Chameleon Labs 7603 Mic Preamp and EQ
The Chameleon Labs 7603 pre-amplifier is a next-level product that retraces the path of classic pre-amps, all while incorporating new, pivotal components to take performance to new heights. The 7603’s all-new proprietary microphone and line-level input transformers feature custom-made nickel laminations and bobbin assemblies designed in-house. This focus on material science and lamination manufacturing has allowed Chameleon to develop a “recipe” for optimized audio performance with high bandwidth and incredibly low distortion.
Design of the new transformers is centered around capturing and preserving audio input signals’ purest form, thus enclosed in high permeability MuMetal enclosures to protect sensitive audio signals from radio frequencies, spurious noise, and parasites.
The 7603’s new discrete audio input gain stage, based on Chameleon’s vision for a solid topology provides extremely low noise, high dynamics, and extreme bandwidth, making all of the 7603’s operational amplifiers based on this topology. The pre-amplifier features four EQ stages that users can adjust to their liking, including Variable High Pass, Low Frequency Shelving, Mid Frequency, and High-Frequency Shelving.
The output stage of the 7603 is unique: a variable-gain circuit that adjusts both the input and output levels to generate exceptional audio performance and a lower noise floor. The Chameleon Labs 7603 pre-amplifier provides a desirable set of user-selectable functions designed to make the unit flexible, incorporating a full portfolio of traditional features, with some not commonly seen on other pre-amps.
For instance, users can select microphone input impedance between 300 and 1200 ohms, making it easier to match the microphone ideally to the input stage, even lower output microphones like ribbon-based designs. The 7603 also has a low impedance Direct Input on the front panel, suitable for instruments like guitars that can be run through the line input stage. Finally, the pre-amplifier sports a precision VU meter with custom ballistics for visual monitoring of either the input or output levels.
Features:
- Chameleon wound microphone and Line Input transformers and Chameleon output transformer, all with mu-metal housings
- High resolution, low noise discrete audio circuitry
- Hi-Z Direct Instrument Input (TRS)
- Discrete Class A Electronic Topology
- Three band, inductor based EQ
- 48V phantom power for mic input
- Selectable 300Ω or 1200Ω Mic Input Impedance
- Custom VU meter (input/output) with calibrated ballistics
- Relay based selection of Line / Mic & DI Inputs
- Overload input and output indicators
- Reverse Phase Switch
- Universal on-board power supply
Specifications:
- Impendances: Mic 300Ω or 1200Ω, Line 10kΩ line bridging from 600Ω or lower source impedance, DI 100kΩ
- Noise: better than -125dBm EIN between -80 and -40 dBm referenced to 600Ω input impedance
- SNR: 116dB at maximum output
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz -0.5dB 10Hz – 50kHz -1dB
- Mic/Line Sensitivity Switch: +20dB to +70dB of mic boost and -30dB to +20dB of line level adjustment in 5dB steps
- High Pass Filter: Provides a 15dB/octave high pass filter at 40Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz and 320Hz
- Low Frequency Equalization: Provides +/-15dB of Boost or Cut at 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz or 220Hz
- Mid Frequency Equalization: Provides +/-15dB of Boost or Cut at 360Hz, 700Hz, 1.6kHz, 3.2kHz, 4.8kHz or 7.2kHz
- High Frequency Equalization: Provides +/-15dB of Boost or Cut at 3.4kHz, 4.9kHz, 7kHz, 12kHz or 16kHz
- Output Type: Transformer balanced and floating to drive 600 Ω load
- Maximum Output: +28dBu into 600Ω load impedance
- PSU: 100V – 240V (50/60Hz), Switch mode PSU, fully shielded 3 amp peak output capability, quiescent consumption 0.5 Watts
Dimensions & Weight:
- Unboxed dimensions: Depth 29,5 cm, Width 48 cm, Height 4,4 cm (1HE)
- Unboxed weight: 5 kg
- Boxed dimensions: Depth 42,2 cm, Width 54 cm, Height 14,8 cm
- Shipping weight: 6,9 kg