Shadow Hills Mono Gama 500: review of the microphone preamplifier

In this new article we will delve into the features and technical specifications of Shadow Hills' Mono GAMA 500 preamplifier.

Shadow Hills Industries Mono Gama 500 is the 500 Series compatible single channel version of the famous GAMA (Golden Age Microphone Amp), with the functionality, features and quality of the original.

Technical specifications of the Mono Gama 500 microphone preamplifier.

The preamplifier uses a Jensen input transformer and the special feature is that it has 3 different output transformers: Discrete, Steel, Nickel.

This makes it perhaps the most versatile 500-size mic preamp suitable for recording any sound source. It features a beautiful rock soul design, 3 green LEDs indicating attenuation, phantom and signal polarity. Front connection for DI, while for the microphone and line part it is mandatory to use the rear connection to the chassis.

The characteristics of the 3 output transformers

Let's start by saying that all 3 output transformers sound great, but none of the 3 are transparent, but in fact the Mono GAMA has its own characteristic sound that is Rock-like.

The Discrete is the most balanced but definitely not clean, while the Nickel is the brightest and most aggressive in the high frequencies, perhaps great for rock recordings where you have a lot of energy, a lot of instruments, and the vocals have to come out like a punch in the face. Steel, on the other hand, I found it more dynamic and softer on the highs, smoothing slightly.

In our YouTube video, we did some testing to see the differences between the 3 different output transformers. In any case, it is very difficult to appreciate the differences via YouTube, which is why we invite you to visit the Milk Audio Store and showroom for direct listening.