Buzz Elixir Preamp
List Price..........$975.00
Atlas Price.....$755.00

A few words from Nathan Eldred about the Elixir... I have to say this is one of the most impressive 500 series preamps I've seen in a long time. The workmanship is unbelievable. The tone of the preamp is very DEEP and REAL sounding, the transient response is very fast. The highs are extended but still NATURAL and MUSICAL, and the low end is very tight. Needless to say serial number 1 & 2 are now mine for use in my studio. Also check out the Buzz Audio ESSENCE compressor.

The elixir preamplifier module is an excellent compliment to the "fatter" sound of many modules now available in the API(TM) 500 Series format and has been designed to provide exceptionally low noise wide bandwidth amplification of microphone and instrument signals. The elixir will suit those who desire a recording preamplifier where just a slight amount of bass colour is added to the original signal whilst retaining full treble extension and a smooth midrange - warm, sweet, liquid - the perfect blend.

The elixir circuit design is roughly based on the now famous Buzz Audio MA-2.2 mic preamp and utilises two BE40 True Class A amplifiers in a transformeless input arrangement. Following this is the output stage comprising of two newly designed BE50 True Class A high current audio buffers that drive a Lundahl LL1517 output transformer.

As can be seen from the distortion specifications, the presence of the Lundahl output transformer adds a subtle amount of harmonic at low frequencies thereby enhancing the bottom end but without sacrificing the wide bandwith needed for good clarity in the top end.

The output configuration of the elixir results in a maximum output level of +34dBu before clipping, which means it can comfortably deliver clean audio into all analogue or digital recorders without overload.

Gain range of the microphone input is 22dB to 70dB or -2dB to 50dB with the -20dB pad selected. More than enough for ribbon microphones. The input impedance (selected with the IN Z switch) is 4000 ohms in the H position or 1200 ohms in the L position.

The instrument input on the elixir features a "bootstrapped FET" high to low impedance convertor that then feeds the elixir amplifier stages. Selection of the instrument input is automatic when a jack is inserted on the front panel input.

Gain range of the instrument input is 10db less than the mic input at 12dB to 60dB. The input impedance is switchable 1,000,000 ohms or 20,000 ohms with the IN Z switch.

Features:

• 500 Series compatible module format - plug in and play!
• Advanced analogue technology - not a clone or copy of products from the past.
• Fully discrete hi-bias wide bandwidth differential Class A amplifiers.
• Matched and selected semiconductors.
• Transformerless input, straightline single path.
• High performance Lundahl output transformer.
• 41 position max trimmed GAIN control.
• Optimized "grunty" Class A amplifiers for the input/output functions.
• Output Mute and Hi/Lo input impedance switches.
• Accurate four LED peak level meter

Specifications:

• Min Gain Mic = +22dB (-2dB with pad in)
• Max Gain Mic = +70dB
• Min Gain Instrument = +12dB (-3dB with pad in)
• Max Gain Instrument = +60dB
• Maximum Output Level = +34dBu into 3k ohm load.
• Frequency Response Mic = 10Hz to 300kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB).
• Frequency Response Instrument = 10Hz to 120kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB).
• Harmonic Distortion measured at -20dBu input level, gain adjusted for +10dBu output level
  Mic = 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.01% @ 1kHz, 0.005% @ 10kHz
  Instrument = 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.015% @ 1kHz, 0.015% @10kHz
• EIN Mic = -132.5dB A wtg, 150ohm source Z.
• Signal to Noise Ratio Mic = -73dB A wtg, input shorted.
• Signal to Noise Ratio Instrument = -76dB A wtg, input shorted.
• CMNR Mic = -78dB @ 100Hz, -100dB @ 1kHz, -100dB @ 10kHz.
• Input Impedance Mic = 4k ohms/1k2 ohms switchable.
• Input Impedance Instrument = 1MEG ohms/20k ohms switchable.
• Controls = Gain, Mute, Phase Reverse, 20dB input Pad, Input impedance, Phantom pwr.
• Indicators = 4 LED peak reading meter.
• Size = (37Wx132H). Fits 1 space in API(TM) 500 series rack format
• Power requirements = 150mA +/- 15-18 volts DC, as supplied by frame power supply.