It's the first time I hear (or read) about them...
I like the mute button, it's a nice touch.
Also I Wonder about the class A option and what difference it makes on the sound..

pcrecord, post: 445264, member: 46460 wrote: I Wonder about the class A option and what difference it makes on the sound..

They need more info on the website that outlines the "Option". I found this through google searching.

OPTIONS
Each channel may be equipped with a Class-A
input stage.
Each output can be equipped with transformer
balanced outputs consisting of active feedback
transformers.
Each channel may be equipped with a versatile
GP-I/O interface.

At that price, you would think someone knows the product.. No hit on youtube...
How did you find them and what is your interest ?

Searching for good preamp matches for my Royer SF-24V.
http://www.royerlab…

Technical Data

• Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with vacuum tube electronics.
• Vacuum Tube: JAN mil-spec 5840W pentode wired in triode configuration
• Polar Pattern: Crossed figure-8's
• Generating Element: 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon
• Frequency Response: 30-15,000 Hz +/- 3dB
• Sensitivity: -38 dB (re. 1v/pa +/-1dB)
• Self-Noise: < 18 dB
• Output Impedance: 450 Ohms @ 1K
• Recommended Load Impedance: 1500 Ohms or greater
• Maximum SPL: >130dB
• Microphone Output Connector: Male XLR 7 pin (stereo*)
• Power Supply Output Connectors: Two Male XLR-3 pin
• Power Requirements: Plate supply: 135 VDC @2ma, Filament supply: 6 VDC@ 150ma from dedicated power supply.
• Supply Current: 4 mA per channel
• Microphone Dimensions: 270mm X 39mm (base) X 25mm (top) (10 5/8"X 1.5" X 1")
  Weight: 583 grams (20.5 oz)
• Finish: Dull Satin Nickel, Optical Black finish optional

Polar Pattern

Interesting:

Found this list of recommended micpre's off the Royer FAQ sheet:
https://royerlabs.c…

Do you have a list of recommended mic pres?

We've had the opportunity to work with many brands of preamplifiers and some stand out as real winners. In no particular order, here are a few we've had good results with:
Preamplifiers We Like

• Millennia Media HV-3 series (especially for classical work)
• Grace 101, 201
• Great River MV-2NP, MP-4
• Phoenix Audio DRS-2
• Sonosax SX-M2 (for portable or field work)
• John Hardy
• Neve
• API
• Universal Audio
• Chandler
• Rupert Neve Portico
• Summit Audio 2BA-221
• Trident Audio
• Avalon
• Daking Mic Pre/EQ 52270
• Gordon Instruments

For tube lovers:

• Manley
• A Designs MP-2
• Pendulum Audio MDP-1
• Groove Tubes Vipre

Also see Preamp Considerations

They don't list Focusrite, I bet it's because of their transformers.. or they just didn't care for testing them (other pre in the list have transformers)
I use my ISAs with the 2 cascade Fat head I have.. Can't for other mics but with those, they work...
Many on the list are tube mics... makes me realise I never tested the fathead with my UA-LA-610s.... ;)
Hey wait, why haven't they put Universal audio in the tube lovers section ?

I have the Millennia M-2b  "The World’s Most Elegant Tube Mic Preamplifier"

The World’s Most Elegant Tube Mic Preamplifier

• Musical, involving, euphonic
• High speed transformerless, pure Class A, 350 volt
• triode design
• Differential topology: no attenuator “pads” required
• Effortless dynamics, vividly realistic ambience
• >35 dBu output headroom
• High resolution gain control
• Precision potentiometers, ultra-premium components
• Built for critical professional applications
• Gold audio connectors, tube sockets, and relays
• 3/8“ thick radius extruded aluminum face plate
• Durable mirror-gloss anodized finish
• Mil spec 16 gauge cold-rolled steel chassis
• Ultra-clean toroid power supply: internal sub-chassis
• Hand machined aluminum knobs,
• illuminated IT&T push buttons
• Richly musical vintage vacuum tubes available
• Mogami Neglex OFC audio wiring
• Silver Teflon power wiring

