MP566 Tube Mic Pre 500 series, Fifties style - DIY Analog Audio
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  • MP566 Tube Mic Pre 500 series, Fifties style - DIY Analog Audio
  • MP566 Tube Mic Pre 500 series, Fifties style - DIY Analog Audio

MP566 Tube microphone preamplifier for the 500 series

$379.00
$379.00 VAT incl.
$379.00 VAT excl.

The MP566 is a dual-triode vacuum tube circuit preamplifier based on a design that has been used in several famous devices from the 50's, which has been adapted to the '500' format of API*.

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MP566

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The MP566 is a dual-triode vacuum tube circuit preamplifier based on a design that has been used in several famous devices from the 50's, which has been adapted to the '500' format of API*.

With its fully powered triodes and its two transformers, the MP566 brings the most fulfilling warmth and color to your Lunchbox.


Highlights

    • Dual triode design,
    • Input and output transformers,
    • High 68dB gain will please the most demanding ribbon mics,
    • Variable input and output levels for total control over tube saturation,
    • 2 different negative feedback levels (Mid/High Gain) for sweet or more aggressive sound,
    • Input pad (Low Gain) for hot mics or line levels,
    • Full 225 Volts tube supply and full 150mA tube heater,
    • 1/4" DI jack, high impedance input for instruments,
    • Sequenced power-up to limit the total inrush current,
    • Total current draw less than 160 mA,
    • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).

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Controls

1: IN This potentiometer sets the microphone drive level before the tube stage,

2: Clip LED Green when a signal is present, turns red when getting close to saturation,

3: OUT This potentiometer sets the output signal level. In combination with the IN knob, it allows you to control the amount of tube saturation you want,

4: GAIN 3 position switch

  • LOW : Inserts a -20dB pad before the input transformer. Allows you to manage loud microphone signals or line level signals,
  • MID : Sets 27dB of negative feedback around the tube stage producing a clean and sweet tone,
  • HIGH : Reduces the negative feedback to only 7dB which increases the gain by 20dB and produces a faster, more aggressive tone,

5: POL Reverses the polarity (phase) of the output signal when on REV. In the center position it is a Mute

6: 48V Activate the phantom power for static microphones,

7: DI High impedance direct instrument input, connected to the first triode grid.



Bloc diagram

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What's in the kit?

Absolutely everything!

  • Passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors),
  • 2 transformers
  • Active components (tube, diodes, transistors, LED's, IC's),
  • Front panel elements (switches, potentiometers, knobs),
  • Connectors, relay,
  • PCB's,
  • Front panel and side panel,
  • All hardware

You bring the solder (use good quality solder, 1mm diameter max) and the Lunchbox.


Difficulty level

The kit difficulty level is average. Nothing difficult but because of the high voltage needed by the tube, it is not recommended to beginners. Good soldering practice is required.

There is no setup. A digital multimeter is needed to test the various voltages.

PK006

Specific References


Technical specifications

Measure Conditions Value
Idle supply current   V+ : +155 mA
V- : -155 mA
Input impedance of mic input f=1kHz 1.5 kΩ
Maximum input level   > +20 dBu @ 30 Hz
Maximum output level before clipping f=1kHz +26 dBu
Minimum gain - ∞
Maximum gain HIGH +68 dB
MID +48 dB
LOW +28 dB
Frequency response Deviation=+/-1dB 15 Hz - 30 kHz
Total harmonic distortion (THD) f = 1kHz, Gain = +40 dB, Out level = +10dBu < 0.04%
EIN Zin = 0Ω, Bandwidth=0-30kHz -125 dBu
DI input impedance 1 MΩ
DI gain range - ∞ to +53dB
DI max input level before clipping +13 dBu

Sound Skulptor MP573, MP512, MP566, MP599 Preamp shootout for bass guitar

Reviews

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Grade 
Audiolover
 01/22/2022

Great piece of Hardware

Was not the best choice for my Neumann, but has found its place in the Master Chain as a Tube Saturator. And for that it is incomparable. Never again plugins! The setup was logical and finished in a few hours.

Grade 
Vignolo Sylvain
 03/31/2019

DI extra

Super préampli, qui remplace, en mieux, mon LA 610.
Super son pour les Basses en DI, avec la possibilité de faire une saturation très jolie dans les bas medium, pas du tout criard (ce qui était marchait très mal avec le LA).

Grade 
Quality

Claudio
 04/15/2018

Vintage pleasure

Not only does the MP566 look cool as hell, it is also a wonderful choice for a retro sound from the 50s and 60s. The circuit design is apparently inspired by the preamps that Bill Putnam Sr. built in his early years for the 610 console. While the original features two valves (one 12AX7 and one 6072), the MP566 comes with one small valve only to fit the size of a 500-series module. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a 'round’ overdrive sound without any harshness, even the small valve used in the MP566 can do good things to your signal. I absolutely love it on a shortscale bass with flatwound strings for a pretty authentic 60’s bass sound. It can also add sweet and creamy harmonics to large condenser mics. Overall, perhaps it’s not your no. 1 go-to preamp that you will use every day, but when you do, you will be glad to have this flavour in your toolbox.

Write your review

MP566 Tube microphone preamplifier for the 500 series

The MP566 is a dual-triode vacuum tube circuit preamplifier based on a design that has been used in several famous devices from the 50's, which has been adapted to the '500' format of API*.

Write your review

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