The Maag Audio PreQ2-500 has a total of 71dB of class-a gain that starts with the same Maag Audio-built nickel-core input transformer as the 1u dual channel PreQ2. Just like the PreQ2 dual channel strip, it includes a front panel ¼-inch (1-meg-ohm) instrument input jack that when used, automatically routes its signal to the input transformer and also disconnects the 48-volt phantom power if already turned on.
The front panel continues with a ¼-inch thru/output jack that provides an unbalanced, isolated and boosted “duplicate” of either the low impedance microphone or the instrument inputs. The thru/output signal is capable of driving a long line out to guitar amps in the studio and/or effects pedals effectively and without quality loss.
Great for creating unique effects, you may “re-amp” and externally process either the low impedance microphone input signal or any instrument directly connected to the preq2’s front panel ¼-inch input jack. The Maag Audio PreQ2-500 has an equivalent input noise (EIN) level of -128dbu, +25dbu of headroom, plus the acclaimed Air Band® EQ with up to 9dB of boost at your choice of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40-kHz frequencies.
Microphone gain is continuously variable using a single, large control knob that is switchable between two gain ranges of either +20dB to +42dB for most recordings or +42dB to +71dB using the +25dB boost button. This higher microphone gain is noise-free and perfect for very quiet sources like foley/sound effects or low output, old vintage mics.
The compact front panel finishes with push-button switches for +48-volt phantom power on/off, -20dB attenuation pad, a 70Hz, 2nd order 12dB/oct high pass filter, phase or polarity reverse, and Air Band® EQ on/off.
