ProAudio Review - January 2009 - (Page 34)

studio review by Russ Long LaChapell Model 583s Microphone Preamplifier The Model 583s’ true-tube design and massive sound easily land it on the short list of the best mic preamps ever. The boutique audio company LaChapell Audio came into light with the release of its Model 992 mic preamp a few years back. The company’s handmade gear is meticulously designed and hand-built with the utmost precision. The recently released LaChapell Model 583s preamp is a single-ended, vacuum-tube microphone preamplifier. This preamp is designed for use in 500 Series power supplies, offering the latter’s devotees a true vacuum-tube preamplifier option for the first time. Features The microphone input configuration of the 4-pound 583s is based on its big brother, the LaChapell Model 992EG, while the Hi-Z input is transformerless. The output stage utilizes premium Burr-Brown and THAT Corporation line drivers with a transformer balanced output. It features continuously variable potentiometer-controlled input and output gain via fully variable 100K-ohm pots. A column of four plastic toggle switches provides the means to activate phantom power, insert the -20 dB pad, reverse the polarity and alternate between the microphone and the Hi-Z inputs. The novel switches illuminate red when their associated function is active, providing a quick visual reference of the preamp’s status. The input stage has a 30 dB range, and the output stage provides up to 40 dB of gain for a total of up to 70 dB of internal gain. LaChapell created a unique DC-to-DC converter to power the 583s’ tube circuit. The process uses the VPR-standard 16 volts from the power supply but delivers a true 250 volts to the tube while consuming a maximum of 210mA with all LEDs lit. This falls comfortably into the 130ma/bay requirement per VPR/API alliance rules [the 583S is now a VPR Alliance approved module — Ed]. In Use I’ve been using the 583s for nearly a year, and it sounds fantasThe Model 58 3 s a n d i t s 12 AX 7 t u b e tic. Although vocals and acoustic instruments seem to be the preamp’s forte, I have yet to find something that doesn’t record well through the pre. While recording lead vocals on Tanya Tucker’s latest album, I used the 583s along with a Brauner VM-1KHE, an Empirical Labs Lil FrEQ and a Tube-Tech CL-1B, and ended up with a fantastic sound. Tanya’s voice is extremely dynamic, and the 583s did a wonderful job of capturing every nuance of her performance without requiring any adjustment from song to song. Seeming faster in terms of transient response than most tube preamps, the 583s is perfect for recording percussive instruments. I used a 583s pair on kick (AKG D112) and snare (Heil PR20) and achieved great results. On another tracking session, I used the 583s pair on overheads (Royer SF-12), again with good results. I love being able to independently adjust the input Russ Long, a Nashville-based producer/engineer, owns the Carport recording studio. He is a regular contributor to Pro Audio Review. www.russlong.ws 34 ProAudioReview | January 2009 www.proaudioreview.com http://www.russlong.ws http://www.proaudioreview.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ProAudio Review - January 2009

ProAudio Review - January 2009 Contnets Technically Speaking New At NAMM: Studio Opinion: Studio Sense Feature: PAR Session Trials: Large-Diaphragm Microphones Review and Second Opinion: McDSP TDM Emerald Pack III featuring FutzBox PAR Contributor Of The Month Review: Audio-Technica AT2050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone Review: LaChapell Model 583s Microphone Preamp & Model 583e Microphone Preamp/EQ Review: RNDigital D4 Plug-In Mini Review: MXL Microphones V88 Large-Diaphragm Microphone Mini Review: Solid State Logic Mynx New at NAMM: Live New Live Products Opinion: Worship Audio PAR Recommends: Portable PA Options for 2009 Mini Review: Fishman SoloAmp Review: AKG D 40 Instrument Microphone Installation Profile: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC Single Slice

ProAudio Review - January 2009

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