Sound Skulpter MP573 Microphone Preamplifier 2025

MP573 Microphone preamplifier for the 500 series

The MP573 is a two stages, single ended class A preamp, based on the design that was originally used in the Neve 1290/1073 modules, that has been adapted to the 500 series of API.

Just install it in your API* compatible LunchboxTM rack and start recording.

The sound of the MP573, like its model is full, silky, detailed and musical, slightly larger than life, very complimentary to a digital recording environment.

The MP573 is great on vocals, acoustic instruments and generally all close miked sources that need to be pushed forward in the mix.

Highlights

oSingle ended class A design

oCarnhill/St. Ives transformers on input and output

o0 to 70 dB of gain

oSwitchable 300 & 1200 Ohms and line level input impedance

oThe output stage is biased in a rich Class A with 70mA of iddle current

oFet DI input, relay switched, the signal passes through the input transformer

oSignal/Clip LED monitors clipping in both stages

o24V supply built from the +/-16V with a linear regulator

oControlled inrush current for lunchboxes with sensitive power supply

oGolden contacts on relays and switches

oHigh quality Grayhill gain switch

oTantalum capacitors in the audio path (as in original)

oHigh grade components throughout

oHigh grade double sided PCB with plated holes

Controls

1 Output level: Potentiometer that sets the signal level to the output stage.

2 Signal/Clip LED: Flashes green when a signal is present and turns red 3 dB before clipping.

3 Gain switch: In combination with the level potentiometer the overall gain can be set between 0 and +70dB. The 10 and 20 positions entirely bypass the input stage.

4 Input impedance: Center is the standard 1200 Ohms input impedance. Left sets a 300 Ohms low impedance, useful for ribbon mics that also adds 6 dB of gain. Right sets a 10 kOhm impedance input pad for line levels.

5 Polarity Sets the polarity (phase) of the output signal.

6 Sends phantom power to the microphone.

7 High impedance input (> 1 megohm) for instruments. The instrument signal goes through both transformers.