PreQ-2R

2 channels of "all you could need"!

The PreQ-2R brings 2 channels of our beloved PreQ22 500 series preamp circuit to the rackmount format, with the addition of several new features. Packed with 66 dB of gain, variable High Pass Filter and 3 bands of parametric EQ, it is designed for the modern music creator. The feature set enables an efficient workflow, helping you shape tone quickly and with confidence.

A flexible gain range of 60 dB allows users to achieve more transparent tones at low gain, or a colored sound at high gain by way of discrete opamp and transformer saturation. Use the variable frequency high pass filter to cut unwanted low end frequencies, and make tonal adjustments with the 3 band parametric EQ. The output provides a fader for attenuating the output signal, to prevent clipping A/D converters.

What makes the PreQ-2R different than the PreQ22?

While the audio path of both units use the same major components including integrated front end, discrete opamp, and output transformer, we are excited to offer additional features on the PreQ-2R.

Extra EQ Band

The PreQ-2R also includes an additional band of parametric EQ, again with variable frequency and up to 10dB of cut/boost. The Low and High bands remain at frequency ranges of 40Hz-400Hz and 2kHz- 20kHz, while the new Mid band covers 300Hz-3kHz.

Front Panel Inputs and DI Circuit

Thanks to the additional space afforded by the rackmount format, the front panel provides XLR and 1/4" TS input via combo jack. Internal auto-detect circuitry uses relays to automatically route TS instrument level input to the DI stage, and XLR input to the mic preamp. When inspiration strikes, don't waste time patching into units or setting up a DI box. Just use a front panel input on the PreQ-2R!

The JFET Direct Injection (DI) circuit can be used for recording high impedance, unbalanced sources like bass, guitar, and keyboards. Plug your instrument directly into the front panel input jack and shape tone with the HPF and EQ! Use the 1/4 inch dry signal "Through" jack to route your original instrument input back out to pedals or an amp.

The front panel XLR input allows you to route a mic to the preamp to get set up and recording quickly.

2 Channels, 1 unit

While the PreQ22 is a single channel mic preamp, the PreQ-2R provides 2 independent channels in 1 slim rack unit enclosure.

Onboard Power Supply

The PreQ-2R uses a bespoke, in-house 16V power supply design to power the unit's circuits. Even the toroidal power transformer is custom-made!

In an effort to preserve the beloved PreQ sound familiar to PreQ22 users, we've left the supply voltage for the circuits at 16V. This is to ensure the tonal qualities you know and love remain identical between the 2 products.

Features

Front panel input jacks for DI and Mic
1/4" instrument "Through" jack
Internal Auto-detect circuitry routes front panel inputs to DI and Mic Preamp circuits
Standard mic preamp functions; polarity reverse, -20 dB input pad, +48V phantom power
Sealed gold contact Grayhill switch for gain control
Up to 66 dB of total gain
Engage buttons to A/B HPF and EQ
Fully variable frequency controls in HPF and EQ
3 bands of parametric EQ
Overlapping EQ bands with ranges of 40Hz-400 Hz, 300Hz-3kHz, and 2kHz-20kHz
Up to 10 dB of cut/boost per EQ band
Fader to manage output level post transformer
Pre-fader LED signal level meter illuminates to show signal presence above -30 dBu and turns red 3 dB before clipping
Front panel "standby" power switch to turn on audio circuits
Rear panel main power switch to disable power to unit
2 channels in 1 rack unit
Designed and built by hand in Austin, TX using only thru-hole components

Price: $1600

Click here to purchase now!

To inquire, please contact audiotools@hammockhillstudio.com

Controls

Pol: Reverses the polarity of the input signal.
Pad: Attenuates input signal by 20 dB.
+48v: Phantom power button with LED indicator; illuminates red when phantom power is active.
Gain: 12 position gain switch which boosts the incoming signal between 26 and 66 dB in increments of ~3dB.
In: Engages the 18dB/octave High Pass Filter (HPF).
Freq: Sets the frequency for the HPF, fully variable between 20 and 200 Hz
Gain: Sets the gain for each band of the Parametric EQ; Provides up to 10 dB of boost and cut with center detent
Freq: Sets the frequency for each band of the Parametric EQ
Fader: Attenuates signal from unity gain to negative infinity
In: Engages the 2 band Parametric EQ
Signal Indicator LED; Illuminates green to show signal presence above -28 dbu and red to warn of clipping at -3dbu.

Customization

We are pleased to offer customization options, including modifying EQ band frequency ranges, changing the bands from bell to shelf shape, and altering the slope of the HPF to 18dB/octave.

Audio Samples

We've recorded a selection of audio samples using the PreQ-2R's Mic Preamp and DI inputs, which you can listen to on our Soundcloud. All samples were recorded directly into the PreQ-2R, without any other gear in the signal chain before the A/D converter.

Since the PreQ22 and PreQ-2R are identical audio circuits, you can also reference our PreQ22 audio samples for an idea of how the PreQ-2R sounds.

We'll be adding more samples of other instruments in the future - be sure to check back as we publish further updates.

Drum Samples

We hit the studio with good friend Drew Blucher to record samples of various drum mic placements while he played a Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Kit.

These samples were recorded with no other gear in the signal path and the high pass filter and EQ sections bypassed. See descriptions under each sample for information about placement and mic choices.

DI Bass Samples

A big thank you to our friend Elik Jazdzewski for lending his Bass playing talents! We recorded samples using his arsenal of basses, including the classic Jazz and P basses as well as trendier Hofner, Mustang, and Rickenbacker basses.

All audio in these samples was recorded directly from each bass into the DI input of the PreQ-2R, with no other gear in the signal path. Samples were recorded with and without EQ; see comments under individual samples for timestamps.

Tech Specs

Size: 1 rack unit; unit depth 12.75in

Weight:

Frequency Response: 15Hz to 75kHz (±0.5dB)

Gain Range: 60 dB (+6 at min gain with pad engaged, +66 dB at max gain)

Input Impedance: 740 Ohms

Output Impedance: 600 Ohms

Power Supply: +/- 16V (supplied by internal PSU)

Clipping Level: +30 dBu

Noise: Measured at output, un-weighted, 150 ohm load across rear balanced XLR input. Some tolerance should be allowed in consideration of minor wiring differences between units.

Min Gain: -84dB

Max Gain: -68db

Equivalent Input Noise: 129dB

Distortion + N (Mic Preamp Only): @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: .03%

Distortion + N (DI into Mic Preamp): @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: .08%

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