This project brought a couple UREI 1108 “Gold Bar” modules to our desk, courtesy of our friend Andre Moran! These were initially from a decommissioned UREI 80s era console and are 40dB gain blocks. Fun fact: Van Halen had the same console at their “5150 Studios”! They have transformers at the input and output, and discrete transistors for gain application. In fact, the 1108 was one of the first mic preamps to use a FET as the first transistor after the input transformer. 

To give them more utility as a mic preamp, we added a variable input pad. Once engaged, a continuously variable pot allows for attenuation of the input signal between 0 and -20dB. There’s also a fully passive output fader to trim down level to the next processor. Of course, we also included +48V phantom power, and a polarity switch. Power is provided by our in-house PSU design, built on one of our PCBs and housed within the chassis. The faceplate design was done custom for the project, with engraved labels. All in all, we created a bespoke, 2U rackmount solution to house these 2 historic modules, creating a convenient package for enjoying the wonders of the UREI 1108 module. 

For this project, our friend Ken supplied us with a pair of vintage Neve 33415 Line Amplifiers, which originated from a 8068/8078 era Neve console. He acquired them racked in a 1U chassis with a stand alone power supply. The original design did not include any signal or phantom power presence LEDs, and had rudimentary function labels taped on the front panel. 

We took the 2 modules out of the original unit and housed them in a brand new chassis of our own. We added our own power supply board, a signal presence and clipping indicator LED, phantom power presence LED, and replaced the pots and switches. The end result was a convenient, self contained 1U 2 channel mic preamp with integrated linear power supply. This project also called for a new faceplate, as the previous build had the modules protrude out of the front face of the chassis. We custom designed and fabricated a faceplate with helpful engraved function labels for a sleek look.