Buzz Audio MA-2.2B microphone pre-amplifier

MA-2.2B

microphone pre-amplifier

A vintage mic preamp design that proved 20 years ago - "clean and fast does not need to sound clinical" - now with updated user interface and calibrated gain.

New in the MA2.2B:

• Functions are now controlled with illuminated push button switches with "clickless" operation, no more thumps on the output.
• The gain pot has been replaced with a calibrated 24 position Elma switch for accurate stereo matching between channels.
• We have added a useful 19 segment peak output level meter.
• But, the original audio and power supply design of the MA-2.2 has been retained.

audio path quality

The circuitry used in the MA-2.2B preamp was developed by Buzz Audio designer Tim Farrant in the 1990's and was dubbed "True Class A". The resulting BE40 series of amplifiers exhibit very wide frequency response (into the mega-hertz ) and ultra fast slew rates (140V/uS) even at 60dB of gain. These attributes, plus the inherently low distortion provide the exceptionally pure top end sound of the MA-2.2B. In addition, the over engineered power supply design with localized Class A regulators for each amplifier stage supplies the grunt needed for an authoritive and accurate bottom end - it sounds tight and never over blown. Instead of an input transformer we use a stack of Wima film capacitors and these do not exhibit the low frequency phase problems associated with transformers, and sound MUCH better than polarized capacitors found in competing high end products.

applications galore

The MA-2.2B sounds amazingly vibrant when recording acoustic guitar and percussion. It is equally at home on vocal and piano duties - and you will be very surprised how tight a kick drum can sound using this preamp - no more bouncing balls! Stringed instruments, choirs and full orchestras will be reproduced with the full dynamic range they require with zero midrange harshness. One could say, this preamp records everything with an uncanny life-like accuracy. It is virtually uncolored but exhibits a huge amount of vibe and musicality. The low reactance Wima capacitor input stage stack matches well with all microphone types and the noise specification is within 0.5dB of the theoretical minimum possible, so ribbon, capacitor and dynamic mics' are no problem for this preamp. Indulge yourself!