Midas 500 Series 502 Modular Microphone Preamplifier with Classic XL4 Filters

What sets the 500 Series 502 Modular Microphone Preamplifier apart is its embodiment of MIDAS's commitment to audio excellence. This high-quality, professional-grade preamplifier is a testament to MIDAS's legacy, offering the revered MIDAS sound in a compact, modular design that integrates seamlessly with mobile or recording systems. When paired with the LEGEND L10 or L6 500 Series Rackmount Chassis, the 502 becomes the quintessential component for audio professionals seeking the unparalleled MIDAS audio experience in a versatile format.

The 502 preamplifier is renowned for its award-winning design, which has been meticulously refined with four discrete ultra-low noise input transistors. This enhancement ensures an even more transparent and ultra-low noise output, capturing the full essence of the source with impeccable clarity. The MIDAS sound, celebrated for its warmth and depth, has graced countless live performances and recordings, delivering a sound quality that is both organic and precise.

Engineers will appreciate the "Sweet Forgiveness" of the 502's robust and overload-tolerant design. The preamp's input stage accepts signal levels up to +24 dBu without the need for a pad, and features a soft clipping characteristic that adds a touch of harmonics for a crystal-clear, audiophile-grade reproduction with a hint of vintage charm.

The 502 also revives the classic MIDAS XL4 Filters, which have been a cornerstone of the brand's sonic identity. The low pass filter can be adjusted from 1 kHz to 40 kHz, and the high pass filter from 10 Hz to 400 Hz, allowing for precise sculpting of the audio signal. These filters contribute to the preamp's flexibility and ease of use, making it a go-to choice for professionals.

For output options, the 502 offers selectable balanced outputs. The default electronically balanced output delivers a pristine signal at high levels, while the optional discrete transistor-driven transformer balanced output stage, engaged via the TX switch, provides a more vintage sound with added coloration when driven.

Precision LED I/O metering is a standout feature, with an 11-segment rotary LED meter providing accurate input metering and a similar meter for output trim adjustment. The 502's high accuracy I/O rotary controls include a 12-position gain switch and a fully variable output trim potentiometer, offering a total maximum gain of +80 dB, accommodating even the most sensitive ribbon microphones.

Illuminated switches enhance the user experience, offering visual confirmation of the preamp's status. These include switches for the low and high pass filters, phase reverse, +48V phantom power, and the output transformer selector. The 502's thoughtful design ensures that all preamp parameters are easily monitored at a glance.

In summary, the 500 Series 502 Modular Microphone Preamplifier is a reliable, durable, and innovative solution for audio professionals who demand the best. Its solid-state design and classic filtering options make it a superior choice over alternative preamplifiers, ensuring that the MIDAS sound remains a staple in studios and live rigs worldwide.