FREDENSTEIN MAGIC PRE 500 Series Preamplifier

500 series Preamplifier

FREDENSTEIN MAGIC PRE is a 500 series preamplifier whose main feature is the vintage "magic eye" vacuum tube which glows green to indicate the output level. The "Magic Eye" tube is perhaps the most eye-catching visual feature of this preamp and something everyone notices in any rack. In addition to being simply fun and another way to impress clients, this visual treatment complements the rich vintage character of the preamp. The "eye" closes near optimal output levels.
FREDENSTEIN MAGIC PRE follows what could be considered a very traditional topology that uses both an input transformer and an output transformer. Both are high quality American transformers. In particular, the steel core output transformer is a very important sound shaping component that helps produce a smooth vintage feel without being dark or just "mid-high" or mushy.
A single discrete amplifier is used for the active gain element, and there are no chip-based amplifiers in the signal path. To achieve a high level of performance, the circuit relies on our OPA2 discrete audio op-amp. As in all FREDENSTEIN products, the OPA2 is not a copy of an older design, but is a completely new design made in SMT technology with matched and integrated dual input transistors to ensure significantly improved specifications compared to older models. The OPA2, in the tradition of similar modules, is encapsulated and can be replaced without tools. Its industry standard pin-out makes it compatible with many other amplifier modules.
A high impedance 2 MOhms direct input is located on the front panel, accepts unbalanced signals, the rear microphone input is automatically disconnected when a plug is inserted into the DI connector.
Features include a maximum gain of 70 dB, a 20 dB pad and Phantom-Power support, plus a new feature simply called "Color". The "Color" switch is designed to produce a tube-like harmonic content that, while not drawing attention to itself, can bring certain sounds to life and bring them forward in the mix and make them more detailed and dimensional. While the color circuit increases distortion, the audible effect is so subtle that few people would ever describe the effect as "distorted".
Like all FREDENSTEIN products, FREDENSTEIN MAGIC PRE is designed by a German-American team and manufactured in Taiwan.

Specifications

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz, +/- 1 dB

Distortion

• 1kHz: <0.03% at +4 dBu output level / <0.015% at +20 dBu output level / <0.04% at +26 dBu output level (clip at +28 dBu)
• 50Hz: <0.08% at +4 dBu output level / <0.08% at +20 dBu output level
• 10kHz: <0.02% at +4 dBu output level / <0.05% at +20 dBu output level

• Input Noise: <-127 dB
• Input Impedance: >1600 Ohms
• DI Impedance: >2 MOhms
• Maximum input level: +10 dBu, Pad activated
• Maximum DI input level: +18 dBu unbalanced
• Output Impedance: 600 ohms
• Maximum output level: +26 dBu
• Input attenuator: -20 dB (switchable)
• Maximum Gain (XLR): 70 dB
• Minimum Gain: 35 dB
• Minimum Gain with 20dB Pad activated: 15 dB
• Maximum Gain (DI): 42 dB
• Minimum Gain: 8 dB
• Minimum Gain with 20dB Pad activated: -12 dB
• Current Increase: +100mA, -160m
• Distortion with Color activated: approximately 0.1% at -10 dBu output level / approximately 1% at -5 dBu output level / approximately 3% at 0 dBu output level / approximately 4.5% at +24 dBu output level
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz, +/- 1 dB