Maag Audio PREQ2 2 Kanal Preamp & EQ

The MÄAG Audio PREQ2 is a Dual mic preamp for recording and mixing applications that fits comfortably into your 19" rack thanks to its small size (1U). Equipped with an equalizer divided into three sections - including air band shelving EQ - changes to the sound can be made quickly. In addition, both line and microphone signal levels can be processed with two channels tuned to each other, so that in addition to a usual recording (e.g. via microphone including 48V phantom power or Hi-Z signals from guitars), sum signals can also be fed in. All switches provide information about the status thanks to colored LEDs and are gridded with the exception of the continuously variable microphone amplifiers.

The Preamp built into the MÄAG Audio PREQ2 has a gain of up to 71dB, which is split between a discrete Class A transistor preamplifier and a nickel core input transformer (one for each channel). This results in a clean, detailed sound with +27 dBU of headroom as well as a low noise floor of -128dB. Two optimized gain ranges are achievable on the front panel: The standard gain range delivers +20 bi +42 dB, while the other range operates between +42dB to +71dB in high-gain mode via 25-dB switch. The maximum input level here is +8dB.

The input section features LED indicators, +48V phantom power buttons, a -20dB pad and phase/polarity reversal, while the mic gain itself is continuously adjustable with a single large knob.

The front-panel line switch lets you conveniently switch between line and mic signals, so you can always use one channel as a mic channel and the other as a line-level amp, and record vocals and instruments in parallel.

Both mic input sections have ¼-inch TS jacks for high-impedance (1 mega-ohm) instrument inputs, with an associated ¼-inch Thru output jack that simultaneously provides an isolated, buffered output - a "copy" of the instrument input signal at unity gain. In addition to providing an unbalanced signal for long feeds to instrument amplifiers in the Studio and/or effects pedals, the output signal from the Thru jack is also active for live reinforcement when using the XLR mic input.

When using the TS jack of the instrument input, the Mäag Audio PREQ2™ automatically switches on the unbalanced ¼-inch input signal using a relay and routes it to the microphone input transformer. The impedance is lowered for better matching to the transformer. This detection circuitry makes it impossible for the 48 volt phantom power to ever reach the ¼-inch or XLR line input, even if it is already on.

Divided into three sections, the Equalizer offers identical and intuitive designs per channel that quickly achieve the desired results. Designed specifically for recording and/or subtle tonal changes, in short, you can do a lot of things to brighten up the sound with just a few tweaks. On board are second-order high-pass filters with 12dB per octave and a 21-step control from 20 - 200 Hz. The latter has its own bypass switch for input and output. In addition, there is a bell-shaped low-frequency equalizer with boost control, whereby the frequencies can be switched with a rotary switch with six positions: 10Hz (sub) shelf and bell-shaped curves for 40, 65, 100, 125 and 165 Hz. Here, a boost of up to 9 dB is possible.

The third band is the popular Mäag Audio Air Band Shelving EQ with 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz frequency selection and its own control with up to 9dB boost. A bypass button is also found here again, which is suitable for quick A/B comparisons.