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Console-Level Sound Quality
Experience authentic transformer-based tone directly from Wolff’s flagship consoles, ensuring professional-grade audio quality for your recordings and performances.
KEY FEATURES
The Wolff Audio W1 500‑Series Microphone Preamplifier delivers console‑class transformer topology, relay‑controlled gain and phantom power, and a socketed op‑amp design within a single‑channel 500‑series module.
Core Architecture
Wolff Audio replicates the exact circuitry of its flagship consoles, employing custom Cinemag input and output transformers that preserve authentic loading and tonal character. Engineers can swap the op‑amp via the socketed design, tailoring the preamp’s sonic signature to specific applications.
Gain Structure & Headroom
The unit provides selectable gain in 10 dB steps up to 50 dB, complemented by a ±6 dB trim stage and a dedicated output fader positioned between two gain stages. In zero‑gain mode the transformer pads 10 dB and the op‑amp runs at unity, placing the preamp roughly 20 dB lower than typical designs and allowing close‑mic’ing of loud sources such as an SM57 on a snare without engaging a pad. Maximum gain reaches approximately 56 dB, delivering ample headroom for high‑gain scenarios while maintaining stability.
Signal Path Control
Relay‑controlled circuits manage the 20 dB pad, 48 V phantom power, and line switching, ensuring clean, noise‑free transitions. An output dimming function prevents overload when driving downstream converters, and polarity reversal offers flexible wiring options.
Metering & Monitoring
Dual‑mode LED metering mirrors Wolff’s console layout, displaying –20 dB and +4 dB reference points with intelligent release timing and clip indication, giving engineers immediate visual feedback on signal levels.
Front‑Panel Connectivity
The front panel houses a Neutrik combo ¼‑inch/XLR connector supporting both microphone and instrument inputs, delivering a streamlined workflow for studio and live‑sound environments.
Why Choose the W1 500‑Series Mic Preamp
- Console‑Level Sound – Authentic transformer‑based tone straight from Wolff’s flagship consoles.
- Customisable Op‑Amp – Swap op‑amps to fine‑tune harmonic character without redesigning the board.
- Exceptional Headroom – Low baseline gain lets you place mics extremely close to loud sources without sacrificing clarity.
- Precise Level Control – Independent gain, trim, and output fader give granular control over every stage of the signal chain.
- Robust Relay Switching – Pad, phantom power and line routing switch cleanly, preserving signal integrity.
- Intuitive Metering – Dual‑reference LEDs provide instant visual cues for optimal gain staging.
- Custom Cinemag input and output transformers
- Socketed op‑amp design for user‑installed op‑amps
- Relay‑controlled 20 dB pad and 48 V phantom power with output dimming
- Gain selectable in 10 dB increments up to 50 dB plus ±6 dB trim
- Dedicated output fader situated between two gain stages
- Maximum gain of approximately 56 dB
- Dual‑mode LED metering showing –20 dB and +4 dB references with clip indication
- Neutrik combo ¼‑inch/XLR mic and instrument input
- Polarity reverse switch
- UK over £99 FREE
- UK under £99 £10
- EU £36
- Rest of World £80
Large/Heavy items: Extra charges may apply (e.g., consoles, large monitors). We’ll contact you before processing if so.
We ship with DPD and UPS across the UK, EU and worldwide. Same-day within the M25 is available depending on stock.
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.
KEY BENEFITS
Customizable Sonic Signature
Easily swap op-amps to tailor the preamp’s harmonic character, allowing for precise adjustments to suit various applications without the need for extensive redesign.
Exceptional Gain Control
With selectable gain up to 56 dB and independent trim and output fader, achieve granular control over your signal chain for optimal clarity and performance.