The Aurora Audio GT500 Preamp can accommodate any signal you care to throw at it, including high-level line inputs. The sensitivity switch provides 100 dB of gain adjustment from +80 dB to –20 dB and the level pot allows for fine adjustments. The level pot has an audio taper and is –20 dB at half rotation.

If you have to turn the pot below 1⁄2 way, the sensitivity switch must be adjusted at least 2 clicks more to restore the signal level at the expense of input headroom! Operating the unit with the output level at maximum ensures that you keep the headroom in the designed 26 dB region.

The DI input overrides the normal input and has 10 Megohm input impedance and around 10 dB gain. It can be used (to great effect) with musical instrument pickups, but works equally well with high-level signals like a DAT or CD player. The same gain structure rules apply.

The High Pass Filter is selected by moving its toggle switch to the right and a blue LED will glow to indicate section. Four frequencies are provided with 47 Hz, 82 Hz, 150 Hz and 270 Hz for the selections.

FEATURES:

• Made in the USA (hand-built in North Hollywood)
• All Class A, discrete transistor, transformer coupled through-hole assembled (no surface mount)
• Features Aurora's unique transformers and the same circuitry as the GTQ2/GTP8
• All steel construction of the case and front panel provides shielding
• Input impedance: 1.2 kOhms, transformer balanced and floating
• DI Input impedance: 10 mOhms
• Output impedance: <75 ohms, transformer balanced and floating
• Output drive capability: >+24 dBu into loads of 600 Ohms and upwards
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to >75 kHz ±3 dB
• Distortion: <0.05% @ 0 dBu @ 1 kHz
• Noise: -45 dBu @ 80 dB gain measured 22 Hz to 22 kHz
• Current draw: 100 mA normal operation, 130 mA every mode selected

When the Aurora Audio GTQ2 started to be hailed as a modern classic, the requests started coming in for an 8 channel version. In 2008, Geoff Tanner met this challenge by introducing the GTP8 to the world. 8 channels of the legendary Class A discrete sound in a convenient 2U package!

Since Geoff insisted that no corner could be cut in keeping the GTQ2 sound in an 8 channel edition, clearly the same iron would have to be used as well. Balanced transformer in and out is featured here once again. Having the same transformers that were specified by Geoff and built by the old Marinair crew had to be included in the GTP8 without question. The result is 8 channels of massive tone that is suitable for any sound you might throw at it.

The Aurora Audio GTP8 has the same intuitive design as the GTQ2 as well. Dial in your level easily and accurately with discrete 10dB steps. Then fine-tune your selection with the trim pot that gives you 5 more decibels of boost or cut. This way, you can optimize your clean and pristine source to tape or DAW, but you can also use the trim to add some dirt and drive to your signal as well.

Not to be left out, also featured on the GTP8 is the awesome Aurora Audio DI. Listen to your direct signal come alive in ways you never thought possible until now! Plus, there are EIGHT of them. More is always more, right? In the past you may have avoided to go direct, but with the Aurora Audio DI and the GTP8, you will be looking for excuses to use direct injection.

With this one unit, you will take your studio to the next level. Feel the power of having 8 channels of classic Class A discrete, British inspired tone within arm’s reach. For example, the GTP8 is perfectly suited for use as your drum sound. Why? Everyone knows that mixing preamps when tracking drums can be a "alaming" proposition. With a mixed bag of mic pres all reacting at different times electronically and in different ways, this will affect the phase relationships of the signals and may result in a less than ideal sound. With 8 channels of the GTP8 working together in perfect harmony on your drums, you will experience more punch and clarity that only matched preamps can provide.

Think about it: All of those classic recordings that we all grew up on were tracked on consoles with matched preamps that gave the album an overall sound and signature. Give yourself the opportunity to record the way the greats always intended you to do. Make your next classic recording today with the GTP8.

