Grace Design
Grace Design m201mk2 2-channel Microphone Preamp
Best clean signal path for discerning audio engineers.
This 2-channel microphone preamp is engineered for purists, focusing on exceptional audio quality and a streamlined design. It delivers an audiophile-grade performance with an ultra-low noise floor and massive headroom, capturing sources with remarkable clarity. A proprietary Ribbon Mode optimizes performance for ribbon microphones by adjusting gain, phantom power, and input impedance. Its fully balanced signal path ensures nuanced sound reproduction, making it ideal for both project studios and professional facilities seeking to elevate their microphone recordings.
$1898.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
58
/ 606
#58 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Preamp Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audio engineers prioritizing pristine, accurate sound capture for critical recordings.
- Studio professionals needing a flexible preamp for diverse recording scenarios.
- Recording artists and engineers seeking durable, high-performance studio workhorses.
Who should skip it
- Aspiring producers with limited budgets for high-fidelity audio equipment.
- Producers desiring preamps that add distinct sonic coloration or vintage warmth.
- Engineers needing more than two simultaneous microphone inputs for larger sessions.
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
Captures audio with surgical precision and virtually zero added coloration.
Ribbon Mic Optimization
Dedicated mode provides the perfect impedance and gain for delicate ribbons.
Noise Floor
Exceptionally quiet circuitry ensures pristine recordings even at high gain levels.
Headroom
Handles massive dynamic swings without a hint of unwanted signal clipping.
Build Integrity
Rugged rackmount chassis built to withstand years of heavy studio use.
Operational Versatility
Essential controls like pads and polarity switches offer necessary signal flexibility.
Key Specs
Preamp Type
Solid State
Number of Channels
2
Phantom Power
Yes (+48V)
Pads
-20dB
Polarity Switch
Yes
Analog Inputs
2 x XLR
Analog Outputs
2 x XLR
Frequency Response
3.2Hz–530kHz (± 3dB, 150Ω source, 20dB gain)
Know before you buy
The Ribbon Mode optimizes the preamp specifically for ribbon microphones by adjusting the input impedance, gain structure, and disabling phantom power to protect delicate ribbons. It ensures you get the full frequency response and clarity these microphones are known for without the risk of damage.
Yes, the m201mk2 is designed with massive headroom and an exceptionally low noise floor, allowing you to push low-output dynamic microphones hard without introducing unwanted hiss or distortion.
Absolutely. The unit features switchable +48V phantom power, making it fully compatible with condenser microphones that require external power.
The m201mk2 offers a significantly cleaner, more transparent signal path than most built-in interface preamps. With its ultra-wide bandwidth and negligible harmonic distortion, it captures a level of detail and nuance that is often lost with standard integrated hardware.
Yes, its 1U rackmount design makes it easy to integrate into any professional or project studio rack. It is an excellent choice if you want to upgrade your signal chain to a professional standard.
The 20dB pad is essential when recording high-level sound sources, such as loud guitar cabinets or drums. It prevents the input stage from clipping, ensuring you maintain a clean, undistorted signal even when tracking aggressive volumes.
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