SPL GoldMike Mk2

SPL GoldMike Mk2

Dual-Channel Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier

The GoldMike Mk2 combines Class-A transistor with a tube preamplifier. The transistor stage is composed of single transistors in a Class A design and works in series with a tube preamplification stage that provides 6dB to 18dB of tube gain for subtle to more obvious saturation effects. A significant contribution to the GoldMike Mk2 is the preamplifier concept that combines transistor and tube preamplifier stages and specifically utilizes their technological and sonic advantages: The efficiency and low noise of a discrete transistor stage is enriched with musical coloration of a tube stage.

Class-A Preamp

In the GoldMike Mk2 the transistor stage is composed of single transistors in a Class A design. The circuitry is fully discrete, and each transistor is completely optimized for its specific task. You will not find any IC’s in this preamplifier stage because they cannot be optimized for this specific application to the degree we at SPL aim for.

Tube Preamp

The GoldMike Mk2 sports the selection of three different tube pre-amplifications: +6 dB remains the standard complemented by +12 dB and +18 dB. This allows creative variety with the tube saturation and limiting effects.

Flair

The Flair circuitry makes use of the specific harmonical behaviour of coils. This broadband filter adds a touch of presence that help almost any vocal to better stand-out in the mix.

Peak & FET Limiters

The pre-output stage Peak and/or FET mode limiters can be used to protect an AD converter from clipping, or for example to add punch to drum tracks, which in turn reduces or in many cases even eliminates the need for subsequent compression.

Features

• Discrete Class-A single transistor & tube preamps
• Tube drive in three different intensity levels
• Flair presence enhancement in two switchable settings
• Pre-output limiter stage (extremely fast diode-based operation, perfect for A/D converter protection)
• Polarity Reversal
• 48-volt phantom power
• VU metering with three different, switchable display ranges
• Front panel instrument input, separate rear-side microphone and line inputs
• Custom-made, fully discrete, Class A op-amps
• VU meters with two switchable calibrations
• All switch functions are handled by encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts.

PCB Layout

Because the GoldMike Mk2 is a dual channel preamplifier, its channel separation is of fundamental importance for the stereo image. Therefore the print-board layout is symmetrically mirrored around the power supply in the center from channel 1 to channel 2. This results in an identical signal flow to supporting a naturally balanced stereo image. Additionally the print-board provides extra-large ground areas maximizing the shielding against crosstalk and interference.

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Specifications

Frequency response

• ‹10Hz bis 90kHz (-3dB)

Input impedance

• Microphone, XLR: 2.8kOhm
• Line In, TRS: 10kOhm
• Instr. In TRS: 1mOhm
• Output impedance (XLR and TRS): 50Ohm

THD+N

• Input level -30dBu, Gain 30dBu: 0.016 %
• Input level -40dBu, Gain 40dBu: 0.017 %
• Input level -50dBu, Gain 50dBu: 0.022 %
• Input level -60dBu, Gain 60dBu: 0.048 %

Noise (A-weighted, R=40Ohm)

• Gain 30dB: -91.2dBu
• Gain 40dB: -86.6dBu
• Gain 50dB: -78.7dBu
• Gain 60dB: -69.3dBu

Dynamic range (Gain 30dB)

• 110dB

E.I.N.

• 128dBu

Max. input level

• Microphone, XLR: +7dBu
• Microphone, XLR +PAD: +28dBu
• Line In, TRS: +23dBu
• Instr. In TRS: +7dBu
• Instr. In TRS +PAD: +14dBu

Max. output level

• Balanced, XLR+ TRS +26.8dBu
• Unbalanced, XLR+ TRS +21.5dBu

CMRR

• 1 kHz, Gain 30dB: ›75dB
• 10 kHz, Gain 30dB: ›75dB
• Power consumption: 25W

Weight & Dimensions

• 4.1kg/9lbs
• WxHxD: 482 x 88 x 210mm; 19" x 3.46" x 8.27"