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Avalon M5 Pure Class A Half Rack Preamplifier

The Avalon M5 is a compact preamplifier that's ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments. (29) Rate and Review This Product
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Product Description

The Avalon M5 Pure Class A microphone preamplifier is the most musical, low noise full function preamplifier available today. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the M5 combines an advanced transformer input stage with twin high performance Class A cascode FET and bipolar discrete amplifiers for sonic excellence unequaled by lesser designs. The M5 is ideal for vocal and acoustic instruments, active DI input for the direct recording of bass, guitars and keyboards.

Want to hear what it sounds like? Check out this Gearwire video review with Owen O'Malley:

Features include state-of-the-art, balanced 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers, practical user features and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high performance audio for many years.

Designed for Ultimate Music Recording

Avalon preamplifiers have been in use since 1986. They have found their way into the world's most famous lead vocalists recording sessions and studios and been featured on thousands of the best selling (and sounding) albums and live performances.

Minimum Signal Path Design

Avalon's advanced true symmetry design offers high-voltage, large headroom, extended bandwidth and very low noise. The use of 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers give the serious music professional unlimited sonic character and a natural harmonic detail that enhances the program material and becomes one with the music itself.

Vocalists Dream Machine

The M5 microphone preamplifier is the first choice when you are looking to capture a full bodied, dynamic, musical performance from the intimate depths within the artist. The M5 will make your recordings musical masterpieces!

Features

- Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
- Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
- Minimum audio signal path
- High performance input transformer
- Microphone and Hi-Z inputs to +36dB
- Very low noise -126dB
- High headroom +30dB
- Gain switched in 2dB steps to +64dB
- DC coupled Pure Class A output
- Large illuminated professional VU meter
- Twin LED peak signal indicators
-Regulated +48v phantom power supply
- Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
- Variable passive high pass (bass cut) filter
- All signal routing with sealed silver relays zZounds is an authorized dealer of Avalon products.
Circuit Topology: Twin cascode FET and bipolar low level input signal stages. High-voltage, 100% discrete, symmetrical high-bias Pure Class A amplifiers.
Input Type and Load: Superior transformer, balanced low-ratio 1500 ohm input load.
Maximum Mic Level: +36dB balanced XLR pin 2 hot (with -20dB passive attenuator).
Maximum Instrument Level +30dB balanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, discrete Class A.
Input Attenuator: -20dB resistive pre transformer primary, sealed silver relay.
Phantom Power: +48v regulated 50mA capability, sealed silver relay.
High Pass Filter: Passive, variable from 30Hz to 185Hz @ 6dB per octave, sealed silver relay.
Polarity Reverse: Sealed silver relay on microphone input.
Gain Range Input: +20dB to +64dB in 2dB steps.
Maximum Output Level: +30dB unbalanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, discrete symmetrical Pure Class A.
Output Type: XLR connector, pin 2 hot (optional balanced JT-1 transformer).
Noise EIN Unweighted: -126dB 150 ohm.
Noise 20kHz Unweighted: -100dB
Distortion THD, IMD: 0.05% nominal
- Frequency Response -3dB: 1Hz to 120kHz transformer limit.
- System Bandwidth: DC to 1MHz
- Output Meter: High quality, illuminated analog VU meter 0dB = +4dB.
- Peak Meter: Bi-color LED's 0dB and +20dB peak detection circuit.
- M5 Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in (216 x 88 x 305mm) half rack width.
- Weight: 15lbs (6.8kg)
- Dimensions of Shipping Carton: 24 x 21.5 x 7.5 in (610 x 546 x 190mm)
- Weight-Packed: 25lbs (11.4kg) includes B2T power supply and cables.
- AC power supply B2T: External toroidal 100V to 240V, 50-60Hz selectable,
150 watts maximum.
- Cables: 1 x 8ft 4 pin ac cable, 1 x 8ft standard IEC cable included.
- Dimensions: 5 x 7 x 3.25 in (127 x 177 x 83mm)
- Weight: 7lbs (3.2kg)
- Rack mount kit (1) RM-1: Single M5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds one half rack unit).
- Rack mount kit (2) RM-2: Dual M5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds two half rack units).
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Shipping Weight: 21 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 7 in
Avalon Warranty Avalon Warranty Information One year parts and labor warranty. 90 day warranty for tubes. Avalon does not offer a manufacturer's warranty on Non-New products. If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 949-492-2000
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "zZounds is the best! They carry many of the top brands and their Play as you Pay installment plan allows me to split my order into low monthly payments." - customer on May 9, 2013
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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

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No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

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on most orders $49+

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smaller orders

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Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
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