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Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp
The m101 from Grace Design is a single channel microphone preamplifier that uses the same fast, musical transimpedance amplifier architecture as the model 801 and model 201, but packaged and priced to be within the reach of any recording engineer, musician or studio. The preamp now employs 0.5% precision metal film resistors.
An upgrade from the model 101, the unit still employs fully balanced, transformerless circuit topology and has no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path. With incredible bandwidth, headroom and resolution, the unit is remarkably natural, musical and detailed. A universal power supply is internally mounted.
The m101 features a ribbon microphone mode which provides additional gain that is usually required by that type of microphone. Pushing the dedicated ribbon switch does three things. Phantom power is locked-out to prevent potential damage to ribbon microphones, the impedance of the microphone input is raised from 8.1kΩ to 20kΩ, and the 48V DC blocking input capacitors are bypassed with sealed gold contact relays.
The included instrument DI input is designed to accommodate a wide variety of high impedance input sources, making the unit an excellent choice as a DI box which will flawlessly preserve the sound of any plugged-in instrument while imparting lackluster sounding instrument pickups with clarity and detail.
- Fully balanced, transformerless, single-channel microphone preamp with optimized DI instrument input
- Fast, musical transimpedance amplifier architecture
- Updated audio path with 0.5% precision metal film resistors
- Built in switchable 75Hz, 12dB/8ve high pass filter
- Precision 12-position, gold contact, rotary switch gain control
- 10 to 75dB gain range
- 10dB output trim controls for fine level adjustment
- Switchable 48V phantom power
- Ribbon microphone mode with an optimized signal path
- Input impedance, and 48V lockout
- No electrolytic capacitors in the signal path
- Enhanced RFI interference suppression
- Sealed gold contact relays for all signal switching
- Minimal internal signal wiring
- Three output connectors: XLR balanced, TRS balanced and 1/4" unbalanced
- Two color, bi-phase LED peak indicator
- Internal, universal power supply
- Made in the USA
| Number of Channels | Single |
| Inputs |
1 x XLR Microphone (rear panel) 1 x 1/4" TRS phone Instrument (front panel) |
| Output |
1 x XLR 1 x 1/4" TRS phone 1 x 1/4" TS phone |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Multi Function | No |
| Gain Range |
10dB to 65dB, in 5dB steps Output trim control adds 0dB to +10dB |
| Maximum Output Level | +25dBu, 100kΩ load, 0.1% THD |
| Frequency Response |
Mic Input: 4.5Hz to 390kHz, -3dB @ 40dB gain Hi-Z Input: 2.5Hz to 195kHz, -3dB @ 20dB gain |
| Noise | <-124dB, 600Ω source |
| Power Requirements | 100~240VAC |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 8.5 x 9.0 x 1.7" (216 x 228 x 43mm) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) |
| Specialties | Peak LED meter |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to setup (5)
- Great sound quality (5)
- Simple controls (4)
- Good audio (3)
- Good power output (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Audiophile (5)
Reviewed by 7 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Guitar Recording
- Recording
- Vocal Recording
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
I am well pleased with the Grace Design m101 mic preamp.
I recorded vocals & guitar using the AKG C3000 through the Grace Design m101 then into my Apogee A/D converters. WOW! The m101 is certainly the most transparent mic preamp, in the price range, that I have heard.
The signal to noise ratio on this unit is extremely high. I did a recording in a noisy room, using the microphone close to sound source and the recorded signal had very little ambient noise.
Moreover, the signal that I captured through m101 sounded clean and full. It accurately represented the sound source.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy Setup
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
The grace design m101 is very much like what you will read about it, clean and detailed. I compared this to the onboard preamps in my Presonus studio live mixer which are also very clean and the grace design had much more body and detail. I tried it with a Shure SM7b and it really brought out the inherent characteristics of the mic. When I plugged my guitar into the HiZ input i could hear all the subtle details of the pickups. I like it a lot.
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy Setup
- Good Power Output
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- DJ / Mixing
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
I use this preamp for most tracks. Its very clean as a DI.
There is nothing I can say negative about it.
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Easy Setup
Cons
Best Uses
- DJ / Mixing
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
I have found the preamp very clean and quiet
Pros
- Accurate Controls
- Clean Sound
- Easy Setup
- Good Power Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Basic Systems
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
Best pre I've seen for the money. Nice and warm and clean tone. Perfect for vocals. I found when you push the gain, it get's a rich distortion which makes for meaty guitar overdrive.
Pros
- Clean Sound
- Easy Setup
- Great Sound Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
I was using a Mackie 800R into a Digi003 to record before buying the Grace M101. I mostly record acoustic guitar tracks. The difference is dramatic. I get a very open spacious detailed sound with the Grace compared to the Mackie. It's well worth the price. The criticism i've heard is that the Grace is extremely accurate and doesn't color the sound in the way the other pre's can. This is exactly what I wanted So I'm very pleased.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Crisp Sound
- Great Sound Quality
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Grace Design m101 - Microphone Preamp:
I have been using the M101 for a few months now and I love it. I use it anywhere I need a crisp and clean signal (metal kick, acoustic guitar…) However, you better brush up on your mic placement techniques because what you put in this box comes back out just the same…only louder. Some have complained that the sound coming from this box is sterile but I would chalk that up to poor mics or poor mic placement. (user error!) My favorite use for the 101 is as a bass DI. The instrument input on the front is perfectly tuned for non active pickups. The sound is simply amazing. This little box is definitely worth the price.
Jason
Displaying reviews 1-7
Cables
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- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
Cases & Protection
- Price: $34.99
What's in the Box
- AC Power Cable
- Five (5) Year Warranty (Transferable)
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