• Daking Mic Pre One

  
  As reviewed by Rob Tavaglione on 6/6/2010

  Daking is known, amongst other things, for a line of clean and uncolored mic preamps and the Mic Pre One (MP1) is no exception. At first I didn't like the desktop design all that much, but now I have reconsidered, as it has its purposes. The Mic-Pre One has a Jensen input transformer, a higher than typical 70 dB's of gain, a switchable and continuously variable HPF (between off and 200 Hz) and a 20 segment output level meter. With an 1/8th inch steel enclosure and tight, non-stepped rotary pots the MP1 feels sturdy and destined for long service. In a nutshell, the MP1 is very clean, with high headroom, no discernible compression and a flat, natural frequency response. It can distort, but you have to try very hard to do it and that's not really its specialty anyway. To me, it seems like the MP1's distinct advantage is that it can be run very close to your source; minimizing line noise by sending a line level signal down your cable instead of a lower, mic level one. This has advantages for the personal studio ... if you have long cable runs from studio to control room, if you need to put a mic pre close to performer for frequent adjustment, or if you're avoiding a noisy environment. This is especially true for broadcast applications, where all kinds of noise (EMI, RF, fluorescent lights, intercoms etc.) are nearby and anxious to pollute your clean audio. The MP1's high pass filter is also indispensable. Whether removing ground hum on location, filtering out unwanted rumble or fine tuning a mic's response (I aggressively use the HPF to clean up a ribbon mic's boomy bottom end on acoustic guitar, for example). If you're looking for your first premium mic pre, this is an ideal choice. Sure, its not colorful, but neutrality is more important on your first pre. If you've got a full rack, the MP1 still deserves a look ...you might need a portable pre out of the rack, or you might just want those tasty Daking sonics. Either way, considering its reasonable price and sturdy build, you can't go wrong with the MP1.

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• Perfect Pre

  
  As reviewed by David on 3/29/2011

  This is a powerful preamp. The construction is sturdy, and the little rubber feet keep it in place on my desk. I've cranked the gain to 60 without ANY noise at all. Some of the cleanest gain you can get. I didn't want a tube amp or anything that would color my sound. This pre does exactly what I wanted it to, boosts my signal with pure, noise free, gain. The variable high pass filter is also really great when recording a variety of sources (acoustics and vocals are mainly my thing). It's easy to use, the buttons on the front panel are very bright so you will know when it is off or on. Overall a very sturdy one channel preamp and for the price I don't think there is a better device.

  1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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