We firmly believe that great records start with great performances, but capturing them with some top-notch gear doesn’t hurt… Matching the right microphone with the right preamp is the key to getting that energy to translate to the finished product. If microphones are the paintbrushes then preamps are the colors - some are bold and impart a strong imprint on the sound, others are light and transparent. We have been lucky to slowly expand our universe of options over time, getting to know each new color through experimentation and practice.

With our new Solid State Logic Origin analog console, we have 32 fantastic sounding SSL PureDrive preamps that are built into the desk, but we wanted to introduce you to the other 47 channels of preamp options we have available for all of your sonic needs.

API 3124+ (4ch)

*Four channels of punchy, responsive American tone*

First up is the classic sound of rock and roll— the API 3124+. Literally thousands of hit records have been made using exclusively these preamps. This unit has four channels and sounds fantastic on rock guitars and on many other sources as well. (We have another four channels of API-312 style pres on our Seventh Circle unit so tracking drums with all API is an option if that’s your sound!)

Arkham (2ch)

*Arkham Custom Dual Channel Tube Preamp*

Built proudly in Maine by our friendly neighborhood electronics wizard Micah Smalldone, our Arkham preamps were custom built to our specifications to replicate the circuit of our vintage Altec 1592 mixer, but with modern features such as 48v phantom power, a pad, a phase switch etc. It sounds fantastic on a variety or sources - particularly when paired with a ribbon mic.

AEA TRP (6ch)

We are big fans of ribbon mics here at Acadia. We especially like to pair a ribbon mic with a 57 for tracking guitar amps: the combination of the upper mid boost from the 57 and a fuller tone from the ribbon mic gives us a lot to work with in the final mix. The only challenge with ribbon mics is that they require significantly more gain than many pre’s can provide. That’s not a problem for us with SIX channels of AEA TRP (The Ribbon Pre). These units are colorless and let the ribbons shine.

BAE – 1073 Dual MP Preamps (8ch)

*The Cadillac of 1073 preamp clones - gooey Neve goodness*

There’s nothing like the classic sound of Neve preamps for tracking drums, bass, guitars, vocals - The BAE 1073 Dual MP is beautifully simple – four units provide eight channels of Class A “Neve 1073-style” preamps with a simple trim control and phase/phantom switches. Preliminary results have been dramatic – the kick drum sound is truly jaw-dropping and having all the main drum mics using the same pres makes for a tight, cohesive sound. We are thrilled to own these amazing preamps.

Universal Audio 4-710d Twin-finity (4ch)

We use our Universal Audio 4-710d Twin-finity on virtually every session. This preamp is unique in that it features both a solid state AND a tube preamp circuit on each of the four channels. We can blend between the two circuits, allowing for a clear uncolored sound, or we can drive the tube input and get some nice creamy harmonics going - making for a highly versatile and musical option.

Grace m101 (1ch)

Our Grace Designs m101 is another ultra-transparent option we have in the studio, and this pre can also handle ribbon mics well with Grace’s “ribbon” circuit which changes the input impedance, provides extra gain and decouples the +48V power. This pre hasn’t let us down, whether we’re tracking vocals, acoustic guitar, or a kick drum, it’s a versatile option that always results in a clean, articulate sound.

Mastering Labs ML-1 (2ch)

These rare and esoteric tube preamps were designed by audio legend Doug Sax and made famous by such masters as Al Schmidt and Gary Pazcosa. Unlike many tube preamps designed to be driven and generate pleasing distortion, these are remarkably quiet (0.009%THD!! at +24db) and excel on strings and vocals.

Sytek MPX-4A (4ch)

Our Sytek MPX-4A is a well designed, clean and clear four channel workhorse that sounds great on a variety of sources. These are same preamps as found in Neotek consoles, as made famous by Steve Albini.

Seventh Circle Audio (8ch)

Seventh Circle is famous for it’s top quality DIY preamp kits. This particular unit is fully stuffed with eight channels: we have the Neve-style N72 (x2), the super transparent Millenia-esque C84 (x2) plus the API-flavored A12 (x4).

Siemens V-Series Rack (8ch)

Originally designed and manufactured by Telefunken, these vintage Siemens tube preamps are rare as can be - we are blessed to have eight channels at our disposal in a variety of models. The V72s are the classic EMI sound with +30db of gain, perfect for vintage tube mics - the V78 and V77s offer significantly higher gain and excel with ribbon mics. Paired with our vintage RCA 77DX ribbon mic, the Siemens preamps make vocals sit perfectly in the mix, they also sound amazing on drums and horns.

Acadia’s External Preamps