Grace Design m801 high fidelity 8 channnel mic preamplifier Grace Design

Transformerless, transparent microphone preamplification for all critical recording applications

Introduced in 1995, the model 801 microphone preamplifier was slightly ahead of its time. But as digital audio workstations soon flooded the industry, an accompanying high performance 8 channel mic preamplifier suddenly made perfect sense. So the model 801 quickly became an industry standard, which remains inimitable and unsurpassed.

Many years later, with a nearly flawless service record and an endless supply of critical acclaim, the model 801 gets a much deserved update, including an updated audio path, a new chassis forged of stainless steel and a slightly new name: the m801.

First and foremost, the new m801 delivers unmatched audio performance – with massive headroom and ultra-wide bandwidth which contribute to a markedly open, musical character. The m801 is designed to effortlessly resolve even the lowest level ambient information, resulting in a sonic picture of astonishing clarity and detail, which serves to capture the essential character of the music being recorded.

The m801’s signal path has been hot-rodded to be fully balanced from start to finish, resulting in wider dynamic range, while new higher current output drivers enable even longer cable runs without signal loss.

Now included on each channel is a dedicated ribbon microphone switch, which shifts the preamplifier’s entire gain range up 10dB, while deactivating 48V phantom power, optimizing input impedance and bypassing the decoupling capacitors. And, we’ve added an additional set of 8 channel balanced outputs for sending signals to a secondary recorder, workstation or console.

Each channel offers 48V phantom, phase reverse and a 20dB pad. Gain controls are our finest 24 position gold contact rotary switches, wired with 1% metal film resistors for maximum audio performance and perfect resetability. All components, active and passive, are selected for pure audio performance and long term reliability. No corners are cut and no compromises are made.

While its predecessor now takes its place in pro audio history, the new m801 faithfully furthers the tradition of breathtaking audio performance and perfect reliability in a beautiful, functional 8 channel package.

Features:

fully balanced, transformerless design

all new, higher-current outputs drive even longer cable runs

ribbon mic mode switch on each channel

fast, musical transimpedance amplifier architecture

precision 24 position gold contact rotary switch gain controls

48V phantom power, 20 dB pad and phase reverse

no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path

sealed gold contact relays for all signal switching

all electrical and mechanical design elements maximized for absolute purist, audiophile

performance

large two color LED peak indicator

regulated linear power supply with custom wound toroidal transformer

highest quality metal film resistors used throughout

20 year EON transferable warranty on parts and labor

 

Specifications:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
@ 40dB gain 3dB 50Ω source	4.5Hz-350KHz
@ 40dB gain 0.2dB 50Ω source	18Hz-65KHz
THD+N
@ 20dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz	<.0008%
@ 40dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz	<.0009%
@ 60dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz	<.0070%
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION
@40dB gain +20dBu out
SMPTE/DIN 1:1 (50Hz, 7kHz)	<.0020%
SMPTE/DIN 4:1 (50Hz, 7kHz)	<.0030%
NOISE – REFERRED TO INPUT
@60dB gain 50Ω source	-130dB
@60dB gain 150Ω source	-127dB
@60dB gain 600Ω source	-123dB
PHASE DEVIATION
100-20KHz @40dB gain	<3
CROSSTALK
Any Channel @40dB gain 1kHz	-140dB
Any Channel @40dB gain 10kHz	-130dB
CMRR
@60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 1KHz	>70dB
@60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 10KHz	>70dB
PHANTOM POWER
Voltage +48V	+0.9/ -0.0
6.8kΩ resistor match tolerance	+/- 0.1%
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
1kHz, 100KOhm load	+28dBu
IMPEDANCE
Input	8100Ω
Input, ribbon mode	20KΩ
Output	190Ω
DIMENSIONS
Weight	15lbs (6.8kg)
Height	2U
Width	19
Depth	10
m801 POWER SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS
POWER CONSUMPTION
100-240VAC 50/60Hz	60 Watts max
DIMENSIONS
Weight	6.25lbs (2.8kg)
Height	1.7
Width	8.5
Depth	8.5