| DACS Clarity MicAmp Details
Some of the factors which make the DACS MicAmp sound so good (“..great detail, depth and clarity in the sound with a wonderful easy quality to it” as Calum Malcolm told us) are not easily translatable into performance figures. The three ultra low noise super matched pair transistors on the input stage have a lot to do with it.
The microphone is connected directly to the input transistor array, giving the correct load without the addition of other components which degrade the signal. They are current devices, so there are always lots of electrons moving around. We believe that this is the reason why, even at very low levels there is never any graininess in the sound, and that it is always clear, open and detailed. The noise performance may most usefully be expressed in comparison with an NE5534, the low noise IC used in most professional applications. The MicAmp’s noise is typically 16dB less, even at maximum gain.
Easy to set up, easy to use, it produces an extraordinarily clear, uncoloured, detailed and complete sound for recording everything from voice and acoustic instruments to overheads on drums, with bomb proof input stage and optional in line pad. Users universally describe it as one of the finest microphone amplifiers in the world.
DACS Clarity MicAmp Specifications
- Distortion <.0022% (.0002% over audio range)
- Self Noise -133dB
- Cross talk better than -90dB @ 1kHz
- Frequency response Flat <20Hz (ca 1Hz) to ca 55kHz with tailored roll off
- CMRR 50Hz typically 70dB @ 20dB gain, 120dB @ 62dB gain,
- 20kHz typically 61dB @ 20dB gain,
- 110dB @ 62dB gain
DACS Clarity MicAmp Reviews
Hugh Robjohns said in Sound On Sound:
“…eerily silent background, and the astonishing level of detail that this unit produces…given a good microphone, every nuance of the original sound source is faithfully captured and amplified…It’s simply stunning!“
Dave Foister said in Studio Sound:
“a single-mindedness towards sheer sonic quality with little time for fripperies…open and complete, with an integrity that inspires confidence…the DACS MicAmp [is] an extraordinarily attractive buy.”
Eliott James said in Mix Magazine:
“When using the DACS [MicAmp], it sounded as if a cover had been taken off the microphone … you didn’t have to have golden ears to be startled by the clarity of the DACS MicAmp.”
Marco Migliari, Real World Studios UK said:
“We used it on two long sessions with an AKG 12 VR valve mic. We got great results; the vocals we recorded just sounded really good. And the metering was brilliant. I loved it. I want to buy one!” (And he did)
What We Think
Looking for clarity? Look no further. This is an AMAZINGLY clean piece, tons of gain, and sounds good on lots and lots of stuff. When you need absolute transparent audio for the finest of sources the DACS Clarity Mic Amp delivers it above anything else I’ve used! - Warren Dent, Front End Audio |
