear-panel outputs (XLR balanced, TRS balanced, and 1/4” unbalanced), alongside a gold-contact relay for seamless input switching. A 12-position gold-plated rotary gain switch, LED indicators for 48V, Ribbon Mode, and HPF, and enhanced RFI suppression ensure reliability and ease of use in any lighting condition, all housed in a bombproof laser-etched black anodized panel.
Built for Pros, Priced for All
Whether amplifying a vintage condenser or an acoustic guitar, the m101 delivers studio-grade performance at an unmatched value. Backed by a five-year warranty on parts and labor, this preamp brings elite audio quality to engineers and artists alike, making it a standout choice for professional recordings without the big-budget price tag.
Key Features of the Grace Design m101
- Fast, musical transimpedance architecture with 0.5% precision metal film resistors
- 12-position gold-plated rotary gain switch for precise control
- Ribbon Mic Mode: 20 kΩ impedance, phantom power lockout, capacitor bypass
- High-performance output line driver and HPF amplifier
- 10-75 dB gain range with additional 0-10 dB output trim
- Three output options: XLR balanced, TRS balanced, 1/4” unbalanced
- Front-panel Hi-Z input for instruments, sealed gold-contact relay switching
- Universal switching power supply (100-240VAC), no wall wart
- Laser-etched black anodized front panel with LED indicators (48V, Ribbon, HPF)
- Five-year warranty on parts and labor, made in the USA
Technical Specifications
- Gain Range: Mic Input: 10-65 dB, Hi-Z Input: -10-45 dB, Output Trim: 0-10 dB
- THD+N: <0.00085% (20 dB Gain), <0.0010% (40 dB Gain), <0.0050% (60 dB Gain) @ +20 dBu
- Intermodulation Distortion: <0.0020% (SMPTE/DIN 4:1, 7 kHz/50 Hz, 40 dB Gain)
- Noise (Referred to Input): <-130 dB (50Ω), <-128 dB (150Ω), <-124 dB (600Ω)
- CMRR: >68 dB (100 Hz), <75 dB (1 kHz), <65 dB (10 kHz)
- Frequency Response: Mic: 4.5 Hz-390 kHz (-3 dB), 10.5 Hz-140 kHz (-0.5 dB) @ 40 dB Gain; Hi-Z: 2.5 Hz-195 kHz (-3 dB), 6 Hz-74 kHz (-0.5 dB) @ 20 dB Gain
- Impedance: Mic: 8.1 kΩ (Standard), 20 kΩ (Ribbon); Hi-Z: 1 MΩ (Unbalanced), 2 MΩ (Balanced); Outputs: 300Ω (Balanced), 150Ω (Unbalanced)
- Maximum Output: +25 dBu (0.1% THD, 100 kΩ Load)
- Peak LED Thresholds: Green: -14 dBu, Red: +16 dBu
- Power Consumption: 100-240VAC, 5 Watts Max
- Dimensions: H: 1.7” (4.3 cm), W: 8.5” (21.6 cm), D: 9.0” (22.8 cm)
- Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg)
