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)
  

• -20dB Pad
  
• Red LED indicator
  
• Phase reverse
  
• 48v Phantom
  
• ¼" DI for H/Z input
  
• Custom wound transformers
  
• Two thumb screws for easy install
  
• Large aluminum cast knob
  
• Very solid build quality

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 Audio’s 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 EQ’s 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.

Features:

• 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.

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