Grace Design
Grace Design M101 Microphone Preamp
Best pristine audio capture for professional studio and critical recording.
This single-channel, ultra wide-bandwidth microphone preamp delivers exceptionally transparent audio with a natural, musical, and detailed sound. Its transformerless, transimpedance circuit topology ensures pristine signal path integrity. Designed for professional recording, it features a robust front panel with clear LED indicators and a universal switching power supply. A specialized Ribbon Mic Mode protects sensitive microphones, while the front-panel HI-Z input offers versatility for instruments. This preamp provides high-fidelity performance, making professional-grade sound accessible for various recording applications.
$874.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
58
/ 606
#58 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-41%
Below average
Channels
1
Who it's for
- Audio professionals prioritizing faithful microphone reproduction
- Engineers requiring durable, studio-grade equipment
- Musicians recording guitars, basses, or keyboards directly
Who should skip it
- Producers seeking tube saturation or transformer-based coloration
- Aspiring engineers with limited financial resources
- Users desiring integrated processing beyond just gain
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Delivers an incredibly clean, uncolored signal that captures every subtle detail.
Ribbon Mic Compatibility
Dedicated mode safely handles delicate ribbon microphones with perfect impedance matching.
Gain Versatility
Wide gain range accommodates everything from quiet ribbons to high-output condensers.
Build Integrity
Rugged, professional-grade construction built to withstand years of studio abuse.
Instrument Integration
Front-panel HI-Z input makes direct recording of guitars and basses seamless.
Operational Clarity
Intuitive layout with clear LED indicators simplifies complex recording sessions.
Key Specs
Channels
1
Gain Range
10-75dB
Input Impedance
8.1kΩ (standard), 20kΩ (Ribbon Mic Mode)
Phantom Power
48V
High-Pass Filter
Yes
Input Connectors
XLR (mic), 1/4" TRS/TS (HI-Z)
Output Connectors
1/4" TRS/TS (balanced/unbalanced), XLR (balanced)
Power Supply
Universal switching (100-240V AC)
Know before you buy
When engaged, the Ribbon Mic Mode increases the input impedance to 20kΩ and disables 48V phantom power. This prevents potential damage to sensitive ribbon microphones while ensuring they receive the proper electrical load for an accurate, open sound.
Yes. The front panel features a dedicated HI-Z instrument input designed specifically for guitars, basses, and synthesizers. It bypasses the microphone circuitry to provide a clean, high-fidelity signal path for your instruments.
Absolutely. With a gain range of 10-75dB, the M101 provides plenty of clean, quiet headroom to drive dynamic microphones like the SM7B without introducing unwanted noise or hiss.
No. The M101 is designed to be exceptionally transparent and neutral. Its transformerless, transimpedance circuit topology preserves the natural character of your microphone rather than adding harmonic distortion or 'vintage' coloration.
Yes, the unit is highly flexible. It offers both balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS outputs, allowing you to connect to professional-grade audio interfaces, mixing consoles, or unbalanced consumer recording gear.
No, the M101 includes a universal switching power supply that automatically handles voltages from 100-240V AC. You only need to ensure you have the correct plug adapter for the wall outlet in your destination.
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