The Maag Audio PreQ2-500 is a single-channel, 500 Series version microphone preamp with the same circuit topology and sound as their top-of-the line Maag Audio PREQ2 Dual-Channel Strip with Air Band. The PreQ2-500 has a total of 71 dB of Class A gain that starts with the same Maag Audio-built nickel-core input transformer as the 1U dual channel PREQ2. Just like the PREQ2 Dual Channel Strip, it includes a front panel ¼-inch (1-meg-ohm) Instrument Input jack that when used, automatically routes its signal to the input transformer and also disconnects the 48 volt phantom power if already turned on.

The front panel continues with a ¼-inch Thru/Output jack that provides an unbalanced, isolated and boosted "duplicate" of either the low impedance microphone or the Instrument inputs. The Thru/Output signal is capable of driving a long line out to guitar amps in the studio and/or effects pedals effectively and without quality loss. Great for creating unique effects, you may "re-amp" and externally process either the low impedance microphone input signal or any instrument directly connected to the PREQ2's front panel ¼-inch input jack.

The PREQ2-500 has an Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) level of -128 dBu, +25 dBU of headroom, plus the acclaimed AIR BAND EQ with up to 9 dB of boost at your choice of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40-kHz frequencies.

Microphone gain is continuously variable using a single, large control knob that is switchable between two gain ranges of either +20 dB to +42 dB for most recordings or +42 dB to +71 dB using the +25 dB boost button. This higher microphone gain is noise-free and perfect for very quiet sources like Foley/sound effects or low output, old vintage mics.

The compact front panel finishes with push-button switches for +48 volt phantom power on/off, -20 dB attenuation pad, a 70 Hz, 2nd order 12 dB/Oct high pass filter, phase or polarity reverse, and AIR BAND EQ on/off.

EQUALIZATION

• The 70 Hz high pass filter activates a 2nd order, 12 dB/octave high pass filter
• The Air Band shelving allows selection of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz frequency choices with its own control and up to 9 dB of maximum boost

FEATURES:

• Convenient front panel ¼-inch Instrument Input and Instrument/Microphone Thru outputs
• Discrete Class A transformer-coupled preamp with reamplification capabilities
• 71 dB of gain available, making it optimal for multiple instruments and ribbon mics
• The globally acclaimed Air Band, featured on numerous chart-topping records
• Continuously variable large red GAIN knob
• Ideal for capturing various audio signals, refining tonal nuances, and elevating euphonic qualities.

Mäag audio’s newest creation is the PREQ2™ dual mic preamp with eq, a complete analog system for either recording or mixing housed in a 1u standalone unit. It comes with cliff Mäag’s venerable air band® shelving equalizer first introduced in 1993 with his nti EQ3 equalizer.
The PREQ2 will handle either line or microphone signal levels with two matched channels both with separate rear panel line level input and microphone xlr connectors and switchable +48-volt phantom powering. the rear panel also has xlr output connectors for each channel and a on/off/fuse mains switch.
All switches on the PREQ2 have colorful leds to confirm their operation and all controls have detents with the exception of the continuously variable microphone gain.

Microphone input


The Mäag audio PREQ2 microphone preamp has up to 71db of gain split between a discrete class-a transistor preamp along with a large, nickel-core Mäag audio-built input transformer (one for each channel). this circuit offers a clean, detailed sound with +27dbu of headroom and an ein noise level of -128db. there are two optimized gain ranges selectable on the front panel. the default gain range is +20db to +42db and a +42 to +71db gain range in high gain mode using the front panel’s 25db gain switch. maximum input level is +8db.
The microphone input section has front panel switches, led indicators and buttons for: +48-volt phantom powering, -20db attenuation pad, plus signal present, +26dbu peak leds, and phase or polarity flip. microphone gain is continuously adjustable using a single, large mic gain control knob.

Line input


the front panel line switch toggles the rear panel xlr line input connectors in place of the microphone preamp’s output (after the input transformer and microphone preamp). It is possible to keep both a microphone and a line level source always connected to the PREQ2 and toggle both channels separately. you could have one channel working as a microphone preamp channel and the other as a line level amplifier for recording a direct musical instrument (bass or guitar) at the same time.
Both mic input sections have ¼-inch ts jacks for high impedance (1 mega-ohm) instrument input with a companion ¼-inch output thru jack that simultaneously provides an isolated, buffered output—a “copy” of the instrument input signal at unity gain. In addition to providing an unbalanced signal for running long leads out to instrument amplifiers in the studio and/or stomp pedals, for live re-amplifying the thru jack’s output signal is also active when using the xlr microphone input.
When using the instrument input ts jack, the Mäag audio PREQ2 uses an automatic detection circuit to switch (using a relay) and route the unbalanced ¼-inch input signal to the mic input transformer. the impedance is lowered for a better match to the transformer. This detection circuit makes it is impossible for the 48-volt phantom power to ever reach the ¼-inch or xlr line input even if already turned on.

Equalization sections


The Mäag audio PREQ2 has three equalizer/filters sections; the layout and control compliment are identical for both channels. The equalizer design is specifically designed for both recording and/or subtle touchup tonality changes and euphonic enhancements.
On the left side of the channel is the first control for the 2nd order, 12db/octave high pass filter. it is fully variable using a 21-detent control to sweep from 20hz to 200hz. it has its own hardwired, in/out bypass switch.
Next is the low frequency bell-shaped equalizer section with a boost (only) control at 6db/octave. frequencies are switched using a six position rotary switch and are: 10hz (sub) shelf, and bell-shaped curves for 40hz, 65hz, 100hz, 125hz, and 165hz. up to 9db of boost is available.

