Aphex 1100 Mic Preamp Announced
 October 4, 1999
Aphex Systems Ltd. has introduced the model 1100 Discrete
Class A Microphone Tube Preamplifier. Offering the lowest noise possible, 24-bit
96 kHz digital outputs and Aphex’s exclusive MicLim protection circuit, the
dual channel 1100 is designed for professional recording, broadcast and production
in the digital or analog domains.
Aphex
innovations and patents allow the 1100 to deliver an EIN specification of -135dB.
The MicLim circuit adds an additional 20dB of headroom, making it virtually impossible
to overload the preamp. Since the A/D converter is scaled to clip at the same
point as the mic preamp, the digital conversion will be at the highest possible
resolution without overload. Aphex’s patented tube circuitry provides the
open, present, real and warm sound.
“Our goal with the 1100 is to offer a mic preamp which fulfills all the
specifications of a world-class preamp, but goes beyond this in terms of sonic
performance and features,” stated Aphex founder and president Marvin Caesar.
“The 1100 exhibits clearly superlative features, specifications and performance
that are unsurpassed by any preamp today.”
The 1100’s EIN specification of -135dB is as much as 10dB better than
some of the esoteric preamps on the market. An additional 20dB of headroom is
available due to two Aphex innovations. First, the exclusive MicLim intelligently
detects and limits the microphone signal prior to preamplification to prevent
clipping. Second, the exclusive low frequency cancellation filter (LoCaf) allows
up to 20dB of low frequency cut without using any headroom or triggering MicLim.
The filter is tunable in 11 steps from 30 to 195 Hz.
Full featured AES/EBU digital audio output is standard on the 1100. Clock
synchronization options allow locking to standard “word clock” and to
AES/EBU clock received via back panel BNC input. The internal clock may be set
at 44.1, 48, or 96kHz sample rates. When set for external clock reference, the
BNC input jack directly links to the BNC output for easy daisy-chaining of multiple
1100s. All digital audio settings are controlled and displayed on the front panel.
Aphex’s patented A/D converter in the 1100 eliminates the need for a
high pass filter in the digital domain, which all other A/D converters require.
Since the A/D converter is integrated into the system, input to the converter
is scaled to be at the maximum output of a particular gain stage. Therefore the
input will never create a digital overload. In essence, the MicLim assures that
the mic preamp will not be overloaded and the A/D Converter is internally optimized,
so the digital output can never be overloaded.
Other features include an all discrete Class A PNP first stage and the patented
Reflected Plate Amplifier (RPA) tube circuitry in the second stage and in the
output stage. These circuits provide the 1100 with unique sonic characteristics
while maintaining low noise and high common mode rejection.
Each channel has a tunable low cut filter (30-195 Hz), tunable gain from 21
to 65 dB and multi-turn output trim. Both channels have individual switches for
20 dB pad, polarity, test tone, phantom power on/off, mute, MicLim, Clock Source
(Internal at 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz and External). The headroom meter is a 20 segment
LED. The back panel includes (for each channel) XLR In, XLR balanced Out, 1/4"
balanced Output, AES/EBU Out (XLR), Word Clock In/Out (BNC), remote mute control
jack. The 1100 has an internal linear power supply which is easily switchable
to any mains voltage.
The Aphex 1100 Discrete Class A Microphone Tube Preamplifier will be available
Winter 1999/2000 with a US Suggested Retail Price of $1995.
For more information, visit the Aphex web site at www.aphex.com.
| 
