A-Designs Introduces “Ventura” Mic Pre/EQ/DI
A-Designs Audio has re-released its JM-3001 mic preamp/EQ/DI under a new name – Ventura – nodding to the classic 70s Quad Eight console that inspired the unit’s three-band parametric EQ.
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In addition to its new moniker, the A-Designs Ventura features a cream-colored faceplate with black nomenclature for improved visibility in low-light environments, plus a new (U.S. MAP) price of $2,095.
With the Ventura A-Designs has created what they feel is a “desert island” preamp that will serve any and all recording and live applications, from tracking rock bands in the studio to mixing live recordings of orchestral ensembles and more.
Sonically, A-Designs describes…When operated at optimal levels, the Ventura produces a signal that is both clear and warm with all the air, detail, and generous depth that one would expect from high quality analog gear. Push it a little harder and the Ventura’s custom-wound, transformers respond with a more aggressive sound while still retaining clarity.
The Ventura’s distinctive three-band parametric EQ lends itself to tracking – i.e. “for capturing midrange punch on guitars or snare without becoming harsh” – and can be accessed via its own insert return for sweetening tracks during mixdown.
The heart of the device is a discrete transistor op amp designed by Carl Johnson for the Ventura. According to A-Designs…
“Operating on high voltage rails, this opamp is a high gain, fast-slew, stable audio block with virtually no DC offset over the audio spectrum. It is used in the microphone preamp, instrument input amp, and main output/EQ stages. The mic preamp, itself, is a single-stage, transformer-coupled design with balanced I/O and is equipped with phase reverse, a -20 dB pad, +48V phantom power with LED indicator, and a conductive plastic gain control pot. The preamp section feeds both the EQ section and a preamp output mult simultaneously.”
Separate from the mic pre is the instrument input section. This is a single-stage, single-ended, high-impedance preamp that also benefits from its own discrete opamp and includes a front-panel 1/4-inch jack and gain pot. This section also feeds the EQ and preamp output mult simultaneously via the input selector switch for extra flexibility in the studio or live applications.”
For a complete list of Ventura’s features, specifications, and a downloadable owner’s manual, visit A-Designs Audio’s newly revamped website at http://www.adesignsaudio.com.
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