John Hardy M-1 1-Channel Microphone Preamp

John Hardy

(3 reviews) Write a Review
Product Code: 2390
$1,195.00
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Built To Order

This item is built to order and may have a lead-time before shipping, but we will get it to you as quickly as possible. Go ahead and place your order and we will follow up with an ETA as soon as we have it. If you have a deadline then please contact us before placing the order so we can meet your expectations.

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The John Hardy M-1 1-Channel Microphone Preamp is among the finest mic preamps in the world. It provides the accuracy and transparency that is missing in other mic preamps. No matter what your application, the M-1 will provide superior sound quality.

When you purchase the John Hardy M-1 from Front End Audio, you get the following upgrades included free of charge!

  • VU-1 meter: Very accurate and informative 20 segment LED meter card with separate peak LED for monitoring preamp output.
  • JT-11-BMQ Output Transformer: Jensen's best line output transformer.

The world's best input transformer (Jensen JT-16-B), best op-amp (990 discrete op-amp) and the elimination of all capacitors from the signal path combine to provide the highest performance. The John Hardy M-1 has a 19" wide mainframe rack-mount chassis (1.75"H x 19"W x 8"D) and can be ordered with 1 to 4 channels. There are two meter options and the best Jensen output transformer (JT-11-BMQ) is also available as an option (Front End Audio includes these options with your unit!). Additional channels and options can be easily added later up to the total capacity of the mainframe.

What Is The Difference Between the M-1 and the M-2?

The John Hardy M-1 was introduced in 1987 and while sonically identical to the M-2 there are a few control differences. The M-1 has a two-section gain-pot providing continuously variable adjustment in two overlapping ranges that are selected by the "HIGH GAIN" switch. (The M-2 has a 16 position gain-switch with 1% metal-film resistors providing accurate and repeatable gain settings. Since the "HIGH GAIN" switch isn't necessary, the M-2 is available with either a "20 OHM MIC" switch OR a "20dB PAD" switch).

John Hardy M-1 1-Channel Microphone Preamp Features

  • JT-16-B Input Transformer. Jensen's best mic input model.
  • 990 Discrete Op-Amp. Faster, quieter, more powerful and better sounding than typical monolithic op-amps.
  • Elimination Of All Coupling Capacitors From The Signal Path. Results in less degradation of the audio signal.
  • Dual Range Gain Control And 'High Gain' Switch. Provides great feel and resolution for easy and accurate adjustments.
  • Polarity Reverse Switch.
  • Phantom Power Switch.
  • All Front Panel Switches Are LED Illuminated.
  • Gold Plated XLR Connectors for maximum reliability.
  • Ground Lift Switch On Each Channel. Helpful for eliminating ground loops.
  • Toroidal Power Transformer With Additional Shielding. Eliminates hum problems so no external power supply is needed.
  • Universal Power Supply. Internal switch provides six primary voltage choices to accommodate use anywhere in the world.
  • Chassis Ground Isolation Switch. Helpful for eliminating ground loops.
  • Built To Order, the way YOU want It. Various options can be easily field installed at a later date.

John Hardy M-1 1-Channel Microphone Preamp Includes

  • M-1 1-Channel Microphone Preamp
  • IEC Power Cable
  • Warranty Information

3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    M1 Wins Every time
    DsharpEnt

    Nothing much I can add to this legendary mic pre! What I will say is it’s everything good that’s been said and I’m never letting my baby go

  • 5
    Super Fast
    Stephen Wojtas

    This piece of equipment has taken my production to a whole new level. And it also couldn't have arrived faster. Thanks!

  • 5
    Knowledge with a cap K
    Mark Hanson

    Alan gave me the lowdown on what my studio needed and it has really helped out. My recordings are more clean and crisp than ever before. Exactly what I was looking for as a VO artist. The Hardy M1 has a beautiful sound. It's clean but adds depth. I have been using it on almost every recording.

What We Think

avatar

John Hardy preamps will have you on the way to cleaner, clearer recordings with more detail than you may be used to! Really sweet stuff. They're built-to-order and worth the couple of weeks wait. When you have a John Hardy preamp, you know that your studio and your work are now benefiting from the fastidious commitment to build quality and excellent application by John Hardy from Deane Jensen's original 990 Op Amp design.

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