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A Designs Audio

A
Designs Audio manufactures and develops high-quality equipment
for the audio contractor, professional audio industry and desk-top
musicians. Included in our product lines are tube microphone pre-amplifiers
(mic-pre) mono, stereo, and stereo with a high gain structure,
tube direct box, tube equalizer, programmable audio routers, passive
audio level controllers, and low-profile, solderless audio/video/data
adapters. Perfect solutions for the transitional audio world.
A-Designs REDDI

I need it!
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The reviews are in! Digital
Pro Sound, Studio Reviews
Reggie
Hamilton and Tony Shepperd Review the Reddi
With the prevalence of digital technology, engineers are constantly looking for
tools to “warm up” their sound. The REDDI is a tube direct box with
an unquestionable quality of sound. Great for basses, guitars, synths and electronic
instruments that need that touch of warmth that a tube provides, but don’t
need distortion added in the wrong places. The REDDI is clear and clean with
a wide bandwidth and just the right amount of gain to add a little magic to your
recordings.
Sporting a fire-engine red paint job, the main features for the
REDDI include a combo XLR/1/4-inch input, balanced XLR output,
ON/OFF power switch, LED power
indicator, level control knob, ground lift, EIN power connector, metal vented
casing, Toroid power transformer, custom output transformer, and the 6N1P
tube.
The REDDI is a perfect fit for A Designs Audio's "all tube" line-up
of high-end microphone pre-amplifiers and equalizers. A Designs Audio, as always,
field tests their products before releasing them to the public with such notable
recording engineers, as Dylan Dresdow (TEC Award Nominee and Grammy Award nominee
for the Black Eyed Peas) Ross Hogarth (Grammy Award winner) Viktor Krauss (bassist
for Lyle Lovett and renowned studio musician).
What are people saying about the REDDI?
"Wow! How did you get that sound?" --Ted Perlman, Producer, Engineer,
Musician
"
The REDDI is not only the largest and brightest colored DI that I've encountered,
it's the best sounding." -- Russ Long, Pro Audio Review, 11/1/2005
"
Now, the REDDI is my favorite DI and definitely my go-to on bass.” -- Dylan
Dresdow, Grammy Award Nominee, Tech Award Nominee, Engineer
"
The New REDDI DI from A Designs kicks ass..." -- Ross Hogarth, Grammy Award
Winner
"
If it needs to be really clean, then I'll just use the REDDI" -- Viktor
Krauss, Bassist for Lyle Levitt
"
I've used a number of DIs on electric pianos over the years, active, passive,
tube, solid state, whatever was around. But, I don't remember that any of them
worked as well or sounded as good as the REDDI." -- Dave Martin, Recording
Magazine
"
REDDI's first outing was on an active bass. The bass player's head turned as
soon as he heard his instrument in the phones. It was an instant hit both in
and out of the control room." -- Kevin Becka, Mix Magazine
The REDDI is only the second product I've had in for review [this year] that
I sent back and then realized how much I missed it when it was gone." --
Dan Richards, Studio Review
"
The best way I can describe what REDDI adds is dimension. It reveals a wide range
of harmonics in a source, with an excellent translation of an instrument's character.
It doesn't have to be blended with an amp signal to sound good. I tried it with
electric guitar and bass as well as a synthesizer, and found the REDDI to perform
impressively on every source." -- Frank Moldstad, Digital Pro Sound
"
I didn't use an amp at all. I used only the REDDI and it sounded really, really
nice." -- Justin Meldan-Johnsen, Bassist with Beck
"YUM!!! Big and round... Now I have to scrape together the cash to get the Pacifica.
See what you have done?" Terri Winston, professor of Sound Recording
and Arts, City College, San Francisco
MSRP: $795.00
I Need It!
Pacifica
 
