The A-Designs Ventura SE is a versatile audio device that integrates a microphone preamplifier, three-band parametric EQ, and an instrument input preamplifier, offering multiple routing and patching options while maintaining high audio fidelity.

The A-Designs Ventura SE allows users to route and patch effects into the signal path in various ways, use it, or patch in external devices as desired. Each section can be used individually while ensuring very high audio fidelity.

Microphone Preamplifier

The microphone preamp features a balanced single-stage discrete opamp, transformer-coupled design. It includes switches for phase reverse, -20 dB pad, +48V phantom power with LED indicator, and a gain control knob. When the "Source Switch" is set to Mic, the signal feeds the input of the EQ section/main output and the transformer output mult simultaneously, providing two separate outputs for FOH and external effects or power amps. At normal levels, it delivers a clear and transparent signal, with the ability to push harder for a more coloured character while retaining clarity.

Three-Band Parametric EQ

The Ventura SE’s 3-band modified Quad Eight style parametric equaliser features 33 frequencies, overlapping ranges from 50Hz to 15KHz, and stepped controls for precise settings. Each band has a Q switch with Sharp, Wide, and Narrow positions. The low and high bands are peak/dip types with switches to change to a shelf type, disabling the Q feature on high and low bands only. The EQ Input - Insert Return Jack provides a direct balanced input to the EQ, bypassing both the mic-preamp and instrument preamp for independent access to the EQ.

Instrument Input Preamplifier

The instrument preamplifier, designed for guitar/bass pickups and vintage synthesizers, uses a high-impedance unbalanced preamplifier with a single-stage discrete opamp. It includes a front-panel 1/4 TS Switchcraft input jack with a gain pot, a Hi/Low gain switch on the back panel, and an unbalanced instrument direct output jack. The "Source Switch" set to Instrument feeds both the EQ section/main output and the transformer output simultaneously, which is useful for FOH and external effects or power amps.

High and Low Pass Filters

The high and low pass filters are fixed second-order 12dB per octave type, with knees at 9 kHz and 150 Hz. Both filters work whether the EQ switch is in or out, affecting only the Main/EQ Output.

Direct Out Mult

The Output Mult provides a 600 ohm, +4dbm transformer-balanced output that does not disturb the signal feeding the EQ section. This allows the Instrument or Microphone signal to be sent to two different places simultaneously, such as FOH or effects, and through the EQ to the Main Output.

Insert Return/EQ Input

This allows external compressors and effects to be directly added to the signal path through the EQ to the main output.

Conclusion

In the studio or on stage, the Ventura SE exemplifies a "no frills, no compromise" audio philosophy, ensuring pure sonic capture and reproduction.