The Mesanovic M97 is a 500 Series discrete microphone preamplifier featuring a custom in-house input and output transformer design, a discrete 1991 operational amplifier, up to 64 dB of gain, variable output attenuation and a maximum output level of +28 dBu, delivering low-noise, full-bandwidth microphone amplification with vintage analogue character for professional recording applications.

Discrete 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier

The Mesanovic M97 combines classic transformer-balanced microphone preamplifier design with modern component quality and precision manufacturing. Built entirely in-house in the USA, it delivers transparent gain with controlled vintage colour, making it suitable for everything from ribbon and dynamic microphones to modern condenser microphones. The discrete 1991 operational amplifier works alongside custom-wound transformers to produce a detailed, full-range sound while introducing musical harmonic saturation when driven harder.

Unlike traditional vintage preamps that rely solely on gain staging for tonal character, the M97 includes a variable output attenuator. This allows engineers to increase input gain and drive the output stage while maintaining appropriate recording levels, providing significantly greater tonal flexibility.

Custom In-House Transformer Design

The M97 features both input and output transformers designed and wound by Mesanovic specifically for this preamplifier. Rather than using off-the-shelf transformer designs, the company developed both transformers to complement the discrete amplifier circuit and deliver an ideal balance between accuracy, headroom and analogue warmth.

These transformers contribute to the preamp's wide frequency response, smooth transient handling and subtle harmonic richness while maintaining excellent detail across the entire audio spectrum.

Discrete 1991 Operational Amplifier

At the centre of the M97 sits Mesanovic's discrete 1991 operational amplifier. This fully discrete design replaces integrated circuits with individual components, allowing greater current capability, increased headroom and the musical characteristics associated with classic recording consoles.

The result combines modern low-noise performance with the subtle saturation and depth that engineers often seek when recording vocals, drums, guitars, orchestral instruments and ribbon microphones.

Variable Gain Structure for Tonal Control

The M97 provides up to 64 dB of microphone gain, making it suitable for low-output ribbon microphones while also offering ample clean gain for dynamic and condenser microphones.

A stepped Grayhill gain switch provides accurate and repeatable gain settings, while the Bourns T-pad variable output attenuator enables independent control of output level. This configuration allows users to deliberately drive the transformer and amplifier stages to introduce additional analogue colour without overloading downstream equipment.

Professional Recording Controls

The front panel includes all of the essential functions expected from a professional microphone preamplifier. Engineers can engage 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, activate a 20 dB input pad for louder sound sources, and reverse polarity to resolve phase relationships between multiple microphones.

These controls provide the flexibility required across studio recording, broadcast and professional production environments.

Premium Components Throughout

Mesanovic specifies premium components throughout the M97 to maximise long-term reliability and consistent audio performance. The unit incorporates Grayhill stepped switches, Bourns T-pad attenuation, Ritel collet knobs and high-quality Vishay and Nichicon capacitors and resistors.

These carefully selected components provide precise operation, mechanical durability and dependable performance under demanding studio conditions.

High Headroom and Low Noise Performance

The M97 combines generous headroom with exceptionally low noise performance. It accepts input levels up to -2 dBu and delivers output levels as high as +28 dBu, allowing the preamp to accommodate a wide variety of recording situations while maintaining excellent dynamic range.

Its signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB referenced to +4 dBu at 0.01% THD+N demonstrates its ability to capture fine detail while preserving clarity and minimising unwanted background noise.

Why Choose the Mesanovic M97

• Delivers both clean transparency and vintage analogue character from a single microphone preamplifier.
• Provides enough gain to get the best from low-output ribbon microphones without excessive noise.
• Allows engineers to shape transformer saturation independently of recording level for greater creative control.
• Uses premium components and in-house transformer manufacturing for exceptional long-term reliability.
• Integrates seamlessly into any professional 500 Series studio system.
• Offers repeatable gain settings that simplify session recalls and consistent workflow.
• Produces wide bandwidth recordings with excellent headroom and low distortion across a broad range of sources.