Throughout the1970s, the American professional music recording industry was in its heyday. Popular artists like The Who, The Beatles, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, The Jackson 5, The Rolling Stones, and Steely Dan were all at the top of the charts and on every record player and eight track tape deck. Underground bands such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin were not on the radio but had ardent followers. The diversity and quantity of new music was astounding.
The seventies was also a time of great change in pro audio. The introduction of “solid state” electronics led to an explosion in development and a very different sound than tube gear of yesteryear. The Recording Console in a high end 1970s studio was likely a Neve®, an API®, or a Quad Eight. These were the companies that were setting the standards for audio qualitywith a unique sound firmly imprinted on the popular recordings of the era.
While much has been made in our era with Neve and API reissues, interpretations and clones, the Quad Eight curiously faded from view. The irony is that many engineers firmly believe the Quad Eight Ventura, Pacifica and Coronado consoles to sonically be the very best of their day!
Peter of A Designs Audio in West Hills California and pro audio designer Jon Erickson teamed up to recover and restore this lost “sound” to the recording community. Significant effort over the past 2 years has gone into research and speaking with Quad Eight owners while chasing down the origins of what was “The Quad Eight Sound”. Closely examining the design and composition of these were both a nightmare and a joy. The original QE staff was hard to locate, design/parts and documentation was impossible to come by and key parts were obsolete and not readily replaceable. After thousands of hours, endless listening sessions and time at the bench with test circuits, a target emerged.
QE mic pres, such as those used in the Quad Eight Ventura, Coronado and Pacifica consoles emerged as one of the best examples of the unique Quad Eight tonal character. Thanks to critical efforts by Tom Reichenbach of Cinemag (whose father designed the original Quad Eight transformers), Jon and Peter developed a prototype dubbed the “Pacifica” as a clear indicator of its Quad Eight inspiration.
The prototype was sent to a handful of devoted Quad Eight Console owners and mic pre fans along with some of today’s talented recording engineers. The results were gratifying: nearly all agreed the new A Designs prototype was very close to the original Quad Eight sound but with a tad more top end (exactly the target sound).
A Designs Audio is very proud to introduce the “PACIFICA”, a single rack space, dual (mono/mono) channel microphone pre amplifier that comes amazingly close to the original in looks and sound. There are few but valuable improvements, such as a front panel active hi-z 1˛4 inch input that places the input transformer directly in the signal path for a huge direct sound. The PACIFICA possesses a uniquely “Made in California” feel
with a significant heft from the huge transformers contained within. The original
cream colored panel and red knob scheme has been retained. We think the A
Designs PACIFICA will achieve an instant classic status, becoming an important part of your “must haves” for years to come.
What are the engineers saying about the A Designs Pacifica?
“The Pacifica has the depth of the Neve, the top end of a GML and the punch
of the API-all rolled into one great mic pre.”
Tony Shepperd-Producer/Engineer/Mix/ Studio Owner: Back Street Boys, Lionel Richie,
Kenny Loggins, Melissa Etheridge, Elton John, Indie
“
In a room filled with a very wide selection of pres such as 550's, 1073's and
many more, the Pacifica instantly became the most frequently used preamp.”
Yoni Gileadi-films and music: IMAX Mysteries of Egypt, IMAX Texas: The Big Picture,
IMAX Mystic India; Recordings/Remix: Kaskade, Backside, David Bowie mash-up remix,
Love Digit, Sunfall, Sofina.
"
Finally a mic pre and D.I. for those of us tired of squinting with our ears.
Its the past-but the way I WANT to remember it."
Dylan Dresdow-Engineer/Grammy Award Nominee/ Tec Award Nominee/ Studio Owner:
Black Eyed Peas, Ricky Martin, Tweet, Christina Aguilera, Indie
“
If I had to start over, the Pacifica would be the first preamp I would buy. I've
never heard a preamp with a 70's character that has such an open top end. It’s
the most versatile preamp in our collection of 11 types of preamps.”
Jason Buntz-Engineer/ Studio Owner/ Indie
"
My overall impression is that it sits in there like a nice cross between Neve-ish
and API-ish tones but with better transient response and more high end detail...overall
very musical. I swear it went another octave above the API and Great River.”
"
I can see it being an extremely versatile preamp that would get a lot of use
on everything. Perfect for a small studio like mine that can't afford to have
20 different specialty preamps."
Brad McGowan-Little Red Wagon Studios/ Engineer/ Indie
“
Definitely a color that I could ‘paint’ the whole album with. I thought
I was done buying preamps until this one arrived… it was like the last
piece in the jigsaw puzzle that made the picture complete. [Now, what am I going
to tell my wife?]”
Barrett Nichols-Engineer/ Producer: Alpha Jerk Recording Studio, Indie
“
With thousands of dollars in vintage microphones at hand, only the Pacifica makes
them sound the way I expect every time, now that I have heard it, no other mic
pre will do.”
Jeff Sheridan-Engineer/ Producer/ Studio Owner: Disney Voice Over,
Disney’s
50th Anniversary Edition, Soundworks Studio, Indie
“
If you are thinking something along the lines of an API pre, you really owe it
to yourself to play around with the new A Designs Pacifica preamp. It has a similar
feel/sound in the lows and mids (huge low end with slightly forward, but not
obnoxious mids) but a top end that is extended and beautiful. On orchestral recording,
it makes you sit up and take notice of the orchestra on the loud stuff, but yet
has the subtlety needed for chamber music.”
Benjamin Mass-Engineer/Mix/Studio Owner: Fifth Circle Audio, Mancini Institute,
Billy Childs, Bill Cunliffe, Randy Brecker, Bill Watrous, John Clayton, Christian
McBride, Elmer Bernstein, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith, Eddie Daniels, Richard
Stoltzman, Ernie Watts and Mark O'Connor, Indie
“
A Designs Audio’s Pacifica is a perfect “10” with Brains and
Beauty!”
Ted Perlman-Producer/Engineer/Composer/Musician/Studio Owner: Burt Bacharach,
Bob Dylan, Neil Sedaka, Elton John, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Indie
“
Now, my dilemma is that I want to keep the Pacifica even though I already own
enough damn preamps. Should I sell one of the other ones? Damn.”
Larry Crane, Engineer/Producer/Studio Owner/Tape Op Magazine: Indie
MSRP $2195
I Need It!
A-Designs
Audio P-1 and EM Series Modules
Peter Montessi discussing the P-1 and EM series modules on Gearwire.com
New! EM-PEQ

