{"product_id":"mesanovic-m97-500-series-preamp","title":"Mesanovic M97 500 Series Preamp","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"437\" data-start=\"13\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMesanovic M97\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"489\" data-start=\"439\" data-section-id=\"4vuw28\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"489\" data-start=\"442\"\u003eDiscrete 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1024\" data-start=\"491\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1332\" data-start=\"1026\"\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1375\" data-start=\"1334\" data-section-id=\"1yewyy9\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1375\" data-start=\"1337\"\u003eCustom In-House Transformer Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1711\" data-start=\"1377\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1907\" data-start=\"1713\"\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1951\" data-start=\"1909\" data-section-id=\"1fwbh6v\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1951\" data-start=\"1912\"\u003eDiscrete 1991 Operational Amplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2247\" data-start=\"1953\"\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2446\" data-start=\"2249\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2496\" data-start=\"2448\" data-section-id=\"1ub2i0j\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2496\" data-start=\"2451\"\u003eVariable Gain Structure for Tonal Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2675\" data-start=\"2498\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3023\" data-start=\"2677\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3063\" data-start=\"3025\" data-section-id=\"p30ztj\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3063\" data-start=\"3028\"\u003eProfessional Recording Controls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3375\" data-start=\"3065\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3501\" data-start=\"3377\"\u003eThese controls provide the flexibility required across studio recording, broadcast and professional production environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3539\" data-start=\"3503\" data-section-id=\"1hu5qc7\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3539\" data-start=\"3506\"\u003ePremium Components Throughout\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3823\" data-start=\"3541\"\u003eMesanovic 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3971\" data-start=\"3825\"\u003eThese carefully selected components provide precise operation, mechanical durability and dependable performance under demanding studio conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"4019\" data-start=\"3973\" data-section-id=\"19bc5\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4019\" data-start=\"3976\"\u003eHigh Headroom and Low Noise Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4298\" data-start=\"4021\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4486\" data-start=\"4300\"\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4524\" data-start=\"4488\" data-section-id=\"12cjpa8\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4524\" data-start=\"4492\"\u003eWhy Choose the Mesanovic M97\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"5221\" data-start=\"4526\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4630\" data-start=\"4526\" data-section-id=\"146623z\"\u003eDelivers both clean transparency and vintage analogue character from a single microphone preamplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4729\" data-start=\"4631\" data-section-id=\"ypjrr5\"\u003eProvides enough gain to get the best from low-output ribbon microphones without excessive noise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4843\" data-start=\"4730\" data-section-id=\"nhefc1\"\u003eAllows engineers to shape transformer saturation independently of recording level for greater creative control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4947\" data-start=\"4844\" data-section-id=\"1yqmmif\"\u003eUses premium components and in-house transformer manufacturing for exceptional long-term reliability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5019\" data-start=\"4948\" data-section-id=\"1gc69a2\"\u003eIntegrates seamlessly into any professional 500 Series studio system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5108\" data-start=\"5020\" data-section-id=\"icqhcw\"\u003eOffers repeatable gain settings that simplify session recalls and consistent workflow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5221\" data-start=\"5109\" data-section-id=\"3um6d4\"\u003eProduces wide bandwidth recordings with excellent headroom and low distortion across a broad range of sources.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Mesanovic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57888878854527,"sku":"ITM011465","price":665.83,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/4915\/9716\/files\/mesanovic-mq97-kmr.webp?v=1783079600","url":"https:\/\/kmraudio.com\/products\/mesanovic-m97-500-series-preamp","provider":"KMR Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}