
The introduction of "modular units" is not a new concept but recently there has been a gradual standardizing of unit sizes with different manufacturers working to the same specifications. As a result, units are now interchangeable from one manufacturer's PSU to another. The brand new A-Designs range of 6 modules - all original designs - are fully compatible with the API 500 series "Lunchbox" modular rack frame and power supply, also those from Brent Averill and OSA.
As this format
is becoming so popular, API has formed a confederation of
manufacturers called the VPR Alliance, who's products are approved by
API for fitting into the Lunchbox. A-Designs is of course among
them. Click the logo for more info.


The P-1
is inspired by the highly successful Pacifica microphone
pre-amplifier, and captures the unique sound of the 1970's Quad Eight
Ventura, Coronado and Pacifica Consoles. It includes the
following features: Pad, phase reverse, 48v phantom power,
¼" direct inject "High Z" for instruments, cream
coloured face plate, red LED indicator for phantom power, aluminum
cast red knob, custom wound input and output transformers, and thumb
screws for easy install.
The
EM (Erickson/Montessi) Series, consisting of EM-Red, EM-Blue,
EM-Silver and EM-Gold modular Microphone Pre-amplifiers are
variations on the P-1. Each unit has its own distinct tonal character.
The EM-Silver
has the same features as the P-1 except for the custom wound
steel output transformer. This unit will take you back to
earlier times, when ribbon microphones were the standard and all
transformers were made of steel. There is a real magic happening
here! The steel transformers translate into a darker, warmer
sound - a classic combination with ribbon microphones - and great for
bass guitar and keyboards, also kick drum with high-end condenser microphones.
The
EM-Blue with its high nickel wound output transformer will
produce a much brighter tone, with an airy top end. This module
is perfect to use with darker sounding microphones or on instruments
like snare drums, guitars, etc. that benefit from a crisp recorded
sound. With an alto vocalist this module can sound almost
'heavenly'. And if you use the DI feature you just might want
to hear what an electric guitar sounds like going through nickel
transformers - pad the input and crank the gain for some 'growl'.
The
EM-Red has a custom wound INPUT transformer and the same
output transformer as the P-1, which produces a somewhat different
sonic character by bringing the "mid levels" forward in a
recording. This unit is perfect for recording any instrument which
requires accents on mid range tones. Absolutely amazing on toms
(both rack and floor) and the 'up front mid' is great for acoustic
guitars, too.
The
EM-Gold is the latest pre-amplifier in the EM Series.
A-Designs took the custom wound output transformer of the EM-Silver and combined it with the custom wound input transformer of the EM-Red.
The results here made for the perfect sound on a floor tom!
It also produced great results with a number of microphones for vocals, Bass, and MP3/Drum Machines. To try to describe the sound, we can say that the EM-Gold produces the dark end of the EM-Silver with more up front mids.
FEATURES
70dB Gain
(EM-Red: 68dB)
EM-PEQ
The valve Pultec EQP-1A goes down in most people's book as one of the most venerated equalisers of all time, loved by both recording and mastering engineers for its almost mythical ability to improve the sound of, well, just about anything running through it.
A-Designs
Audio has shrunk this highly sought after filter design into the now
red-hot 500 Series format without compromise to either build quality
or sonics. The EQ section design and control layout of the classic
EQP-1A has been meticulously maintained, as well as its wonderfully
smooth musicality.
Makeup amplification is achieved through the use of the same discrete Class AB amplifier found in A-Designs popular solid-state Pacifica mic pre, putting an extra twist on this classic design.
Additional features include a nickel core output transformer, gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima capacitors, and a true hard bypass. Instead of using off-the-shelf chokes, A-Designs uses a tapped inductor, custom-wound to the original values. Fully balanced, noise-free operation with modern impedance specs make for simple operation and fast studio integration.
The new EM-PEQ is an approved API 'VPR Alliance' product, so may also be used in Brent Averill racks and A-Designs Audios R52.
With the launches last year of the P-1 and EM-Series preamplifiers (EM-Red/Blue/Silver, and recently the EM-Gold), A-Designs Audio is fast becoming a significant player in all things '500 Series'. The blend of classic sound and modern function offered by the new EM-PEQ is further proof of a company dedicated to creative design, quality and value.
A-Designs Audio 500HR 2-Slot Rack Frame with Power Supply
The 500HR is a dual slot, single space, rack mounted frame with power supply for A Designs and other 500 Series compatible audio modules. With a cream-colored faceplate, the 500HR is housed in an all-metal chassis for maximum durability, and offers a complete mounting and power supply solution for the A-Designs "Lunchbox" products, each of which conforms to the API 500 Series format. These include the P-1, the EM Series of EM-Red, EM-Blue, EM-Gold and EM-Silver modules, and the new EM-PEQ equalizer. Both a rocker-style on/off switch and 48V phantom power LED can be found on the right side of the front panel, while the rear panel features two sets of XLR ins and outs in addition to a standard IEC power connector

You can use
the 500HR and A Designs module combinations in four basic ways:
1. Loaded with
two preamps it becomes a dual channel Mic Pre
2. Loaded with
two EQs it is a dual channel EQ
3. Loaded with
one preamp and one EQ and LINK engaged, it is a complete pre/post EQ
recording channel
4. Use one
preamp and the EQ in the R52 and bypass your pre on your
guitar/bass/keyboard amplifier and have a
totally different amp for any live situation.
The 500HR works normally in dual mono, via an XLR in and out for each channel. This enables use as a conventional two channel system for 500 mic pre's or EQs. There arer a number of other interesting applications:- for example, when combined with an A/D converter, the device can make an excellent choice for mobile recordings for broadcast. Also, with so many people doing voiceovers for TV and film, plus vocal production work for audio books and radio, the 500HR combined with the right modules and a laptop is again a perfect solution for those markets. And, of course, many discerning live sound engineers will be pleased to see that they can now put a pair of studio-grade processing modules into a 1U rack.

Compatible with all the A-Designs 500 series modules, BAE, API, Avedis Audio, and Speck Audio
Internal regulated power supply with 48v phantom power (with led) on an XLR
Steel chassis construction, machine-milled (not stamped) aluminium faceplate
LED power supply indicator, included shielded power cord
Grill cutout at top to aid module connection, as well as guides at the bottom
Connections:
Two XLR Inputs and two XLR Outputs,
electronically
balanced (unless using another make
of module
which has unbalanced outputs).
Power Requirements:
230 VAC - 14W.
DC Power
Output per channel: 140mA @ 16VDC.
Dimensions:
19" x 1.75" x 10.25" [1RU].
Weight
(empty): 3.2 kg/7 lbs.
"Women and cats will do as
they please - men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea".
![]()
A-Designs
Audio ATM
Cables Celestion
Chassis Speakers/Drivers McGregor
Amplification MTR
Pro Audio Precision
Devices Chassis Spkrs
RaxX
19" Racking System
Company
Profile Price
Lists Product
Reviews User
Guides Special
Deals Web
Shop What's
New