New Pacifica Mic Pre from A Designs

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A Designs Audio has introduced the Pacifica, to be on display at the 119th AES Convention in NYC. Pacifica is a single rack space, dual-channel (mono/mono) microphone preamplifier that conjures up the unique tone and look of the Quad Eight mixing console from which it derives its name.

The Pacifica offers a uniquely "Made in California" feel thanks to the significant heft of its transformers. Improving on the original design, A Designs has added a front panel active hi-z 1/4-inch input that places the input transformer directly in the signal path for a huge direct sound. The cream colored panel and red knob scheme of the original mixing console has been retained.

Pacifica is the result of two years of research and design by Peter Montessi of A Designs Audio (West Hills, California) and pro audio designer Jon Erickson. They recreated the tonal characteristics of the highly revered, U.S.-manufactured Quad Eight solid state desks with the assistance of Tom Reichenbach of Cinemag, whose father designed the original Quad Eight transformers. The team was able to capture the familiar sound of Quad Eight consoles similar to the Ventura, Coronado and Pacifica consoles following exhaustive trial and error and listening tests. They were able to overcome the absence of original documentation, sourcing of discontinued and obsolete components, and difficulties in locating some of the original Quad Eight staff. Eventually, prototypes were sent to a handful of devoted Quad Eight console owners and A-Designs mic pre fans, along with some of today's talented recording engineers, such as Dylan Dresdow and Ted Perlman. The results were gratifying. Virtually all agreed that the new A Designs Pacifica achieved the design team's objective of recreating the original Quad Eight sound, but with slightly more top end according to the company.

The A Designs Audio Pacifica solid state, stereo, mic preamp is now shipping. MSRP is $1,900.

For more information, visit their web site at www.adesignsaudio.com.