Specifications

Minimum Gain 14 dB
Maximum Gain (3 ranges with continuous trim) 50 dB
Frequency Response (+0 / -3 dB) 4 Hz to 130 kHz
Noise (50 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 30 kHz, 150 ohm Source) -116 dB EIN
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (30 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 20 kHz Bandwidth, 0 dBu Out) < .02%
Intermodulation Distortion (50 Hz & 7 kHz) 35 dB Gain, +27 dBu Out < .0009%
Phase Response (35 dB Gain, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +26 dBu Out) < 10 degrees deviation
Phase Response, Stereo Deviation (35 dB Gain, 20 Hz - 40 kHz, +27 dBu Out) < 1 degree
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (30 dB Gain, 1 kHz, 100 mV C.M.) > 60 dB
Slew Rate (35 dB Gain, +27 dBu Out) > 20 Volts per microsecond
Maximum Input Level (20 Hz - 40 kHz, 14 dB Gain) +20 dBu (no attenuator pads required)
Maximum Output Level (20 Hz - 40 kHz, 10 kilohm Min. Load) > +35 dBu
Interchannel Crosstalk (30 dB Gain, 1 kHz, 0 dBu Both Outputs) < 70 dB
30 dB Gain, 1 kHz, 0 dBu Both Outputs < 70 dB
Phantom Input Impedance 3.800 ohms
Output Impedance 120 ohms
DPA (B&K) Mic Powering +130 V dc max, (non-phantom)
Phantom Powering +48 V dc, +/- 2 V dc
Power Consumption 50 watts maximum
Power Requirements Selectable: 100-120, 200-240 V ac, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions/Shipping Weight 19” W x 3.5” H x 12” D, 26 lbs..
[/SPOILER]and love that but I'm thinking I would like to add a different design with a transformer now.

I owned the Great River MP-2NV and found it okay for guitars but didn't keep it. I may consider Hardy next.

pcrecord, post: 445304, member: 46460 wrote: The don't list Focusrite, I bet it's because of their transformers.. or they just didn't care for testing them (other pre in the list have transformers)

Check this out: https://royerlabs.c…
see:
To transformer or not to transformer?

Many modern solid-state preamplifiers have eliminated the traditional input-coupling transformer altogether, and in many cases the output coupling transformer as well. This not only saves space, weight and money, but also offers a more direct route for the signal to travel as it makes its way through the signal path.

So, do transformerless designs sound better? Not necessarily! Transformers add their own special alchemy to the mix. Call it coloration, but transformer coupled designs tend to sound punchy and full-bodied. Transformers also offer the benefit of true electronic isolation. This greatly enhances a preamp's ability to interface with other equipment with minimal noise, RF, hum or induced interference. Once again, it's a matter of taste and, in some cases, budget. Transformer coupled amplifiers usually cost more than their ironless cousins.

I love how that Lake People pre looks. (looks can be deceiving :cautious:) The tranny option for these looks interesting.

Gain structure looks smartly done.

audiokid, post: 445310, member: 1 wrote: (looks can be deceiving :cautious:)

you had very sexy units in your racks overtime Chris... I wish I could have tried all the stuff you used ;)

The Lake People unit looks good and has impressive specs. One practical thing would make me a little cautious: from my long design experience, it's not really possible to build a quality design that has optional components, particularly when it comes to transformers. You design as a whole, as each part influences everything else to a greater or lesser extent.

pcrecord, post: 445317, member: 46460 wrote: you had very sexy units in your racks overtime Chris... I wish I could have tried all the stuff you used ;)

I know . I have great memories enjoying sitting around all that gear. But at least I can share my experiences with you :) In total honesty, I sold most of it once the CDN dropped below 80 because a DAW does it better. UA gear is special. So are Pultecs. The Pulse ones.
I still have LA2A's and 1176's.
SPL Premium mic pre's are really sweet. The m-2b I rave about all the time is stunning. Absolutely beautiful on piano, guitars, vocals. I hope to pass that onto my kids.

Boswell, post: 445333, member: 29034 wrote: The Lake People unit looks good and has impressive specs. One practical thing would make me a little cautious: from my long design experience, it's not really possible to build a quality design that has optional components, particularly when it comes to transformers. You design as a whole, as each part influences everything else to a greater or lesser extent.

You are so sharp, Bos. I was thinking about that too. I mean, why wouldn't they make the best unit without compromising the integrity of another. I guess they are tweaked different.