Mystery Magicians M808A Single Valve microphone preamplifier

The Mystery Magicians M808A is a high-performance channel strip tube microphone, instrument, and line-level preamplifier, designed to deliver pristine amplification, rich harmonic saturation, and a host of advanced features that make it ideal for professional recording environments.

Exceptional Sound Quality and Versatility

The M808A faithfully amplifies and reproduces signals from microphones, instruments, and line-level devices, providing clean, sonically rich output suitable for any professional application. When driven to its limits, it introduces harmonic overtones reminiscent of classic vintage sounds, making it a versatile choice for engineers seeking warmth and character. The switchable Pentode/Triode mode enables fine control over gain and harmonic colouration, allowing for tailored tonal results. Additionally, its innovative Saturation (THD) detecting circuit monitors harmonic distortion in real-time, enabling engineers to confidently push the device to the edge of tube saturation without losing clarity.

A Nod to the Classics with Modern Innovation

Although entirely original in design, the M808A’s sonic qualities echo the revered tube British consoles of the 1960s. Its powerful sound owes much to its Class A single-ended operation and bespoke hand-wound audio transformers, crafted in-house for unparalleled quality and reliability. These transformers, hermetically potted in MuMetal shielding, ensure minimal interference and an exceptionally low noise floor.

Advanced Filter Section and Sonic Shaping

The M808A includes active tube-based high-pass and low-pass filters, offering four precise frequencies—50 Hz, 150 Hz, 2 kHz, and 5 kHz—with a slope of −6 dB per octave. These filters enable engineers to make quick, lossless adjustments to program material, whether eliminating unwanted low-end rumble or refining high-frequency content, ensuring professional results in any setting.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The M808A seamlessly integrates with a wide range of equipment. It works flawlessly with high-quality condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones featuring impedances between 33Ω and 600Ω. The DIRECT/INSTRUMENT IN (DI) inputs allow instruments like guitars, basses, keyboards, and drum machines to connect directly to the preamp, producing a transformer-balanced output at the LINE OUT. Balanced and unbalanced effects such as vintage tape echoes, compressors, and equalisers can be routed via the insert points and remain transformer-balanced at the output. For line-level devices, the LINE IN feature positions the signal before the gain control, providing sonic enhancement and makeup gain. Engineers can even route line-level signals through the MIC IN input using an external attenuator for maximum tonal flexibility.

Built for Reliability and Global Compatibility

The M808A features a robust, auto-detectable power supply that operates between 86VAC and 265VAC, allowing for seamless use worldwide. Its regulated SMPS power supply ensures low noise, high ripple rejection, and comprehensive short circuit protection, guaranteeing reliable performance in demanding environments.

Precision Engineering and Craftsmanship

Every component of the M808A reflects meticulous attention to detail. The unit boasts custom-designed Bakelite VU meters with traditional ballistics and hand-crafted GR-style Bakelite knobs. All input and output transformers are individually wound, tested, and potted in-house for superior performance. Metal film resistors, foil capacitors, and high-quality electrolytic components from Rubycon and NIPPON Chemi-Con ensure optimal signal integrity, while new old stock-matched valves provide consistent tonal excellence across all units.

The Mystery Magicians M808A represents the pinnacle of engineering, combining vintage-inspired sound with modern innovation to meet the rigorous demands of professional audio production.

• High-performance channel strip tube preamplifier for microphones, instruments, and line-level devices with up to 80 dB of gain.
• Switchable Pentode/Triode mode for versatile gain and harmonic colouration options.
• Real-time Saturation (THD) detection circuit for precise tube saturation control.
• Class A single-ended operation with hand-wound, MuMetal-shielded transformers for rich, clean sound.
• Active tube-based high-pass and low-pass filters with selectable frequencies: 50 Hz, 150 Hz, 2 kHz, 5 kHz.
• Comprehensive connectivity, including MIC IN, LINE IN/OUT, DI inputs, and balanced/unbalanced effect inserts.
• Transformer-balanced signal path from input to output for seamless integration with various devices.
• Robust auto-detectable power supply (86VAC–265VAC) for global operation and reliability.
• Custom-designed Bakelite VU meters, GR-style Bakelite knobs, and premium components for superior build quality.
• Innovative design combining vintage-inspired sound with modern engineering for professional audio applications.

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.