Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII Details The Chameleon Labs7602 MKII is the sequel to our smash hit 7602 Microphone Preamplifier/Equalizer. The 7602 MKII new eatures include: selectable mic impedance, LED input metering, upgraded knob styles, and two different power options--all of this for the same price as the original unit. The Chameleon Labs7602 MKII ships with an inline power transformer (all regulation is done inside the unit). The rackmountable CPS-1 can also still be used, but is no longer required.
The Chameleon Labs7602 MKII Microphone Preamplifier/Equalizer is based on a classic and revered design utilizing pure Class ‘A’ circuitry. This unit is made with 100% discrete components, hand wound transformers and was fabricated to precisely match vintage counterparts manufactured in the early to mid 70’s. The Chameleon Labs7602 MKII represents a dramatic breakthrough in delivering vintage audio performance at an affordable price.
Equalizer Section - (Selectable 3 band design with a flexible filter section)
Filter - This is a high pass filter with 3db loss at 300Hz, 160Hz, 80Hz, and 50Hz with an 18db cut per octave slope.
Low Equalization - This section has a shelving slope with four frequency selections: 220Hz, 110Hz, 60Hz, and 35Hz. This equalizer affects the selected frequency and all others below it. The gain control provides 20db of boost or cut.
Mid Equalization - This section has a peaking characteristic with six frequency selections: 360Hz, 700Hz, 1.6k, 3.2k, 4.8k, and 7.2k. The gain control provides 20db of boost or cut.
High Equalization - This section has a shelving characteristic with five frequency selections: 16k, 12k, 7k, 4.9k and 3.4k. This section adjusts the selected frequency and all others above it. The gain control provides 20db of boost or cut.
Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII Features
Fully balanced transformer mic and line inputs
Balanced XLR output
Hi-Z direct input for instruments on the front panel
LED input metering *NEW
Selectable mic impedance switch (300 or 1200 Ohms) *NEW
48VDC phantom power switch
180 degree phase reversal switch
20 position gold contact ELMA rotary gain switch for both Mic and Line sections
Output level control functions as a fader when going straight to tape
Carnhill® mic and output transformer option ($249 MSRP) *NEW
One-year warranty
Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII Electronics By employing classic circuit design, polystyrene capacitors, a gold contact ELMA gain selector and custom wound transformers, Chameleon Labs ensures that the Model 7602 MKII will exhibit classic audio sound. The Chameleon Labs7602 MKII has a transformer balanced input with a range between 20dB and 80 dB of gain. The separate line input is transformer balanced and accepts input levels from -20 to +10dB.
Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII X-Mod
Front End Audio offers factory installed Carnhill Mic and Output Transformers for te 7602 MKII. Installed and tested in the Chameleon Labs facilities the X-Mod takes your 7602 to the next level!
Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII Power Options
24VAC Adapter: Each Model 7602 MKII ships with a mid-line power supply, type-dependent on country of operation. This is not a traditional "wall-wart" but simply an outboard AC transformer. DC filtering and regulation is accomplished inside the 7602 MKII itself.
CPS-1 Dual Power Supply: For users who prefer a rack-mounted power option, the Chameleon Labs7602 MKII may instead be powered by the CPS-1 Dual Power Supply. The CPS-1 is offered as an optional accessory and can provide power to two 7602 MKII units.
Reviewer:
Jeremy Park
from Nampa, ID United States
The first time I fired this unit up was while mixing an album, where I wanted the snare to have a bit more vintage coloration and sheen. The 7602 MKII worked beautifully in this application. Utilizing its transformer stage, I was able to crank up the input and lower the output volume, causing the snare to hit the transformer a little harder than usual. This created a sound that we've all heard on older recordings! The snare became thicker, more controlled, and well...more analog. I also engaged the EQ section to introduce even more sound shaping, which is amazing BTW. The HF shelf is incredibly smooth while boosting, even in radical amounts, and it will simply kill most of your plugin EQs for raising those highs. I've also recorded some cello, violins, and auxiliary percussion through the 7602 MKII with impressive results. I really love this piece of gear and would love to purchase another when I can afford to =)
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Great pre for the $
January 14, 2010
Reviewer:
Jay
from Troy, NH United States
I bought two of these for my studio. They go from nice and clean to a gritty drive. I like how you can switch the different bands of the filter and eq (sounds awesome) in and out according to what you need at the time. The DI is a nice option and sounds great. The selectable mic impedance and 80db of gain is perfect with ribbon mics. The Front End Audio guys are great so dont hesitate to call them if you have any questions.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
A Great Preamp!
February 12, 2009
Reviewer:
Ashevilleguy
from Asheville, NC
This preamp sounds great and in my opinion is a great bank-for-buck preamp. It is supposed to be modeled after a vintage Neve 1073. It is actually much cleaner and does not give the same character that a 1073 would. The 1073 in my opinion has more girth and definition in the low end. It is a "character" preamp.
The 7602 does sound great though. It holds its own and I find that I do like the character of the preamp. I use it on kick, snare, bass, electric guitar, and I find that it excels on these instruments. The eq is extremely useful and sounds killer. If I don't need the pre I can use the line input so that I can use the eq with other preamps I own.
I have not heard the mods on this preamp, but they look enticing. I talked to Alan whom was very helpful with my purchase and explained the mods that are done. Apparently Carnhill input and output transformers are used, so if you have the extra cash get the mod! He told me that I could get them modded at a later date.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
I diggit
February 10, 2009
Reviewer:
RobO
from Portland, OR United States
I got the premium upgrade option for use in my home studio and am really impressed (I record a lot of experimental pop and folk rock stuff). This thing has a really musical, extended top end that immediately makes my newer tracks pop out and require less processing later. It is generally very clean and "hi-fi" sounding, but the output fader gives you the option of adding some pleasant thickness from the input when needed. Also, the eq is really, really nice- for any price range. The balanced line input is a nice bonus when I just want the eq.
I can't directly compare it with a 1073 or a pricier clone- but I have used them in the past and this basically matches my memory of using those units- it might be a little more open (quick transients) and modern sounding.
I have a couple other options when I want a grittier or darker preamp sound, but I imagine this will be my go-to for years to come.
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