John Hardy M-1 Mic Preamp Single Channel

John Hardy M-1 Details

The John Hardy M-1 Mic 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. 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 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. Additional channels and options can be easily added later up to the total capacity of the mainframe.

The 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 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 Included Options (from Front End Audio)

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.

What We Think
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.

***John Hardy preamps are built to order and there is a typical wait time in most cases. It's part of dealing with small and boutique companies like Hardy, quality product but lead times on most orders. We've seen wait times from 3 days to ship, to several weeks. If you must meet a deadline, please email us and we'll work to find out where your order would be in the production line.

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