Lake People MIC-AMP F355

Anyone ever try the Lake People MIC-AMP F355 micpre?



http://www.lake-people.de/produktdetails/mic-amp-f355.html

Technical Data
Inputs: 2, electr. balanced, 5 kohms
Input CMRR: > 80 dB (@ 15 kHz / +60 dB)
Max. input level: > +21 dBu ( > 33 dBu with pad)
Gain coarse: 0 ... +66 dB (6 dB steps)
Gain fine: +/- 5 dB variable
Gain accuracy: +/- 0,25 dB
Lo-Cut: 12 Hz ... 250 Hz (-3 dB)
THD+N: < 0,001 %
Noise: -129 dB (@ 60 dB gain)
Frequency range: 10 Hz … 20 kHz (-0,1 dB)
5 Hz ... 70 / 150 kHz (-3 dB)
Internal bandwidth: 200 kHz (@ +60 dB gain)
Max. output level: > +25 dBu (in 600 ohms)
Output CMRR: > 60 dB (@ 15 kHz)
Output impedance: < 30 ohms
Meter range: 0 … -36 dBr, adjustable
Power supply: 115 / 230 VAC, 15 VA
Dimensions: 483x44x166 mm (WxHxD), 19", 1U
Case: Stainless steel
Front: Front dark grey

 

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.

 

Searching for good preamp matches for my Royer SF-24V.
http://www.royerlabs.com/SF-24V.html

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:
http://www.royerlabs.com/preampconsiderations.html

Do you have a list of recommended mic pres?

• 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

 

I have the Millennia M-2b

Spoiler: 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..

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.

 

Check this out: http://www.royerlabs.com/preampconsiderations.html
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 ) The tranny option for these looks interesting.

Gain structure looks smartly done.

 

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.

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.