Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Black

The Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Black is a premium single-channel 500-series microphone preamplifier that delivers exceptional sonic detail, tonal versatility, and build quality, engineered around a custom discrete op-amp for the highest fidelity and punch.

Design and Build Quality

The Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Black brings the power and depth of the original GAMA preamp into the API 500 format. Its design centres on a hand-built discrete op-amp that ensures clarity, precision, and musical warmth across the full frequency spectrum.

The input stage features a transformer-balanced circuit with an original Jensen input transformer, maintaining absolute signal integrity and low noise. Every detail of the construction reflects Shadow Hills’ meticulous craftsmanship, from engraved front panels and custom-machined knobs to a 24-position Swiss-made gain attenuator and engraved serial number plate.

Transformer Switching and Tonal Versatility

At the heart of the Mono GAMA’s appeal is its switchable output transformer section. Shadow Hills recreated their favourite vintage transformers to offer three distinct tonal paths—Nickel, Discrete, and Steel—each imparting its own sonic character.

The Nickel setting delivers a refined, open high-end with a smooth response, while the Discrete setting offers a transparent, detailed tone with natural midrange presence. The Steel transformer provides a bold, punchy low end with harmonic richness. Users can instantly audition all three without repatching, making tonal comparison quick and intuitive.

Comprehensive Features

The Mono GAMA includes all professional preamp essentials, such as phantom power, phase reverse, and a -20 dB pad. It also provides a direct input (DI) with its own pad and phase reverse functions, ensuring seamless integration with instruments or line-level sources. This flexibility makes it ideal for capturing everything from delicate vocals to aggressive guitars, maintaining consistent quality and tone.

For the Mono GAMA Forged Black, Shadow Hills is adding a fourth selection option to the knob. The Stack setting combines the Nickel and Steel transformers together.

Specifications : 

• Four selectable output transformers : Nickel, Discrete, and Steel - with further versatile tonal shaping the Stack setting combines the Nickel and Steel transformers together

• Jensen transformer-balanced input for pristine signal integrity

• Custom discrete op-amp delivering depth, punch, and clarity

• 24-position Swiss-made gain attenuator for precise control

• Independent pad and phase reverse for both mic and DI inputs

• Exceptional build quality with engraved front panel and custom components

• Delivers four classic analogue tones in one compact 500-series module

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.