The British Audio Technologies Altec 1588 500-Series Preamp brings the unmistakable character of the legendary Altec 1588C microphone preamp into the modern 500-series format, delivering rich transformer tone, musical saturation, and classic analog personality.
Rather than chasing ultra-clean transparency, the BAT 1588 is purpose-built for engineers and producers who want recordings to feel finished from the moment they're captured. Featuring premium Cinemag input and output transformers, an all-discrete transistor signal path, and hand-built UK craftsmanship, the BAT 1588 adds depth, harmonic richness, and a forward midrange that helps vocals, guitars, drums, and instruments naturally find their place in a mix. Inspired by one of the most respected transistor microphone preamps of the 1960s, the BAT 1588 faithfully preserves the simple yet powerful topology that made the original so desirable while incorporating thoughtful enhancements for modern recording workflows. Its transformer-balanced input and output stages, free from op-amps or integrated circuits in the audio path, deliver a smooth saturation curve and musical coloration that complements today's digital recording systems. A dedicated trim control lets you fine-tune how hard the preamp is driven, while the output fader makes it possible to push the output transformer into rich analog saturation before dialing the signal back for the next device in your chain. Whether you're recording vocals that need to sit effortlessly in a mix, adding punch to drums, warming up DI bass and synthesizers, or bringing harmonic complexity to electric guitars, the BAT 1588 delivers timeless analog tone with exceptional consistency and build quality.
British Audio Technologies Altec 1588 500-Series Preamp Features
- Faithfully evolved version of the classic Altec 1588C microphone preamp circuit
- Designed for the standard 500-series format
- Premium Cinemag input and output transformers
- Fully discrete transistor signal path with no op-amps or ICs
- Transformer-balanced input and output stages
- Musical harmonic coloration with smooth analog saturation
- Variable trim control for adjusting preamp drive and saturation
- Output fader allows transformer saturation while controlling output level
- Excellent choice for vocals, drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, and synthesizers
- Hand-assembled in small production batches in the UK
- Built with premium components for long-term reliability and consistent performance
British Audio Technologies Altec 1588 500-Series Preamp Specifications
- Gain: ~55dB (perfect for dynamic mics, ribbons with boosters or condenser mics)
- Frequency Response: 0.5dB deviation from 20Hz to 25KHz
- Circuit: Discrete Altec 1588C-inspired topology with no op-amps or ICs on the signal path
- Transformers: Cinemag input/output
- Trim adjustment: To fine tune the preamp saturation
- Output Fader: The output fader lets you saturate the output transformer for added colour, then reduce the level before the next stage
- Power: Standard 500 Series Rack (±16V)
- Components: 1 Watt 1% metal film resistors, Nichicon Gold capacitors, high quality potentiometers and E-switch high quality switches
- Build: Hand-assembled in small batches and tested for consistency
British Audio Technologies Altec 1588 500-Series Preamp Includes
- British Audio Technologies Altec 1588 500-Series Preamp
- Manufacturer Warranty
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