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The MP1 MkII is a highly versatile and high-performance microphone preamp housed in a single 500 series slot, delivering superior sound for professional recording engineers. Designed featuring an all-discrete Class-A circuit, using through-hole components for an authentic, powerful sound. The Lundahl transformer enhances the tone, providing exceptional clarity and depth. Ideal for both studio and live settings, it excels across a wide range of applications, from vocals and instruments to complex drum setups.

The MP1 MkII is built for those who demand premium audio performance. Featuring an all-discrete Class-A transistor DI, this preamp offers a warm, full-bodied sound with a broad frequency response. The input Lundahl transformer, plays a key role in delivering detailed audio performances. Whether you’re recording vocals, piano, or sharp transient instruments like drums, the MP1 MkII captures every nuance with incredible precision. Its low noise and low distortion make it a reliable choice for critical applications.

Designed to meet the needs of the modern recording environment, the MCAudioLab MP1 MkII features intuitive, hands-on controls. With 60 dB of gain, a -20dB pad, 48V phantom, and phase inversion, you have all the tools necessary to tailor the sound from various microphones and instruments.

The DI input, activated via a front-panel pushbutton, provides an additional input stage for instruments, further expanding the preamp’s versatility.

This preamp excels in a variety of recording scenarios. It shines on vocals (both male and female) and is particularly suited for capturing room mics, piano, and instruments with sharp transients, such as drums and percussion. When used in pairs, the MP1 MkII is an outstanding choice for overhead mics, delivering full, rich drum kit recordings with a crisp, defined cymbal sound. Its versatility makes it a must-have for any professional engineer looking to capture a wide array of sounds with exceptional quality.

While the MP1 MkII incorporates classic microphone preamp principles, its design is far from outdated. The Lundahl transformer offers benefits such as noise rejection and galvanic isolation, which contribute to the preamp’s exceptionally clean.

With a broad bandwidth and wide frequency response, this preamp is a clear step forward in microphone preamp technology. It can easily be considered a modern classic, offering performance that rivals other industry-leading preamps but with the added flexibility of a 500-series form factor.

The MCAudioLab MP1 MkII features a 2520 footprint opamps – API/GAR – allowing for customization of the preamp’s tonal character. We recommend upgrading with the MCAudioLab 816 DOA (sold separately) to further enhance your recording experience. Additionally, the option to swap the opamp with a third-party discrete opamp provides further flexibility, enabling you to tailor the sound to your specific needs and preferences.

The MP1 MkII is equipped with a 4-LED output level indicator, providing a clear and precise visual representation of your signal’s strength. This feature allows for easy monitoring of output levels, ensuring you maintain optimal signal levels during recording. The LED display helps you avoid clipping and distortion, allowing for more accurate and controlled mixes. Whether you’re tracking vocals, instruments, or drums, the 4-LED meter offers real-time feedback, giving you the confidence to fine-tune your levels for the best possible results.

The Mic preamp is offered as a DIY kit, including all the necessary components and a detailed manual for assembly. This kit allows users, from hobbyists to professionals, to build their own preamp while learning about its internal design. The manual provides clear instructions for both assembly and calibration, ensuring optimal performance. Additionally, the preamp is available in two options: a fully assembled, tested unit for those seeking convenience, and the DIY kit for those who enjoy the process of building.

Regardless of the chosen option, both versions offer the same high-quality audio performance. The MP1 MkII 500 Series Preamp is ideal for various applications, delivering clarity, warmth, and precision for professional-level results.

The MP1 MkII 500 Series Preamp delivers professional-level performance, combining the reliability of traditional design with modern enhancements. Whether you’re tracking vocals, drums, or any other instrument, this versatile preamp will meet your needs with precision, clarity, and warmth.