The John Hardy M-1 2-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 2-Channel Microphone Preamp Features
- JT-16-B Input Transformer. Jensen's best mic input model.
- 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.
- 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 2-Channel Microphone Preamp Includes
- M-1 2-Channel Microphone Preamp
- IEC Power Cable
- Warranty Information
4 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Fantastic Preamp
Jul 19th 2020These preamps are great, particularly on drum overheads. I have always loved them. My final product always sounds so much better when I use John Hardy's.
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John Hardy M-1 2-Channel Microphone Preamp
Aug 9th 2016Exquisite tool!!
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simply the best...
Sep 22nd 2014having used these for years, i was finally able to get my own. great customer service from dave alewife and an awesome personal touch from john hardy himself. everyone went the extra mile to makes sure i had it for my session…and this unit sounds simply amazing!
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John Hardy M-1 2-Channel Microphone Preamp
Apr 17th 2014The John Hardy is the first no-tube preamp I use in my studio. I own an AVALON vt 737, a Pendulum MDP-1, a Universal Audio 2-610 and a Universal Audio 610/1176 channel strip. Microphones I use are Neumann U 87 and KM 184, Brauner phantom, Mojave M 300, AKG 414 and AEA N 22. The preamps go to a RME fireface and then to a Mac Pro using Logic software. So you see it's all on the high end side of the gear world. I mostly record acoustic music (singer/songwriter, acoustic jazz, blues, celtic, fingerstyle guitar, bluegrass). Last night I had my first try and shoot out with the John Hardy M 1 recording acoustic guitar (Collings OM 2 HA deep body) using a U 87. What can I say ? The sound is clean, warm, full, right in the face - everything a decent preamp can be. I don't even miss the silken warmth of my trusty tube preamps. The M 1 will stay. I can't wait to try some more, so now I will climb two floors down to my studio recording vocals, bouzouki and mandolin .
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