Specifications

• Input impedance: 1,200 ohms balanced and floating
• Balanced and floating output will drive any impedance from 600 ohms upwards
• DI input impedance: 10Megohms
• Frequency response: 20Hz to >20KHz +/-1dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.075% @ 1KHz @ +20dBu
• E.I.N: <-125dB @ 80dB gain
• Dimensions: 19” x 2U x 11” deep (482.6mm x 88.9mm x 280mm)
• Weight: 20lbs (9.07Kg)
• Transformer balanced inputs and outputs
• All Class A discrete transistor circuitry
• Stepped gain control in 10dB steps from -10dB to +80dB
• +/-5dB trim control, extends range from -15dB to +85dB
• DI input with 10dB gain and 10Megohm input impedance
• Unbalanced -10dBu TRS insertion jack socket, connects the GT4-8 and other Aurora products
• External regulated power supply auto-senses the input voltage

With one foot firmly planted in the historic British preamp sound that makes up some of the worlds favorite recordings of all time, the Aurora Audio GTQ2 is also equally capable of capturing the best modern tones of today.

Geoff Tanner’s design incorporates balanced transformer input and output. Our transformers are made to Geoff’s exacting specifications by the old Marinair crew in the United Kingdom. This results in the warm yet extremely punchy sound that only great iron can provide.

The adjustable input impedance coupled with 80dB of available gain makes the GTQ2 ideal for cleanly amplifying everything: low power ribbon mics, classic dynamic mics, and high output condensers. You don’t always have to stay clean though. Turn up the gain on the GTQ2 and hear the classic harmonics and overtones that made the Class A British sound so sought after.

The GTQ2 EQ is made to be engineer and musician friendly. This 3 band small wonder is an incredibly powerful tone shaping tool. Geoff saw the opportunity to simplify the EQ section by focusing on the most musical frequencies so you can spend your time recording and not twiddling knobs. The Hi end shelving at 12K provides air and sheen while never getting thin or shrill. The Low end shelving at 80hz gives you enough power to fill out an anemic sound or cut to get rid of any offending rumble. The Midrange control at 400Hz, 1.6K, and 3.2K can help you get rid of mud and get tracks to cut though your dense mix.

When is a DI not just a DI? When it’s the GTQ2 DI! The 10 Megohm DI input allows for a full frequency experience. You will hear Bass and Keyboards with a whole new sense of clarity and fullness. For those recording instruments “in the box” like electric guitars, amp and room simulations will sound more real than ever since the GTQ2 provides an unparalleled source material for the modeling program to react to.

The GTQ2 is truly an all-purpose mic pre. Ideal for any instrument, vocal, or sound effect, the GTQ2 is being used around the world by professionals in Music, Film, and TV.

Specifications

• Input impedance = 1,200 ohms or 300 ohms balanced and floating
• Balanced and floating Output will drive any impedance from 600 ohms upwards
• D.I. Input impedance = 10Megohms
• Frequency response <20Hz to>50KHz + 1dB
• Distortion <0.075% @ 1KHz
• EIN <-125dB @ 80dB gain
• Transformer balanced inputs and outputs
• All Class A discrete transistor circuitry Stepped adjustable in 5dB steps from –10dB to +80dB
• Rear jacks provide an unbalanced output at the same level as balanced. Selectable input impedance on rear panel
• Three band EQ: + 15dB adjustment 80Hz (Bass), 12KHz (Treble) mid frequencies of 400Hz, 1,600Hz and 3,200Hz
• 80Hz 18dB/octave High Pass Filter
• Internal power supply

The Aurora Audio GTC2 is a Class A discrete dual-channel compressor that features balanced input and output transformers. These are the same transformers featured in the Aurora GTQ2 and are made in the United Kingdom to Geoff Tanner's exacting specifications by the old Marinair crew.

What makes the GTC2 unique is that it features two separate and selectable compression circuits. The GTC2 features a FET circuit, a classic Opto circuit, and the ability to combine both in something we call “COMB” mode. The FET circuit is the slightly more aggressive of the two, but still incredibly musical. It has a harder knee that makes it suitable for more audible compression. The Opto circuit can be set to be extremely transparent, or the user can set it to get more of the classic pumping Opto sounds. The COMB mode chains the two together to get more compression and gives you the best of both worlds. Many experienced engineers know the magic of double compression, and you can get it here without having to purchase the unit you don’t have.

