Chandler Limited
Chandler Limited GERM 500 MKII
Best choice for vocalists seeking rich, vintage-inspired harmonic character.
The Chandler Limited GERM 500 MKII is a premium, single-channel microphone preamplifier designed for the versatile 500 Series format. It features a unique Class A circuit utilizing germanium transistors, renowned for imparting a distinct and beautiful sonic character, especially favored for vocal recordings. This preamp delivers up to +60 dB of clean gain and offers essential features like switchable +48V phantom power and phase inversion. Its standout capabilities include a 'Thick' switch for bass enhancement and a unique feedback control for subtle sound shaping, providing exceptional sonic flexibility.
$1068.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
22
/ 87
#22 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-34%
Below average
Max. Gain
60
/ + dB
Who it's for
- Producers seeking distinct harmonic character and vintage-inspired warmth
- Engineers wanting precise control over saturation and gain staging
- Studio owners building a high-quality, space-saving 500-series rig
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious recordists needing multiple channels for a lower price
- Engineers requiring clinical transparency and ultra-clean signal paths
- Users with densely packed racks sensitive to thermal output
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Germanium transistors deliver a rich, vintage warmth that defines professional vocal tracks.
Sound Shaping
Feedback control and the Thick switch offer exceptional creative tonal flexibility.
Gain Range
Sixty decibels of clean gain handles most microphones with plenty of headroom.
Build Quality
Rugged construction ensures reliable performance in any standard 500 series rack.
Input Versatility
Seamless switching between mic and DI inputs simplifies your studio workflow.
Ease of Integration
Compact module design fits perfectly into existing modular recording setups.
Key Specs
Max. Gain
+60 dB
Circuit Type
Class A, Solid State (Germanium Transistors)
Form Factor
500 Series Module
Dimensions (WxHxD)
38.1 x 133.4 x 177.8 mm
Phantom Power
Switchable +48 V
Channels
1
Input Switching
Mic/DI switchable
Model Number
GERM 500 MKII
Features
- Unique Class A germanium transistor circuit
- Adds distinct sonic color
- Switchable 'Thick' switch for bass boost
- Adjustable feedback control for sound shaping
- Switchable Mic/DI input
- Provides +60 dB of clean gain
- Switchable +48V phantom power
- Single-channel 500 Series module
What customers say
The Chandler Limited GERM 500 MKII is highly valued for its unmistakable sonic signature. Customers praise its ability to inject thick, harmonically rich character and desirable aggressive edge into recordings. This preamp excels at adding weight and punch to bass, guitars, and drums, moving beyond transparent sound. Users appreciate the tonal sculpting offered by the feedback and thick switches, allowing adjustments from punchy clarity to vintage saturation. Despite its premium cost, the exceptional build quality and unique sonic palette confirm its status as a worthwhile investment. It is considered an essential tool for engineers seeking distinct, professional character.
Know before you buy
This preamp uses a Class A germanium transistor circuit, which is known for adding a warm, thick, and vintage-inspired color to your signal. It is particularly effective at smoothing out vocals and adding harmonic richness that standard clean preamps often lack.
The feedback control allows you to adjust the amount of signal fed back into the circuit. Increasing it typically results in more harmonic distortion and a more aggressive, colored tone, while lower settings provide a cleaner, more open sound.
The 'Thick' switch is a dedicated bass enhancement feature. It is designed to add weight and body to your source material, which is especially useful for thin-sounding microphones or sources that need a little extra low-end presence.
Yes, the GERM 500 MKII features a switchable DI input, allowing you to plug instruments directly into the front panel. This is a great way to capture the unique germanium character on direct-injected bass or guitar tracks.
With up to +60 dB of gain, it is sufficient for many modern ribbon microphones. However, if you are recording very quiet sources with low-output ribbons, you may find yourself pushing the gain toward its maximum limit.
Yes, the GERM 500 MKII is built to standard 500 Series specifications and will fit into any standard-sized 500 Series rack or lunchbox that provides sufficient power.
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