Avalon Design M5 Datasheet

M5

MICROPHONE PREAMP

Pure Class A music recording systems since 1985.

2002 by AVALON INDUSTRIES, INC. PO Box 5976, San Clemente, California, U.S.A.

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.avalondesign.com

[e-mail]

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Pure Class A, 100% discrete design

Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence

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M5 FEATURES

SONIC EXCELLENCE

The Avalon M5 Pure Class A microphone preamplifier is
the most musical, low noise full function preamplifier
available today. Designed to optimize absolute signal
integrity and musical performance, the M5 combines an
advanced transformer input stage with twin high
performance Class A cascode FET and bipolar discrete
amplifiers for sonic excellence unequaled by lesser
designs. The M5 is ideal for vocal and acoustic
instruments, active DI input for the direct recording of
bass, guitars and keyboards.
Features include state-of-the-art, balanced 100% discrete,
Pure Class A signal amplifiers, practical user features and
rugged hardware designed to deliver true high
performance audio for many years.

DESIGNED FOR ULTIMATE MUSIC RECORDING

Avalon preamplifiers have been in use since 1989.
They have found their way into the world’s most famous
lead vocalists recording sessions and studios and been
featured on thousands of the best selling (and sounding)
albums and live performances.

MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN

Avalon’s advanced true symmetry design offers high­voltage, large headroom, extended bandwidth and very
low noise. The use of 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal
amplifiers give the serious music professional unlimited
sonic character and a natural harmonic detail that
enhances the program material and becomes one with
the music itself.

VOCALISTS DREAM MACHINE
The M5 microphone preamplifier is the first choice when
you are looking to capture a full bodied, dynamic, musical
performance from the intimate depths within the artist.
The M5 will make your recordings musical masterpieces!

AVALON

DESIGN

Minimum audio signal path

High performance input transformer
Microphone and Hi-Z inputs to +36dB
Very low noise -126dB
High headroom +30dB
Gain switched in 2dB steps to +64dB
DC coupled Pure Class A output
Large illuminated professional VU meter
Twin LED peak signal indicators
Regulated +48v phantom power supply
Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
Variable passive high pass (bass cut) filter
All signal routing with sealed silver relays
100% discrete power supplies for audio path
External 150W toroidal power supply
Long lasting, stainless steel hardware

AVALON DESIGN PURE CLASS A M5 MONO MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

2002 by AVALON INDUSTRIES, INC. PO Box 5976, San Clemente, California, U.S.A.

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.avalondesign.com

[e-mail]

c

M5 SPECIFICATIONS

Avalon reserves the right to incorporate changes in design and in the specifications of this product without prior notice.

Pure Class A music recording systems since 1985.

AVALON

DESIGN

AVALON DESIGN PURE CLASS A M5 MONO MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

Circuit topology

Input type and load
Maximum mic level
Maximum instrument level
Input attenuator
Phantom power
High pass filter
Polarity reverse

Gain range input
Maximum output level
Output type
Noise EIN unweighted
Noise 20kHz unweighted
Distortion THD, IMD
Frequency response -3dB
System bandwidth
Output meter
Peak meter
Options

M5 dimensions
Weight
Dimensions-shipping carton
Weight-packed

AC power supply B2T
Cables
Dimensions
Weight

Rack mount kit (1) RM-1
Rack mount kit (2) RM-2

Twin cascode FET and bipolar low level input signal stages. High-voltage,
100% discrete, symmetrical high-bias Pure Class A amplifiers

Superior transformer, balanced low-ratio 1500 ohm input load
+36dB balanced XLR pin 2 hot (with -20dB passive attenuator)
+18dB at 100k ohms instrument input level, standard mono 1/4 inch jack

-20dB resistive pre-transformer primary, sealed silver relay
+48v regulated 50mA capability, sealed silver relay
Passive, variable from 30Hz to 185Hz @ 6dB per octave, sealed silver relay
Sealed silver relay on microphone input

+20dB to +64dB in 2dB steps
+30dB unbalanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, discrete symmetrical Pure Class A
XLR connector, pin 2 hot (optional balanced JT-1 transformer)

-126dB 150 ohm

-100dB

0.05% nominal
1Hz to 120kHz transformer limit
DC to 1MHz
High quality, illuminated analog VU meter 0dB = +4dB
Bi-color LED’s 0dB and +20dB peak detection circuit
BK-1 high-voltage plug in card for B&K 130v microphones

8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in (216 x 88 x 305mm) half rack width
15lbs (6.8kg)
24 x 21.5 x 7.5 in (610 x 546 x 190mm)
25lbs (11.4kg) includes B2T power supply and cables

External toroidal 100V to 240V, 50-60Hz selectable, 150 watts maximum
1 x 8ft 4 pin ac cable, 1 x 8ft standard IEC cable included
5 x 7 x 3.25 in (127 x 177 x 83mm)
7lbs (3.2kg)

Single M5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds one half rack unit)
Dual M5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds two half rack units)

BK-1 130v power card option