Like most stereo compressors, you can stereo link the channels so they react the same. One major difference found in the GTC2 is that the stereo link does not make one side the master. Both channels follow one another. If the right is getting more compression, the left follows, and if the left is getting more compression, the right follows. As a result, your stereo image holds steady and your low end sits rock solid. This is very helpful when using the GTC2 on the stereo buss.

One more thing you will find on the GTC2 is an AUTO mode that is actually useable! The AUTO mode on the GTC2 follows your program source, smoothing things out along way. The AUTO mode can reveal some amazing results when used on background vocals, guitars, keyboards, and the stereo buss.

Just remember, the GTC2 is not an “Emulator” or “Distortion Generator.” It is a classic compressor that retains your low end, warms up your signal, and helps get you that classic punch while still sounding absolutely contemporary.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Input impedance = 10Kohms, transformer balanced and floating
• Balanced and floating output will drive any impedance from 600 ohms upwards
• Frequency response = 20Hz to >20KHz +/- 1dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion = <0.1% @ 1KHz @ +20dBu
• Noise = <-75dBu filtered 22Hz to 22KHz at unity gain
• Threshold = -10dBu to +30dBu
• Ratio = 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Attack Time = 500uS to 5mS
• Release Time = 100mS to 3 Seconds
• Gain Make up = 0dB to +20dB
• Dimensions = 19” x 2U x 11” deep (482.6mm x 88.9mm x 280mm)
• Weight = 16lbs (7.25Kg)
• Transformer balanced inputs and outputs
• All Class A discrete transistor circuitry
• Opto, FET and Combined (Opto and FET at same time) control elements
• Controls for Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Gain make up
• Auto release varies release time in relation to nature of the signal
• Illuminated analog VU/Gain reduction meter
• Auto-sensing integral regulated power supply

The Aurora Audio GTQC is quite literally one channel of the GTQ2 Preamp and one channel of the GTC2 Compressor. It all conveniently fits into a one rack space package that gives you Class A discrete amplification, 3 band eq, DI, and compression (opto circuit, FET circuit, and COMB mode are all featured).

All of the features of the GTQ2 and GTQC are here in the GTQC as well. One feature unique to the GTQC is the ability to independently use the preamp or the compressor. Balanced XLR in and out allows the user to patch in the pre or compressor on different sources if needed. To use the GTQC as an “all in one” channel strip, all you need to do is press one button. This enables the signal to go in through the preamp and come out the compressor. This makes the compressor output gain your final control for volume and lets you use the VU meter (in output mode) to make sure you have optimum levels.

If you have a pair of GTQC channel strips at your disposal, the user has access to some pretty serious power in stereo. Ideal for any stereo recording and compression, you can link the compressors with ease. All you need is a single TRS cable. Just like the GTC2, the stereo link follows which ever unit is compressing more. If you are looking to beef up your entire mix by having a stereo channel strip on the insert, look no further!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Preamp Input impedance = 1,200 ohms or 300 ohms (switch selectable on rear panel) transformer balanced and floating
• Compressor Input impedance = 10k ohms transformer balanced and floating
• Both devices have transformer balanced and floating outputs that will drive any impedance from 600 ohms upwards
• D.I. Input impedance = 10Megohms
• Frequency response <20Hz to>50KHz + 1dB
• Distortion <0.075% @ 1KHz
• Preamp EIN <-125dB @ 80dB gain
• Compressor Noise <-75dB (20 to 22KHz)
• Dimensions 19″ x 1U x 11″ (482.6mm x 44.45mm x 279.4mm)
• Weight = 20lbs

• The same transformer balanced Class A mic preamp/ EQ from the GTQ2
• Direct input with 10dB gain and 10Mohm input impedance
• Three band EQ provides + 15dB adjustment at 80Hz (Bass), 12KHz (Treble) and mid frequencies of 400Hz, 1,600Hz and 3,200Hz
• 80Hz 18dB/octave High Pass Filter

• Threshold = -10dBu to +30dBu
• Ratio = 1.5:1 to 10:1
• Attack Time = 500uS to 5mS
• Release Time = 100mS to 3 Seconds
• Gain Make up = 0dB to +20dB
• Both Fet and Opto compression
• Auto Release