Hey Tom!

Yes, I've used the MP20 and for the most part, found it to be a pretty decent pre. (Although I don't really care for their tube emulation device - IDSS??)

The one that I used was one of their early production models which used the Jensen input transformer. It was excedingly clean and full sounding. The newer ones, however, do not use the Jensen (or any other transformer of good reputation for that matter - nothing wrong with the one they use, just not a GREAT xfrmr). If you sent in one with the Jensen tranny, make sure that's what you get back or I'm afraid you will not be too happy. The sound will be completely different!

J.

I too have an early model Serial number in the 30's so mine also has the Jensen transformer in it.

Thanks for the reply. I too do not like the tube emulator circuit and leave it off.

I have used the unit for voice and some classical recordings. I popped the top to see how the unit was constructed (and to see if it had the Jensen Transformers in it) and was impressed with the overall construction and quality of the components. It is always interesting and educational to see what is inside something that you like.

Thomas W. Bethel wrote: I too have an early model Serial number in the 30's so mine also has the Jensen transformer in it.

Thanks for the reply. I too do not like the tube emulator circuit and leave it off.

I have used the unit for voice and some classical recordings. I popped the top to see how the unit was constructed (and to see if it had the Jensen Transformers in it) and was impressed with the overall construction and quality of the components. It is always interesting and educational to see what is inside something that you like.

I have used the M80 (8 channel unit) and was not that impressed. The metering was far from accurate (unit ref's to 0dbu, not +4dbu), ccrosstalk did not meet spec when tested with an AP, and rotory pots that did not have any means to match one another. I too did not like the IDSS. It is a nice unit for the dollar value, but if I had the option to buy something else, I definately would.

alexaudio wrote: [quote=Thomas W. Bethel]I too have an early model Serial number in the 30's so mine also has the Jensen transformer in it.

Thanks for the reply. I too do not like the tube emulator circuit and leave it off.

I have used the unit for voice and some classical recordings. I popped the top to see how the unit was constructed (and to see if it had the Jensen Transformers in it) and was impressed with the overall construction and quality of the components. It is always interesting and educational to see what is inside something that you like.

I have used the M80 (8 channel unit) and was not that impressed. The metering was far from accurate (unit ref's to 0dbu, not +4dbu), ccrosstalk did not meet spec when tested with an AP, and rotory pots that did not have any means to match one another. I too did not like the IDSS. It is a nice unit for the dollar value, but if I had the option to buy something else, I definately would.

I don't think the 8 channel unit is the same animal as the MP-20 but have no information to prove or disprove my claims. The MP-20 is pretty fully loaded inside the chassis in a one rack space unit and I am not sure they could cram all of that into the 8 channel unit which is only two rack channels high but who knows...... I understand that the M-80 comes with a "seperate" power supply?

Presonus does not make any claims that they are the same. I also know that my unit has a Jensen transformers in it and that the newer units have some other off brand transformer in them so I am not sure which transformers the M-80 has at the present time or when you tried your unit. Thanks for all your helpful comments.

Yeah, the M80 is a COMPLETELY different pre.

Presonus tried to say that it was 8 channels of MP20, but one look at the circuitry and one listen will tell you otherwise.

J.

I sent the Presonus MP-20 back to Presonus and they found a bad FET and had to rebalance the circuit.

I asked if I could get a schematic of the MP-20 but NO DEAL. They will not release schematics for their equipment. Too bad.

I should get the unit back later this week and will let you know how it sounds.