SOUND ON SOUND

[CS70]

My wild guess it's that it's a mistake in the same data file that is sent to all these web shops. More and more these things are automated..

"Midas" finally seems like an appropriate name...

[The Korff]

On both US and UK retailer websites, with different different shops showing slightly different discounts? No, I think they've just lost the plot!

[CS70]

On both US and UK retailer websites, with different different shops showing slightly different discounts? No, I think they've just lost the plot!

Well it could well be that all the prices are calculated from the same base currency, using a currency conversion table which is updated every week or so. That's how many company work out for example, investment budgets requiring foreign assets or labour.

Automation is progressing enormously and especially B2B - it is conceivable that the big shops may have automated price updates by the manufacturers, especially because it saves money reducing the need of manual operations and hence staff. On average that would be a good thing but there would be far less people (if any) in the chain to check out if things make sense.

But of course there's as much as chance to be as you say! :D

[Wonks]

It's been too long. And the shops certainly would get back to Music Group very quickly when they saw the price. I can't believe it does cost that much, but it's gone on too long for it to be a simple error. I suspect a marketing ploy.

[CS70]

Good point - as you said, we’re certainly talking about it!!

[blinddrew]

After all, at that price you only need to sell one... ;)

[ConcertinaChap]

Be interesting to see if they'll donate one for an SOS competition :)

CC

[DGL.]

I believe that $10,000 is indeed the real price from what I've read (I believe from Uli himself).

From what I gather it's basically a no expense spared XL4 based preamp using the best quality parts inc. mil. spec switches, sort of a halo product.

Thomann now have it 'on request' for €9,949 https://www.thomann.de/gb/midas_microph ... er_501.htm

[Brian M Rose]

Assuming it isn't a typo, a few things come to mind...
1) Have they submitted a sample for review by a trusted reviewer (dare I suggest SOS?)
2) Perhaps it is indeed aimed at audiophile enthusiasts rather than professional recording studios, the latter couldn't afford it while there are enough uber-rich people out there who could.
3) And how much do you need to spend on mic cables and for that matter mains cables?

I too suspect an early typo; and then with all that free publicity, 'hey guys, let's just leave things as they are!' I look forward to reading the review though.

[Dr R]

I emailed one vendor to ask if this price was a mistake. Still waiting for the reply after four days.

[DGL.]

Here is the post I mentioned from Uli himself at "the other world",

The analog lead engineer behind Midas is John Price. John has been with Midas for over 30 years and previoulsy worked for Rupert Neve and designed many of their products. If you ever meet John, he is one of the most humble and friendly people - always helps people by sharing his knowledge.

Midas just launched what the team believes is the world's best microphone preamplifier - the Midas 501. It is John's best work ever, however the preamp also comes at a steep price of US$ 10,000 as John requested to use the very best and most stringently selected components.
MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER 501 | Microphone Preamplifiers | Signal Processors | Midas | Categories | MUSIC Tribe

I have utmost respect for John - especially since he is a synth nut like me:-). He is heavily involved in all our synth developments and his rare analog experience is an incredible contribution.

If you ever find time, drop by our Manchester office and have a chat with John.

Uli

[molecular]

If I had just released the world’s best preamp, I would have put out a press release. Maybe that’s just me.

[Dr R]

I had a reply back from Gear 4 Music:
"Dear Mr Rose,
Thank you for your email.
This is the correct price for this item, since it is brand new and an award winning MIDAS Mic Preamp. It is only currently available for pre-order on our website.
"

I'm not sure what award it has won, other than most talked-about-but-never-purchased product of 2018.

[Wonks]

...or possibly the most expensive vapourware of 2108.

[Rich Hanson]

...or possibly the most expensive vapourware of 2108.

That's a hell of a lead time

[Wonks]

:clap: :thumbup:

Dyslexic fingers. They don't type what I tell them to.

[blinddrew]

I'm not sure what award it has won, other than most talked-about-but-never-purchased product of 2018.

You mean we haven't all voted for it in the SOS awards?