A-Designs Audio is proud to present the EM-PEQ for the 500 series format.
Modeled after the classic Pultec “PEQ” the EM-PEQ is the
perfect companion for all the A-Designs Audio 500 Series compatible Pre-amplifiers
(such as the P-1 and EM-Red, EM-Blue, EM-Gold, and EM-Silver).
After much research and development A-Designs was able to “shrink” this
much sought after filter design into the now red-hot 500 series format,
without compromise in either build quality or sonics. The filter section
design and control layout of the classic PEQ has been maintained. Smooth
and musical. Makeup amplification is achieved through the use of A-Designs
discrete class AB amplifier as used in the A-Designs Pacifica mic pre.
Fully balanced, noise free operation with modern impedance specs make
for dummy proof operation and fast studio integration.
Features include Nickel core output transformer, discrete class AB amplifier
(as used in the Pacifica), gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima caps and
a true hard bypass. Instead of using common off the shelf chokes, A-designs
uses a custom wound tapped inductor wound to the original values.
The EM-PEQ is an approved API VPR alliance product and may also be used
in Brent Averill, and A Designs Audio R52 manufactured by Avedis Audio.
A-Designs is fast becoming the leader in all things 500 series. The EM-PEQ
blend of classic sound and modern function is further proof of a company
on the rise, putting quality and creative design above all else.
P1
(Photo
by J Rice)
A Designs Audio is proud to
introduce a new line
of microphone pre-amplifiers. These
Pre-amplifiers are original designs
stemming from our inspiration of
the “Quad Eight Sound”.
Each has its own unique character.
Depending on which microphone
you use, you will be able
to open a
world of color and sound
to inspire you and your recordings.
The P-1 is
based on our highly successful Pacifica.
I Need It!

