Chameleon Labs 7603-XMOD

Chameleon Labs 7603-XMOD Mic Preamp and EQ with Carnhill Mic Input and Output Transformers

The Chameleon Labs 7603-XMOD pre-amplifier is an advanced product that reimagines the design of traditional pre-amps while incorporating innovative components to elevate performance. Featuring Carnhill Mic Input and Output Transformers top quality components used by the best manufacturers of professional audio products ideal to achieve optimized audio performance with high bandwidth and minimal distortion.

The 7603-XMOD incorporates a novel discrete audio input gain stage rooted in Chameleon’s solid topology vision. This topology ensures exceptional noise reduction, high dynamics, and extensive bandwidth, serving as the foundation for all operational amplifiers in the 7603. The pre-amplifier boasts four adjustable EQ stages, including Variable High Pass, Low-Frequency Shelving, Mid-Frequency, and High-Frequency Shelving, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences.

A distinguishing feature of the 7603-XMOD is its variable-gain circuit in the output stage. This circuit dynamically adjusts both input and output levels, resulting in exceptional audio performance and a reduced noise floor. The Chameleon Labs 7603-XMOD pre-amplifier offers a versatile set of user-selectable functions, encompassing a comprehensive range of traditional features, as well as some unique to this pre-amp.

For example, users have the option to select microphone input impedance between 300 and 1200 ohms, facilitating an ideal match between the microphone and input stage, even with lower output microphones like ribbon-based designs. The 7603-XMOD also houses a low impedance Direct Input on the front panel, designed for instruments like guitars that can be connected to the line input stage. Lastly, the pre-amplifier is equipped with a precision VU meter featuring custom ballistics, enabling visual monitoring of 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