French outfit Sound Skulptor have just released an API Lunchbox-compatible mic preamp, the MP573. Like most of their products (including the STS Stereo Tape Simulator, which we reported on back in February), the MP573 is available either as a DIY kit or in completed form, where the fully assembled version is ready to use straight away, and the kit version comes with all the components you need to build it.
Based on Neve’s classic 1073 preamp module, the MP573 is said by Sound Skulptor to have a “full, silky, detailed and musical” sound, and it can provide up to 70dB of gain to mic-level sources. True to the original, both the input and output stages employ transformers (Carnhill St Ives models, in this case), in a single-ended Class-A design. The MP573’s input impedance can be switched, via a jumper, between either 300 Ohms or 1200 Ohms, allowing you to match mic and preamp impedances, or simply giving you two distinct tonal flavours. An FET (Field-effect transistor) DI input is also present, and this passes through the input transformer, giving you the option to drive the signal and add some saturation to instrument-level signals.
In addition to the gain controls (one stepped in 10dB increments, the other a continuously variable ±10dB pot), two switches on the front panel invert the signal’s polarity, and apply phantom power when it is needed.
As ever with Sound Skulptor products, pricing is very reasonable: fully assembled, the MP573 will set you back 568 Euros, while in kit form it costs just 329 Euros.
