Archangel Electronics VH3XR (For EdVH Hypersoni¢ Only!) Replacement Preamp

These are the Latest 2026 4th Generation Archangel XR Preamps ⚠️ This VH3XR is designed for the EdVH Hypersonik only (please excuse the deliberate mis-spelling). We are not affiliated with the corporate owners of the trademarks for these fine FRFR amplifiers.

The only differences between our new V3XR and this VH3XR -is that the VH3XR Bass and Treble filters and XR switch locations are reversed for the unique EdVH Hypersonik FR- 12 knob layout. In the manual and text below, the name V3XR applies to both preamps.

The new XR Series of V3 and VH3 Preamps offer extended dynamic range and extended frequency response. Live or in the rehearsal studio, the VH3XR offers massive punch, transparent clarity, huge clean headroom, warm musical EQ and rugged stage ready durability.

The VH3XR is installed using the stock holes, hardware and connectors of the stock preamp. Installation is simple, no soldering required!

The VH3XR is designed to preserve the backline mojo and distinct frequency curve of the stock preamp, while eliminating the original hiss and noise issues that plagued early FR-10/12 models.

Along the way, we added premium features, higher-quality components, and modern protections — all without compromising the plug-and-play simplicity users expect. The new XR Series of V3 and VH3 Preamps offer Extended Dynamic Range and Extended Frequency Response, even beyond previous V Series Archangel Preamps.

These include a clear replacement Amp Jewel! Blue for power and red for clip indication! and a custom wrench, and has a QR for the massive updated owners guide and install manual.

*NOTE

The Hypersonik LED Jewel is a different size than the FR-10/12s -so 2 washers have been added to fill in the difference.. as a result the included wrench may not fit quite right. I believe the included decal is the right size, but you may need to get creative with it if it is oversized. Please let me know how it fits. (most Hypersonik people hate the badge and throw them away). It's a thing.

We are still working on these final details.

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Archangel V3XR Key Features

The Archangel V3XR preamp is a high-performance upgrade engineered for superior audio fidelity, signal clarity, and robust build quality. Compared to the original FR-10/FR-12 stock preamp, the V3XR offers dramatic improvements in design, noise reduction, clean headroom, and component quality.

• Custom EQ Architecture
  Archangel’s Isometric EQ section eliminates the hiss associated with 12 separate EQ amp channels — now reduced to just 3 precision-tuned channels with a new Active Cut Control Circuit.
• ◄ XXR / XR Switch ►
  eXtended Response for deep Low Frequency Tuning. The XR► setting has a lower tuned bass response than the stock control. The ◄XXR setting is tuned even lower.  XR works great with the FR-10. XXR is great for the FR12. They slam with drop tuned, multi scale, and 7+string instruments.
• Optimized OpAmp Design
  Total opamp channel count reduced from 16 to 8, significantly lowering noise while improving signal path efficiency.
• Phantom Power Protection
  Integrated protection circuitry shields the preamp from potential damage when phantom power is applied via XLR connections.
• Clip / Power Indicator LEDs in a new Custom Dual LED Amp Jewel. A Red Clip LED is provided inside a clear replacement Jewel along with a new Blue Power LED. 
• Precision-Tuned Signal Stages
  Balanced input, Gain, Crossover, and Horn Amp stages have all been expertly tuned for high accuracy and transparent performance. 
• Premium Audio Components
  V3XR Features Burr Brown and OPA Sound Plus integrated circuits for superior audio fidelity.
• Top-Shelf Build Quality
  Constructed using custom potentiometers, hand-selected components, high-quality cables, and premium semiconductors.
• Gold-Plated Double-Sided PCBs
  Designed for durability, signal integrity, and long service life. The XR series now includes internal Polygon Geometry instead of typical thin pcb traces. For heavy copper layers and conductivity. 
• Correct Signal Phase Alignment
  The V3XR output is in phase with the input signal — unlike the stock FR-10 preamp, which is 90 degrees out of phase.

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Component &  Build Quality Upgrades 

XR major updates are highlighted

• Premium Audio Components
• • Continued use of Through-Hole (PTH) Metal Film Capacitors, low noise resistors, and Premium electrolytic capacitors for audiophile-grade sound quality. V3XR adds Polystyrene or WIMA Film/Foil Capacitors in the treble filter and Polymer Electrolytics. 
  • Signal Path uses only Burr Brown and OPA Sound Plus ICs.
  • Gold-plated, double-sided PCBs with Polygon Geometry. (V3XR) Uses heavy copper buses and ground planes for enhanced conductivity and noise shielding. 
  • The V3XR PCB is 30% smaller with rear facing components reducing induced noise.

• Headroom Before Clipping (V3 and newer)
• • Input stages use the Burr Brown OPA2134, with three additional TI OPA-Series Premium rail-to-rail Op Amps, dramatically increasing headroom.
  • The V3XR final output Volume has been increased nearly 3dB! above the V3RevB. 
  • The gain stage (stock FR pre and V2) has been replaced with two isolated gain stages, cutting pre-EQ gain noise in half and keeping the signal far below rail clipping.
• New Active Cut Control Circuit (V3RevB and V3XR)
• • Redesigned without the need for an additional op amp or resonant filter for low noise.
  • Cut knob now ranges from 7:00 to 1:00 (stock knob behavior) with 1:00 to 5:00 providing extended horn attenuation, including complete mute at 5:00.
• Clean Gain Optimization (V3RevB and V3XR)
• • Circuit Gain increased from 14x to 14.4x, with negligible added noise. 
  • Extended High-Frequency Response improves clarity and "air" without adding gain, effectively replacing the Legacy model V3 (revA) Bright Mod jumper.

Usability & Installation Improvements

• Rugged Volume Pot Upgrade  (V3, and newer)
• • Custom spec 41-click micro detented potentiometers.
  • All 5 control pots now match in premium tactile feel and style, accept stock knobs, and hold settings firmly like an encoder.
• New Clip/Power LED (V3XR)
• • A NEW Custom Clear Amp Jewel is included and fits directly into the stock FR power LED jewel location.
  • Simple installation: Replace the jewel, plug in the 2 LED jacks. Red=Clip  Blue=Power.
  • Bonus: No more fussing with the ground lift hole or drilling holes into the chassis.
• Phantom Power Protection
• • Unlike the stock FR, Archangel V series include internal protection circuitry against +48V phantom from XLR. 
• Improved Primary Wiring Harness (V3RevB, and V3XR)
• • Replaces soldered wire headers with a 7-pin detachable harness featuring 20 AWG conductors for easier, more robust installation and long-term reliability. 

• Upgraded Semiconductor Packages  (V3RevB, and V3XR)
• • The large N-channel mosfet has been replaced with a modern SMT package with better performance and a low-profile footprint for improved board design and thermal management..
  • Upgraded TDA2050 (V3XR) 
  • The TDA2050 Horn Amp has been replaced with a modern SMT package with much better thermal performance and a low-profile footprint including a new tiny heatsink. The entire circuit has been re-tuned and optimized with RF noise filtering added.