PreQ22
Complete recording solution in 1 module
The PreQ22 is an analog Mic Preamp with High Pass Filter and 2 bands of parametric EQ for the 500 series format. It was designed with the modern producer/engineer in mind, featuring an efficient work flow that lets you shape tone quickly and with confidence. With a wide gain range of 60 dB, users can dial in a clean, transparent sound at low gain or dig into the discrete opamp and output transformer for a more colored tone. The high pass filter helps clean up unwanted low end frequencies, and the 2 band parametric EQ is easy to operate for highly musical frequency adjustments. The output stage includes a fader for attenuating the output signal to avoid clipping your A/D converters.
Features
Standard mic preamp functions; polarity reverse, -20 dB input pad, phantom power
Sealed gold contact Grayhill switch for gain control
Up to 66 dB of gain, making it suitable for a wide range of microphone types as well as passive DI's
Engage buttons to A/B HPF and EQ decisions
Fully variable frequency controls in HPF and EQ
2 bands of parametric EQ
High band ranges between 2kHz and 20kHz, and the low band between 40 Hz and 400 Hz
Up to 10 dB of cut/boost per EQ band
Output fader to manage level
Pre-fader LED signal level meter illuminates to show signal presence above -30 dBu and turns red 3 dB before clipping
Requires only one slot in a 500 series rack
Designed and hand built in Austin, TX using only thru-hole components
Price: $800/ea, or $1500 for 2
To inquire, please contact audiotools@hammockhillstudio.com
Controls
Reverses the polarity of the input signal.
Attenuates input signal by 20 dB.
Phantom power button with LED indicator; illuminates red when phantom power is active.
12 position gain switch which boosts the incoming signal between 26 and 66 dB in increments of ~3dB.
Engages the 18dB/octave High Pass Filter (HPF).
Sets the frequency for the HPF, fully variable between 20 and 200 Hz
Sets the gain for each band of the Parametric EQ; Provides up to 10 dB of boost and cut with center detent
Sets the frequency for each band of the Parametric EQ
Attenuates signal from unity gain to negative infinity
Engages the 2 band Parametric EQ
Signal Indicator LED; Illuminates green to show signal presence above -28 dbu and red to warn of clipping at -3dbu.
Customization
We are pleased to offer customization options, including modifying EQ band frequency ranges, changing the bands from bell to shelf shape, and altering the slope of the HPF to 12dB/octave.
Love for the PreQ22
Eric D Holtz
Blue October, Justin Furstenfeld, Harvard of the South
Drew Blucher
Surfaces, Urban Heat, Isaiah Rashad, nolo, The Khost
"The PreQ22s offer amazing flexibility to shape the sound from the front end in a compact format which is perfect for a hybrid setup. They handle transients and low end exceptionally well making them ideal for kick drum and punchy bass guitar. Overdriving the preamp can lead to a pleasing distortion which helps a doubled take cut through a mix."
"PreQ22s are my go-to on a wide variety of sources. They saturate very nicely in a way that enhances, rather than blurs details. They bring the beauty out of the top end and handle the low end in a way that keeps it clean and not muddy, yet still punchy. The EQ features make the preamp a super versatile tool that takes another step out of your recording chain. Overall, I love the way they sound when they start to clip (very warm and pleasant!!) and the way they keep the high and low end intact."
Audio Samples
We had the pleasure of recording some audio samples of the PreQ22 with Elijah Delgado and his band at Orb Recording Studios. They played "Staring Competition", which we recorded with PreQ22's across the full band. You can hear them for yourself on this SoundCloud playlist, or download the Pro Tools session and complete set of multitracks here. We also recorded some of the parts with other preamps, so you can A/B the PreQ22 against something familiar.
Tech Specs
Size: 5.25" x 7" x 1.5"
Weight: 1.07 lb
Frequency Response: 15Hz to 75kHz (±0.5dB)
Gain Range: 40 dB (+26 to +66 dB)
Input Impedance: 740 Ohms
Output Impedance: 300 Ohms
Current draw: 56 mA
Power Supply: +/- 16v (supplied by rack)
Clipping Level: +30 dBu
Noise: Measured at output, un-weighted, 150 ohm load across balanced input
Min Gain: -90.21 dBv
Max Gain: -74.21 dBv
Equivalent Input Noise: -113.3 dBu
Distortion + N: @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: .03%