Aphex 207D 2-Channel Tube Microphone/Instrument Preamp with Digital Output

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Two independent low noise channels of tube amplification, Microphone and Instrument inputs, Word Clock I/O, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs

Overview

The Model 207D is an audiophile quality tube mic preamp without the high cost usually associated with such products. It will meet or exceed the performance of preamps costing many times more. The Model 207 will reveal the subtlety and power of vintage condensers, ribbons, electrets, and popular dynamic mics. Even the world's most respected microphones will sound better.

The instrument inputs also are quieter and have more gain, than conventional instrument preamps. The MicLim circuitry, previously only available in our flagship Model 1100 2 channel and Model 1788 8 channel mic preamps, makes the Model 207D virtually crashproof - making it a perfect front end for digital recorders.

By combining the best traits of tube and solid state circuitry, the Model 207D captures a sound that is warmer, fuller and more true to life. Whether you are recording, mixing live, broadcasting or webcasting, the signal has to travel a long journey before its final delivery. So give your sound a great start with the Aphex Model 207D Tube Mic/Instrument Preamp.

Benefits
Dramatically improves microphone performance Greater dynamic range and frequency response

Dramatically improves instrument performance Fuller, more realistic sound
Improved Detail and Intelligibility Record hotter tracks with the highest possible resolution

Tighter lows; clearer up-front mids; Strong highs without edginess

MicLim offers up to a 20dB increase in dynamic range and makes the Model 207 virtually crashproof

Features… read more
Two independent low noise channels of tube amplification

Microphone and Instrument inputs on each channel

MicLim on each channel

Mic Input: 20 to 65dB of continuously variable gain

Instrument Input: -infinity to 65dB of continuously variable gain

Switchable 48 volt Phantom Power with ramp up feature

Delayed Turn On

Polarity, 20 dB pad and Low Cut Filter switches

LED Headroom Meter Display for each channel

Switchable -10 dBv / +4 dBu operating level

Balanced 3-pin and 1/4 in. TRS Inputs and Outputs

Word Clock I/O, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs

Internal Switch Mode Power Supply

Proprietary Circuitry
MicLim provides up to 20 dB of gain reduction. It is a custom designed optical attenuator, located directly on the mic input line that smoothly limits the microphone's output signal according to the MicLim peak detector's control current. Since attenuation comes prior to preamplification, the patented MicLim can increase the Model 207D's effective headroom by up to 20 dB. MicLim detects the preamp's output signal and instructs the input attenuator to proportionately reduce the microphone's output level just enough to prevent clipping. MicLim has no effect at all when the preamp's output level is not approaching clipping.

Reflected Plate Amplifier The patented RPA is a true vacuum tube circuit which has all the desired characteristics without the heat, fragility, sonic variability, short life and high frequency roll-off of conventional tube designs.

Other Innovative Features
Delayed Turn-On - The power LED glows orange while the Tube circuit is stabilized and all DC is eliminated (ensuring no turn on thump which can seriously harm loudspeakers). When the LED turns green the Model 207 is ready for optimum performance.

Switch Mode Power Supply - this internal power supply will automatically adjust to any line voltage making the 207D an excellent choice for touring applications: no switches to throw, no jumpers to remember to set, etc.

For Recording Microphones and Instruments
The Model 207D will capture the subtleties of voices and instruments that are missed by the inexpensive mic preamps fpund in most audio consoles, DAW's and other standalone preamps. This detail, dimension and space will greatly improve the overall "sound" of your recordings. With this improvement in realism comes an enhanced presence allowing for easier placement in the final mix. For recording instruments a typical mono tube direct box (DI) sells for about the price of a model 207D - and we'll give you two great DI's plus two great mmic preamps, more useful features and Aphex quality all in one box! MicLim allows you to utilize every last bit of digital resolution for the most dynamic recordings possible.

For Live Sound, Touring PA, and Fixed Installations
The 207 can bring anything miked up out of the mix by greatly improving detail and presence. Vocals and instruments will have a noticeable improvement in clarity and depth when switched to a Model 207D. The Switch Mode power supply offers stable performance even with unstable mains voltages. MicLim eliminates those desperate lunges over the mixing desk to trim back overloaded preamps.

For Broadcasting and Webcasting
Typical Broadcasting and Webcasting chains reduce the clarity and detail of an audio signal. Thie is especially damaging to voice presence and intelligibility. Voices miked through the 207D will better retain their original character and impact. MicLim ensures a strong undistorted sound that will still sound good out of a computer speaker, car radio, or high fidelity system.

As a "Direct Box"
For bass, acoustic guitar and keyboards the Model 207D's low-noise, wide frequency response and tube warmth allow each instrument's unique character to be captured. The MicLim circuit works on the instrument input also, protecting against overload distortion.

Digital Outs
The Aphex 207D preamp adds Word Clock I/O, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs to their popular Model 207, for direct digital connection throughout your signal chain, with up to 96k sampling rates.

Specs

Audio
Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB 30Hz - 30 kHz

EIN: -129dBu (input shorted)

Crosstalk (10 Hz - 22kHz): -79 dB or better

THD (10 Hz-22kHz at -11dBfs): < 0.18%

Tube Type: 12AT7 / ECC81 Dual Triode

Mic Input
Connector: XLR-3F

Type: Transformerless, NPN active balanced

Balanced: 2k ohms nominal

Maximum Level:
0 dBu (If operating level set to +4 dBu,)
+12.5 dBV (+14.8 dBu) (if set to -10dBv)

CMRR Greater than 70dB @ 60 Hz

Nominal Preamp Gain:
20 to 65dB minus OUTPUT TRIM loss (If operating level set to +4 dBu)
8 to 53 dB minus OUTPUT TRIM loss (if set to -10dBv)

Instrument Input
Connector: 1/4 in. Phone Jacks

Type: Unalanced JFET amp

Input Z: 1M ohm nominal

Maximum Level: 10V RMS

Nominal Preamp Gain
Infinity to 65dB minus Output Trim loss (If operating level set to +4 dBu,)
Infinity to 38dB minus Output Trim loss (if set to -10dBv)

Output
Connector: XLR-3M and 1/4 in. TRS Phone Jacks

Type: Impedance balanced (may be used unbalanced)

Output Z Balanced: XLR: 66 ohms - TRS: 1200 ohms

Output Z Unbalanced: XLR: 33 ohms - TRS: 600 ohms

Nominal Level:
+4 dBu
-10dBv (316 mVRMS)

Maximum Level:
+21dBu Unloaded (If operating level set to +4 dBu,)
+6.75 dBV Unloaded (if set to -10dBv)

Output Trim: 0 to -12 dB

Insert
Connector: 1/4 in. TRS Phone Jack

Send: Tip

Return: Ring

Nominal Operating Level: -10dBv (316 mVRMS)

Point of Insertion: Between front-end and Tube Output Stage

Other Specifications
Power requirements: 90-250 VAC 50-60 Hz 12W

Dimensions (W x H x D): 19 x 1.75 x 8.25 in. 1 Rack U (482.6 x 44.5 x 209.6mm)

Depth behind front panel: 7.5 in. (190.5 mm)

Net Weight: 6 lbs (2.73 kg)

Shipping Weight : 9 lbs (4.1 kg)