Air band®


The third band of the equalizer is the mäag audio air band shelving section with 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40-khz frequency choices with its own control and up to 9db of maximum boost. both the air band and low frequency equalizers share a single bypass push-button.


Tech specs
Noise level at the lowest gain setting is -100db. ein is -128db
Balanced xlr output head room is +27dbu
The microphone transformer feeds a differential set of front-end class a discrete Transistors paired with a fet input operational amplifier
High and low gain push button switch. low range: +20db to +42db. high range (gain +25 switch w/green led) +42db to +71db
Switchable -20db pad w/green led
+48 volt phantom power, switchable, w/red led
Phase reversal switch: switches the phase of the balanced output
Green signal present led, red peak led lights at +26dbu

The Maag Audio MAGNUM-K™ is a single channel Compressor built to complement the audio engineer’s craft in a very big and impactful way. The MAGNUM-K is comprised of two compressor sections (MAGNUM COMP and K COMP), a very musical Parallel EQ (with LMF and AIR BAND®), and a Soft Limit (soft limiter).
Whether putting the finishing touches on a 2-mix or making a vocal sound bigger than life without taking your head off; the MAGNUM-K will help elevate your craft to a whole new level. Welcome to compession nirvana and sonic bliss. Welcome to the Maag Audio MAGNUM-K Compressor where BIGGER SOUND, QUICKER WORKFLOW, and OUTSTANDING CONTROL were desinged to elevate your craft.
BIGGER SOUND
The MAGNUM-K Compressor helps quieter sonic signatures become as big as you want them to be while simultaneously reigning in those louder, more dominant tones.
QUICKER WORKFLOW
Tuning a MAGNUM-K Compressor is quick and easy, reducing your overall workflow time.
OUTSTANDING CONTROL
The MAGNUM-K offers outstanding control from its transparent INPUT ATTN (attenuator) and INPUT GAIN controls, to its SIDECHAIN capabilities and MAKE UP GAIN. Controls are stepped (detented) to allow for easy recallable settings and channel matching.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: +/-1 dB 20 Hz to 40 kHz
• Nominal Input Impedance XLR): 48 K Ohms, balanced
• Nominal Output Impedance (XLR): 50 Ohms, balanced
• Headroom: +28 dBu @ 10 K Ohms

The Maag Audio EQ2™ (500 Series) is a no compromise one channel 2 band equalizer with AIR BAND®, Low Mid Frequency (LMF) bell boost from SUB to 1.4 kHz, and an INPUT ATTN to control down to –12 dB of attenuation. The EQ2’s AIR BAND® is equipped with an additional sassy frequency selection @ 15 kHz, making the EQ2 hard to resist in any situation. The LMF provides both tight or wide bell curve options to dial in the perfect amount of warmth on the 2-bus. When it comes to tracking, the EQ2 will quickly become your favorite preamps’ “better half” by controlling the input (INPUT ATTN) (great for correcting over driven mic preamp transformers) before eq’ing with the versatile AIR BAND and LMF. The EQ2 is compatible with the API 500-6B lunchbox® and 500VPR rack systems and any other 500 Series spec rack.
Following its EQ4® predecessor, the EQ2 provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence with the same high quality components found in the powerhouse 6 band EQ4. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy recallable settings, even on the INPUT ATTN.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: -2 dB points, 10Hz & 75kHz
• Nominal Input Impedance XLR): 48 K Ohms, balanced
• Nominal Output Impedance (XLR): 50 Ohms, balanced
• Headroom: +27 dBu
• THD + Noise: < 0.005%

The Maag Audio EQ4® (500 Series) is a one channel 6 band equalizer with AIR BAND® (shelf boost from 2.5 to 40kHz), compatible with the API 500-6B lunchbox® and 500VPR rack systems. Following its EQ3 and EQ3-D predecessors, the EQ4® provides unparalleled transparency and top end presence while maintaining the true natural sound behind the mix. EQ adjustments are obtained with minimal phase shift and detent controls allow for easy recallable settings.
Presented in the flagship lunchbox® portable format, the EQ4® offers the legendary AIR BAND® and five other sonically superior band passes. Maag Audio is an official member of the VPR Alliance.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: -2 dB points, 10Hz & 75kHz
• Nominal Input Impedance XLR): 48 K Ohms, balanced
• Nominal Output Impedance (XLR): 50 Ohms, balanced
• Headroom: +27 dBu
• THD + Noise: < 0.005%

The Maag Audio EQ4M™ is a 6-Band Dual Channel Mastering EQ with AIR BAND® (shelf boost from 2.5 to 40kHz), a true in/out bypass, a transparent INPUT ATTN (attenuator), and stepped (detent) controls.
In 1993, Cliff Maag first introduced the AIR BAND® to the audio world in the NTI EQ3. The EQ3 was a dual channel 6-band EQ powered in a 19 inch rack and to this day is hailed as one of the most musical equalizers ever made. Over two decades later, Maag Audio has captured the spirit of the EQ3 in the EQ4M™ by providing More Power, More Headroom, and More Control than ever before.
More Power
The EQ4M™ rides on extremely clean +-18v rails without the need of any supporting chassis or power source. Just plug it in and make music.
More Headroom
More power, means more headroom. The EQ4M™ has an extra 2v compared to the EQ4® and boosts headroom to +29 dBu.
More Control
The EQ4M™ offers more control with its true in/out bypass, a transparent INPUT ATTN (attenuator), and an extra 15 kHz selection on the AIR BAND®. All controls are stepped (detented).

Specifications

• Frequency Response: -2 dB points, 10Hz & 75kHz
• Nominal Input Impedance XLR): 48 K Ohms, balanced
• Nominal Output Impedance (XLR): 50 Ohms, balanced
• Headroom: +29 dBu @ 10 K Ohms, +28.5 dBu @ 600 Ohms