Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamp

The Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamp, a discrete, Class 'AB' mic preamp module with an extraordinary sonic signature never before obtained at this price level!

Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamp Details

Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamplifier card has a transformer balanced input with a gain range of +25dB to +80dB. The Model 581 has been carefully constructed and individually tested for quality. It utilizes class "AB" circuitry. This unit is made with 100% discrete components and was fabricated to precisely match vintage counterparts manufactured in the early 70â??s. The Chameleon Labs Model 581 is based on high audio performance design techniques. By employing classic circuit design, polystyrene capacitors, hand selected components and custom wound transformers, Chameleon Labs ensures that the Model 581 will exhibit classic audio sound. It is also designed to comply with any 500 series powered chassis approved by the API VPR Alliance. Your Model 581 represents a dramatic breakthrough in delivering vintage audio performance at an affordable price.

IMOD Upgrade: With this upgrade, the stock mic input transformer is changed to an imported Carnhill transformer.

Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamp Features

Discrete Class AB Circuit
API 500 series compatible card
Powered by CPS-501 Powered Chassis or any 500 series compatible power supply
Fully balanced transformer mic input which can be upgraded to a vintage style Carnhill unit
Transformer balanced output
300 Ohms or 1.2K Ohms mic input selector
48VDC phantom power selector
Hi-Z Direct Input for instruments on the front panel
Output level control functions as a fader when going straight to D.A.W. or tape
LED illuminated push buttons for visual confirmation
LED Metering (Power, Signal, +4dB, Peak)
One year warranty

Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamp Specifications

Noise Specification
- Mic/DI: Better than -125dBm EIN between -80 and -40 dBm referenced to
- 600Ω input impedance, SNR 116dB at maximum output.
- Transformer balanced and floating drive 600Ω Load
Audio Spec
- Audio Output: +26dBu into 600Ω load impedance
- Maximum Output: 20Hz â?" 20kHz -0.5dB
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz â?" 50 kHz -3dB
LED Indicators
- Blue: Power On
- Green: Signal Present
- Yellow: +4dB Output Level
- Red: Output Overload

Chameleon Labs 581 500-Series Microphone Preamp Downloads

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5
Can't beat it...

Posted by Anonymous on Jul 22nd 2014

There are few if any competitors to this pre. It has all the features you need, and enough metering. And a DI! For $400!! Buy it now.

It also feels great. Nice and heavy with good build quality.