Focusrite RED One 500 Series Mic Pre

Focusrite Red 1 500-Series Mic Preamp

The Focusrite Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre is a professional-grade microphone preamplifier designed to provide exceptional audio performance in a compact 500 Series module format. It is based on the legendary Red Range of audio processors from Focusrite, known for their high-quality components and circuitry.

Key Features and Functionality:

Circuit Topology and Components:

The Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre is designed with the same circuit topology and components as the original transformer-based Red microphone preamp. This ensures that the preamp maintains the same performance and sonic characteristics that have earned the Red Range its legendary status.

Lundahl Input Transformer:

The preamp features a custom wound Lundahl LL1538 input transformer, which is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and providing a balanced input to the preamp. This transformer helps eliminate common mode noise and interference.

Switchable Phantom Power:

The preamp offers switchable phantom power, which is essential for powering condenser microphones that require external power to operate.

Polarity Invert:

The polarity invert feature allows you to reverse the phase of the input signal, which can be useful for correcting phase issues in recordings or for creative sound manipulation.

Illuminated Classic Porthole VU Meter:

The classic VU (Volume Unit) meter provides visual feedback of the input signal’s level, allowing you to monitor and adjust the input gain for optimal recording levels.

Carnhill Output Transformer:

The custom Carnhill output transformer ensures that the preamp can drive long cable runs without a loss of audio quality. This feature is especially valuable for remote recording setups.

Microphone Gain Control:

The preamp offers precise control over microphone gain, adjustable in 6 dB steps using a high-quality Grayhill gold-plated military-grade switch. This allows for accurate channel matching and easy recall of settings.

Wide Impedance Acceptance:

The preamp’s amplifier topology is designed to maintain excellent audio performance over a wide range of input impedances. This makes the Red 1 500 suitable for various types of microphones, including ribbon, dynamic, and condenser mics.

Common-Mode Rejection:

The preamp is engineered to provide good common-mode rejection, reducing interference and noise in the signal path.

Low Noise Floor:

The shared gain structure from the transformer and amplifier, along with careful circuit design, results in a very low noise floor, allowing for clean and transparent audio recordings.

Wide Frequency Response:

The preamp maintains a wide frequency response (10Hz-140kHz) characteristic of the original Red series, ensuring accurate capture of audio across a broad spectrum.

Four-Channel Configuration:

The Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre is designed to accommodate four channels of microphone preamplification, making it suitable for multi-channel recording setups.

Made in the UK:

Focusrite is a UK-based company, and their Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre is manufactured in the UK, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

In summary, the Focusrite Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre inherits the qualities that have made the Red Range legendary in the audio community. Its combination of high-quality components, thoughtful design, and versatile features makes it a reliable and highly-regarded tool for professional audio recording and production.

Focusrite Red 1 Features:

• Recreation of the original Red 1 microphone preamp, using original Red circuit topology and components to deliver the Focusrite Red signature sound
• 500 Series “Lunchbox” format
• Lundahl LL1538 input transformer, the same as used in the original Red modules
• Carnhill custom output transformer contributes to the sound of the preamp, but also allows for driving long lines, ideal for remote and mobile applications
• Grayhill gold-plated mil-grade gain switch
• Gain from -6 dB to +60 dB in 6 dB steps and a specific input impedance makes the preamp perfect for use with almost any microphone – ribbon, dynamic or condenser
• Backlit VU meter with switchable calibration
• Polarity invert and +48V phantom power.

The ProAudio has a team of music gear experts who provide you with helpful advice and unparalleled service completely free of charge. Talk with the ProAudio Consultant today and we will assist in choosing the suitable outboard gear needed for your audio requirements.