Normaphone MXPre L1C

The Normaphone MXPre LC1 is a low noise, low distortion preamp to be used in the Sony MXP 3000 series console. It is built around the Lundahl 1538XL transformer, features a low distortion fet op amp gain stage, DC servo, and output amp capable of driving 600Ω loads with ease.

I started this project because I'm a big fan of the simplicity and elegance inherent to transformer coupled preamps. I also needed a preamp that could handle higher incoming levels.

The Lundahl 1538XL transformer is a wonderful transformer. It's only slightly more colored than the Jensen transformer used in my other favorite preamp built for this console, John Hardy's MPC3000.

If you are interested, they are $425 apiece plus tax (10.25%) and shipping, with a price break for higher quantities.

For ordering and more info, feel free to email me.

Here is a review of it in Tape Op Magazine

Functional Features:

- 16 position gain switch 3dB per posion, ranging from +20 to +65dB gain, DC servo
- 20dB pad
- Phantom Power Switch w/dim blue led indicator
- Gold plated switches in audio path for long term reliability

Preliminary Technical Specs:

Input Impedance - 1400Ω

Output Impedance - 25Ω

Maximum Gain - 65dB

Maximum Output Level - 23dBu w/ 10kΩ Load,

22dBu w/ 600Ω Load

E.I.N. (150Ω Source,

non-weighted) - -127dB @ 41dB Gain

THD+N (1kHz) - %0.0015 (10kΩ load, 23dBu out)

Deviation From Linear Phase = < .5º (BW 10-20kHz)

Power Consumption ≤ 20mA (10mA per 18v rail)