The Wolff Audio RefPre 500 Series Reference Preamp is a transformerless microphone preamplifier featuring a fully transparent signal path, stepped rotary gain adjustment from -10 dB to 60 dB, a dedicated ribbon mic circuit with an additional 10 dB of gain and automatic impedance matching, a continuously adjustable output fader, a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter, a signal indicator LED, front and back panel mic input access, a high-impedance instrument input with a dedicated preamp, switchable polarity, and 48V phantom power with a safety lockout to protect ribbon microphones.

Uncompromising Transparency

Wolff Audio engineered the RefPre 500 Series Reference Preamp to deliver an uncoloured and highly accurate representation of any microphone or instrument, making it an essential tool for critical recording and sampling applications. Its minimal circuitry and optimised signal path ensure an exceptionally clean sound, free from distortion or unwanted artefacts. With 60 dB of gain, switchable polarity, and a front-panel source selector for XLR or instrument inputs, it accommodates a diverse range of recording scenarios. The ribbon mic mode not only increases the gain to 70 dB but also automatically adjusts impedance while preventing accidental phantom power application, safeguarding delicate ribbon microphones.

Versatility and Precision

The stepped rotary gain control provides precise, repeatable gain settings, allowing for accurate adjustments in 10 dB increments. A ±6 dB trim control further refines gain staging, ensuring precise levels for different recording environments. The continuously adjustable output fader enables seamless level control from full attenuation to maximum output, providing flexibility in gain staging and signal flow management. With an exceptionally low equivalent input noise of -125 dBu and distortion levels as low as 0.0005% at 60 dB of gain, the RefPre ensures pristine audio reproduction, making it ideal for high-fidelity recording.

Extended Frequency Response and High Headroom

Designed to accommodate the most demanding recording situations, the RefPre boasts a frequency response of ±0.5 dB from 10 Hz to 80 kHz, ensuring full-spectrum clarity and precision. The preamp delivers a high headroom of +28 dBu, allowing it to handle high-output microphones and instruments without distortion. A switchable 12 dB per octave 80 Hz high-pass filter effectively reduces unwanted low-frequency rumble, ensuring a clean and defined signal in any recording scenario.

Enhanced Signal Monitoring and Connectivity

A signal indicator LED provides real-time feedback, glowing green when a signal is detected and flashing red at +18 dBu, offering a visual cue before clipping occurs. The unit offers both front and rear panel connectivity for microphone inputs, ensuring flexible studio integration. The front-panel instrument input features a dedicated high-impedance amplifier, accessed via the mic/instrument switch, making it an ideal choice for direct recording of guitars, basses, and other instruments.

Professional-Grade Performance

Engineered for precision and reliability, the Wolff Audio RefPre 500 Series Reference Preamp is the perfect choice for professionals requiring an ultra-transparent, high-headroom preamplifier that delivers exceptional detail and accuracy across a wide range of applications. Whether capturing the natural tone of an Earthworks TC25 on toms and kick drums, enhancing the clarity of a Neumann TLM 103 for vocals, or ensuring faithful signal reproduction with sampling and emulation microphones like the Slate VMS, the RefPre delivers an unmatched level of sonic purity.