There is an overwhelming number of 500 Series mic preamps to choose from, many of which are clones or copies of vintage units. So, as a breath of fresh air, we present the elixir 500 series module.
audio path quality
All discrete signal path using our class-a BE40 amplifiers at the input and BE50 high current line drivers to excite the Lundahl LL1517 output transformer. The topology is quite different to most other mic preamps in that it is balanced from input to output. The instrument input features our BE43 "bootstrapped FET" high impedance interface that really pumps as a bass DI.
mojo not mud
The elixir is an ideal compliment to other 500 series preamps that feature a dark sound. The wide frequency response and fast transient response plus color from the output transformer generate a "warm sweet liquid" sound quality that sets it apart from that crowd. These attributes make the elixir particulary good at recording percussion, drums (you need to hear it on snare), vocals and stringed instruments.
snare drum mic preamp
specs that matter
As with all our preamps, the elixir noise floor is as low as we can make under the laws of physics and there is plenty of gain for low output ribbon and dynamic microphones. The output headroom at +34dBu is outstandingly unique in the 500 series format, and adds a feeling of real effortlessness to the sound quality. The transformer-less mic input presents a "non-reactive" load to the microphone which means you hear exactly what the microphone manufacturer intended, without the unpredictable nature of an input transformer.
