The EM-Gold’s combination of EM-Silver and EM-Red transformers make for the perfect sounding floor tom. It’s also the preamp you should reach for when you want that speaker-moving, low-mid thump from heavy guitars. The EM-Gold is ideal for fattening up thin-sounding sources; on mics lacking low mids or upper bass warmth; and mid transients, such as percussion and drums. It also shines on vocals, bass, and even drum machines. If you’re going to move air (the secret of a big sound), go for the Gold—the A-Designs Audio EM-Gold.

FEATURES

• 70dB Gain (EM-Red: 68dB)
• -20dB Pad
• Red LED indicator
• Phase reverse
• 48v Phantom
• π" DI for H/Z input
• Custom wound transformers
• Two thumb screws for easy install
• Large aluminum cast knob
• Very solid build quality

Custom transformers—the secret of A-Designs 500 series sound

In order to achieve the quality of sound that brings a smile to your ears, a profound understanding of electronic components and how their inherent qualities affect sound is essential. Transformers hold a singular position in circuit design due to their ability to affect timbral quality. Apart from the utilitarian task of electronic isolation for noise-free operation, the alloys used for the transformer’s winding along with the number of windings, will impart a distinct sonic quality. For example, nickel-wound transformers provide a more transparent sound with an airy high end, while steel can impart a thick "Neve-like" midrange or low-end "API growl."

To give each preamp in the A-Designs Audio EM-Series its own unique character, each has custom-wound transformers that employ proprietary A-Designs alloys that have been ear-tested to produce just the right sound for the right application. But that doesn’t mean that the EM-Series preamps are one-trick ponies—far from it. What it does mean is that decades of collective experience between A-Designs Audio and highly respected audio professionals who beta test A-Designs products have taken guesswork out of finding the right preamp for the job. Think of each of the EM series preamps as the ruler of a specific domain in the frequency spectrum. For example, the EM-Silver rules the lower frequencies thanks to its steel-wound transformer, making it a perfect choice for bass or kick drum, while the EM-Blue’s nickel transformer provides the clarity and highs needed to bring out the "crack" on snare drums.

With various combinations of EM-Series modules you can create a lunchbox dedicated to recording drums, channel strips with Pultec-style EQ, or simply have a preamp for all seasons in one convenient location.

Let A-Designs Audio’s EM-Series 500 modules be to be your guide to a world of color and sound that will inspire both you and your recordings.