SPL GoldMike MK2 - Secondhand

Full Description

Hybrid Solid State/Tube Preamp

The GoldMike Mk2 is a high-end microphone and instrument preamplifier featuring fully discrete Class A circuitry. The GoldMike MK2 utilises a hybrid solid state and tube design that combines the best qualities from both worlds. The hybrid combination delivers high efficiency and low noise with enriched musical colouration from the tube stage. The result is exceptional audio fidelity that retains the natural harmonics and power from your source inputs. The wide frequency response and high dynamic range ensures you capture every nuance from both instruments and vocal recordings.

Tube Preamp

Building on the success of the original GoldMike preamp, the Mk2 includes three different tube preamp settings. +6 dB provides the standard sound found on the original preamp. The +12dB and +18dB settings adds variety to your saturation allowing you to boost it to the point where it acts like a limiter.

Discrete Transistor Design

The SPL GoldMike MK2’s transistor stage includes a single transistor in its all discrete Class A circuitry. Each transistor has been optimised for its own specific task for improved audio performance. No IC’s are found in the preamp stage, as they cannot be optimised for recording applications.

Flair Control

One of the most unique features of the GoldMike MK2 is the extra ‘Flair’ setting that delivers more flexibility and presence to your inputs. The selectable SPL Flair circuitry features two settings, allowing you to get the most out both instruments and mic inputs. It works by enhancing the presence and clarity of the signal, ideal for treating and optimising vocal recordings.

Design & Construction

The robust all-metal chassis not only looks good but is built-to-last. The vintage-style design is reminiscent of classic preamps from the early 80s. The front-panel of the unit features additional controls including integrated Phantom Power, Phase Reverse and Pad buttons. Also including is a high-pass filter (50Hz), ideal for minimising low-end in vocal recordings, and when it comes to capturing electric guitars. The vintage-style VU metering feature three separate, switchable display ranges for added versatility. Switches are used for most of the controls including Source, Pad, Phase, Limiter, Tube Amp, Flair and more. A range of potentiometers are also used for Gain and Output controls for precise reign over your levels. The unit is also rack-mountable, taking up only 2 units of space in a professional rack.

Features

• Discrete Class A solid state
• Tube drive in three different intensity levels
• Flair presence enhancement in two switchable settings
• Switching inserts
• Pre-output limiter stage (extremely fast diode-based operation, perfect for A/D converter protection)
• VU metering with three different, switchable display ranges
• Front panel instrument input, separate rear-side microphone and line inputs
• Phantom power, phase reverse, pad and high-pass filter (50Hz)

Specifications

• Frequency Response: <10Hz - 90kHz (-3dB)
• Input Impedance:
  • Microphone, XLR: 2.8kOhm
  • Line In, TRS: 10kOhm
  • Instr. In TRS: 1mOhm
  • Output Impedance (XLR and TRS): 50Ohm
• THD+N:
  • Input level -30dBu, Gain 30dBu: 0.016
  • Input level -40dBu, Gain 40dBu: 0.017
  • Input level -50dBu, Gain 50dBu: 0.022
  • Input level -60dBu, Gain 60dBu: 0.048
• Noise (A-weighted, R=40Ohm):
  • Gain 30dB: -91.2dBu
  • Gain 40dB: -86.6dBu
  • Gain 50dB: -78.7dBu
  • Gain 60dB: -69.3dBu
• Dynamic Range (Gain 30dB): 110dB
• E.I.N.: 128dBu
• Max. Input Level:
  • Microphone, XLR:+7dBu
  • Microphone, XLR +PAD: +28dBu
  • Line In, TRS: +23dBu
  • Instr. In TRS: +7dBu
  • Instr. In TRS +PAD: +14dBu
• Max. Output Level:
  • Balanced, XLR+ TRS: +26.8dBu
  • Unbalanced, XLR+ TRS +21.5dBu
• CMRR:
  • 1 kHz, Gain 30dB: >75dB
  • 10 kHz, Gain 30dB: >75dB
• Power Consumption:25W
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 482 x 88 x 210mm; 19" x 3.46" x 8.27"
• Weight: 4.1kg/9lbs