1/The E.Q functions on the vmp series preamps are intended for subtle enhancement or correction before committing sounds to tape/DAW.They are wide-Q and either open up the top or bottom register.
DEEP:
This is , yes , a boost type E.Q.Starts very low , from 15 hz.
+1db @ 20 hz
+8db@ 40hz ….. peak
+5db @ 55 hz
+1 db @ 320 hz
I actually think the peak is the bottom ‘E’ in frequency .

AIR: The ‘air’ and ‘ bright ‘ settings have a different curve/Q , depending on the pad level switch setting.
With 0 db pad selected:
+1 db @ 6.2 khz
+ 4 db @ 14.5 khz……… peak
+1 db @ 30 khz
flat again at 38 khz

With –15 db pad selected:
+1 db @ 4.2 khz
+5 db @ 9.4 khz
+9 db @ 26.4 khz ………peak
+5 db @ 62 khz
flat again at 88 khz

With –30 db pad selected:
+1 db @ 4.2 khz
+ 5 db @ 12.6 khz
+ 6 db @ 20.6 khz………peak
+ 5 db @ 33 khz
flat again at 58 khz.

BRIGHT:
With 0 db pad selected:
+1 db @ 3.3 khz
+ 4 db @ 5.8 khz
+ 5 db @ 11.8 khz ………peak
+1 db @ 30 khz
flat again at 38 khz

With –15 db pad selected:
+1 db @ 2.4khz
+ 5 db @ 5.4 khz
+9 db @ 20 khz ………peak
+5 db @ 60 khz
flat again at 88 khz

With –30 db pad selected:
+1 db @ 4.2 khz
+ 5 db @ 6.2 khz
+ 8 db @ 16.8 khz………peak
+5 db @ 38 khz
flat again at 58 khz.

These are just basic plots but you can see how sweet those frequencies are… particularly those peaks , they are way above that horrible top-mid area.

2/ The new vmp design features an upgraded gain structure/circuit giving up to 60 – 70 db of gain.
If more gain is required , you can easily link two channels together for a massive magnification.

3/ We use J.J tubes ( 12at7 ) , and locally sourced hand wound audio transformers.
Occasionally I have used OEP audio transformers with identical results. :w:

Sebatron,
Much good info, thanks. Chris is sending me a unit to check out. Double smiles. David

the sebatron mic pre is one of the most uniquest mic pre's i have worked with.

believe the hype!!!!!!

Yes, Sebatron, thanks for posting that info.
Very interesting how the pad switches affect the eq response. Hmmm...so many options; I'll be doing a ton of comparative listening. May I suggest adding that to your owner manuals? Ha, I guess I just did.

…good idea SC…
I’ve been meaning to plot those graphs for a while ,
I didn’t realize they peaked so high ‘till I did that recent sweep.
Most of what I do is dictated by ear.

Yes , the variable pad level makes the circuit quite flexible from being transparent to coloured and the EQ circuit interacts with the negative feedback loop to provide many options….
Let’s see…. 3 * 3 * 3 => 27 colours in all.

:w:

Hey Sebatron,
I got a hold of Chris's vmp today. I tracked some electric guitar, and compared it to the Universal Audio 2-610. I am impressed. The vmp held up well against the 2-610. I found the vmp to be a little more defined in the high end. I do prefer the eq of the 2-610, in both sound and functionality, but I understand that the eq function on the vmp is designed to perform corrections to pre-DAW signals. Not a knock on the vmp, however, all the eq buttons sound right. All in all, serious kudos- the UA is my favorite preamp and I was NOT disappointed by the vmp. Tomorrow I hope to track some bass. David

David,
One thing I have found that the vmp really shines on is acoustic guitar. I used a U87 aimed at the point where the neck joins the body of my Martin D28 and the sound is absolutly huge! I also really like the front panel 1/4" inputs, using them for drum machines and synths. The vmp really warms up these digital 16 bit babies! Give both these techniques a shot while you have Chris' unit there.

Thanks Kurt,
I did some bass DI through the Seb yesterday and dug it. Tomorrow I am going to do some vox and acoustic guitar, wish I had an 87 laying around. I will give my humble opinions on that application later. David

hey Mujtaba what other pres have you been using