(Photo by J Rice)
The
A Designs “EM Series” is
a twist
on the P-1. Each color has its
own sound. This was accomplished
by using
different custom wound
output
and input transformers.
The EM-Silver has
a custom wound
steel
output transformer
which
will translate
into
a
darker sound
than the
P-1,
EM-Red, and EM-Blue.
We
find the EM-Silver
to
be a very
good
match
with “Ribbon Microphones”.
This
is
a
good
combination
due
to
the
fact
that
steel
transformers
were
widely
used
in
the
early
days
of
recording
and
broadcast
along
with
ribbon
microphones.
It
depends
on
which
ribbon
you
have
or
use
which
will
determine
the
sound/color/flavor
you
will
receive.
With
today’s
influx
of
ribbon
microphones
there
is
a
wide
choice
of
character
range
available
for
you
to
determine
which
tone
you
are
looking
for
or
need.
Another
feature
of
the
EM-Silver
is
a “DI” (direct inject)
for use with electric instruments.
We find that this is a great pre
for Bass Guitar and Keyboards.
Also, you may like to try the EM-Silver
(depending on microphone) for your “kick” when
recording
drums!
This
is
a
very
versatile
tool
for
any
recording
situation.
I Need It!

The EM-Blue is
equipped with
a “Nickel” custom
wound output transformer. This
translates into “Highs” which
will produce a much more airy top-end-ish
tone. Used with a “dark” sounding
microphone or a alto vocalist it
can produce a “heavenly” sound.
You will also find this pre useful for recording a snare drum for a “crisp
crack” sound. And if you use the
DI Feature you just might want to hear
what
an electric guitar
sounds
like
going thru the
nickel transformers.
As with all the A Designs Audio modules,
there is a -20dB PAD Switch. So, to get
down and
dirty with
an
electric
guitar you
will want
to pad your
input and
crank the gain for a slight growl.
(Photo
by J Rice)
I Need It!

The
EM-Red comes
with a 50/50
output transformer.
A
Designs
Audio
added a little
kick to
this one by changing
the “Input Transformer,” as well. The
results translates into more “Up Front Mids”!
You may find this very
useful when recording
acoustic guitar
with
a condenser
microphone.
As with all the A Designs Audio
modules, there is a 48v
Phantom Power Switch.
With all the new
condenser
microphones
on the
market in a
very wide price
range, the engineer or
musician now has limitless possibilities
to choose from in their
endless search for their “perfect sound.” You
may also like to use the
EM-Red for recording Toms,
both rack
and floor.
(Photo by J Rice)
I Need It!
Designed
to bring more 'mids' to the
lower end of the sonic spectrum,
the EM-Gold combines the output
transformer of the EM-Silver
(custom all-steel winding)
and the input transformer of
the EM-Red (custom winding
with different ratio input/output).
Particularly well-suited for
drum recording--especially
capturing floor toms--the new
preamp also excels on various
guitar, bass and vocal tracks.
According to A-Designs Audio's
Peter Montessi, "The
EM-Gold was not designed
to replace
the EM-Red or EM-Silver but
to complement the other modules
and further
expand the sonic palette with its own unique frequencies. In fact, the whole
range of these new modules is particularly nice for recording drums--the P-1
is excellent for overhead duties, EM-Blue for snare, EM-Silver for kick, EM-Red
for rack-mounted toms, and, now, EM-Gold for capturing that perfect floor tom
sound."
Montessi is quick to point out, however, that the EM-Gold and other new mic
pres are not exclusively for drums. "The EM-Gold might be the perfect sound for
a screaming electric guitar solo or solid bass track," he says, "or
perhaps the right tool for a great vocal recording. By applying different microphones
to the equation, each preamplifier will obviously produce different tonal characteristics.
And by exploring various mics with these pres, engineers will no doubt have
a veritable cornucopia of 'colors' to pick from."
All of the A Designs Audio
module pres have the following
features:
1. -20dB
Pad
2. Phase
3. 48v
Phantom
4. Cast
aluminum
knob
5. Thumb
Screws (for
easy install
and un-install)
6. Solid
construction
7. Custom
Wound Transformers
(input and
output)
8. Original
Design (no
CLONES)
9. Red
LED indicator
for Phantom
power
When developing our product(s)
A Designs
Audio feels the need
to place units into
the hands
of both the
professional
and the average end user.
In doing
so, we
have learned from their
experiences and they
have
passed valuable information on
to us. This helps us
to produce
a product with
pride
of craftsmanship and knowing
we helped,
in some
way,
to continue
to inspire the art of
creating and
recording.
So, no matter what your
needs are for
recording
the perfect
sound, A Designs Audio
can
help
you by providing a solid tool
to contribute
to the
job.
MSRP:
$895
I
Need it!
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Need a rack? We have
that too!


500HR dual
rack
MSRP $335
A-Designs Audio announces the availability
of its 500HR, a single-rack-space, dual-slot power supply designed
to accommodate two processing
modules conforming to the API™ 500 Series format, including
A-Designs Audio’s own popular P-1 and EM-Series microphone
preamps and
new EM-PEQ equalizer.
"With more and more engineers tracking
and mixing in smaller home and project studios, as well as
taking ‘their sound’ from one studio
to another, the demand for gear that is compact, easily portable, flexible
and economically priced is higher than ever,” says
Peter Montessi. “Our 500HR, which weighs only six pounds when empty and
features a street price of less than $300, nicely fits the bill by allowing
engineers to create a very portable yet versatile channel strip (mic preamp
plus EQ) or
stereo mic preamp by simply swapping out modules for different recording situations.”
Sporting
a cream-colored faceplate, the 500HR is housed in an all-metal chassis for
maximum durability. Both a rocker-style on/off switch and 48V phantom power
LED can be found on the right side of the front panel, while the rear panel
features two sets of XLR ins and outs in addition to a standard IEC power
connector for
the unit’s robust power supply.
Montessi further points out that the
potential applications for the product are practically limitless. “While
the 500HR was under development, all sorts of other uses for it came to mind,” he
adds. “For example, when combined
with an A/D converter, the device can make an excellent choice for mobile
recordings for broadcast. Also, with so many people doing voiceovers for
TV and film, plus
vocal production work for audio books and radio, the 500HR combined with
the right modules and a laptop is again a perfect solution for those markets
as well.
And, of course, many discerning live sound engineers will be pleased to see
that they can now put a pair of studio-grade processing modules into a 1U
rack.”
I
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A Designs MP-1A MIC PRE
A Designs brings you a true tube in, tube out, mono version
of the MP-2A stereo mic-pre.
Features include a world-class Jensen input transformer coupled
with a custom wound output transformer, delivering the lowest
noise and top quality sound that you would demand from a high-end,
high-priced mic-pre.
Additional features in the new MPA line include two "tone" switches,
giving you four unique tone signatures. It also includes a
balanced XLR connector with a 1/4 inch input, and a true
VU meter, along with phantom and phase switches.
Experience the rich, full spectrum of sound that the MP-1A delivers
to live performances and recordings.
The MP-1A is the perfect match for today’s demanding artists
on a budget.
MSRP $1825
Click here for a Review
of the A Designs MP-1
I Need it!
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A Designs MP-2A MIC PRE

The MP-2A is a true tube-in, tube-out stereo microphone pre-amplifier.
Utilizing world class input transformers by Jensen and custom
designed output transformers for the lowest noise level
and highest quality sound, the MP-2A will bring the warmth and
richness of analog to your recordings while maintaining a
crystal clear spectrum of sound.
Additional features of the MP-2A include two "tone" switches
on each channel-- giving you a pallette of four unique sonic
flavors per channel-- as well as phase and phantom switches,
balanced XLR or 1/4" inputs, and true VU meters.The MP-2A
is a true Pro Audio Mic-pre available at a very
affordable price.
MSRP $2695
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A-Designs ATTY
Cut sheet
The ATTY is one of the most useful tools you didn’t know
you needed. It is a no-noise, passive, compact device that can
be connected to any audio system requiring output gain control.
It is a stereo attenuator for any +4 line level sources and has
¼”/XLR combo jack inputs and ¼”TRS/XLR
outputs. It has a rotary level control and a mute switch. Hook
it up to your powered monitors for quick and easy level control
or muting!
Some other uses include:
Line level control for your guitar, bass or keyboard via the amp’s
extension speaker without clipping your A/D converter,
Line level control for a Mic-pre to your A/D converter,
Line level control from a power amp to any speaker in a series,
Line level control for your powered monitors.
Use multiple units for independent stereo control to powered speakers.
MSRP $125
I Need it!
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We have
three customers:
The Factory, The Store, and ultimately You.
Our “job description” in it's most
general form is:
“We do everything the factory would do.”
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