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MP573 Microphone preamplifier for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit

Price: 309,00€ (370,80€ Inc. Tax)

The MP573 is a two stages, single ended class A preamp, based on the design that was originally used in the Neve 1290/1073 modules, that has been adapted to the '500' format of API.

Add a XT500 extender?

Add a 501 Case?

Kit or Assembled?

Temportarily Out of Stock

Product ID MP573

Updated

10/03/2018

 Description
 Options
 Specs
 Docs
 Reviews

MP573

The MP573 is a two stages, single ended class A preamp, based on the design that was originally used in the Neve 1290/1073 modules, that has been adapted to the '500' format of API.

Just install it in your API* compatible Lunchbox^TM rack and start recording.

The sound of the MP573, like its model is full, silky, detailed and musical, slightly larger than life, very complimentary to a digital recording environment.

The MP573 is great on vocals, acoustic instruments and generally all close miked sources that need to be pushed forward in the mix.

Highlights

Single ended class A design
Carnhill/St. Ives transformers on input and output
0 to 70 dB of gain
Switchable 300 & 1200 Ohms and line level input impedance
Switchable first stage
The output stage is biased in a rich Class A with 70mA of iddle current
Fet DI input, relay switched, the signal passes through the input transformer
Signal/Clip LED monitors clipping in both stages
24V supply built from the +/-16V with a linear regulator
Controlled inrush current for lunchboxes with sensitive power supply
Golden contacts on relays and switches
High quality Grayhill gain switch
High precision aluminium knobs
Tantalum capacitors in the audio path (as in original)
High grade 105°C low ESR electrolytic capacitors
WIMA film capacitors
High grade double sided PCB with plated holes
Easy build, dense but straightforward
Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included)

Controls

1 Output level: Potentiometer that sets the signal level to the output stage

2 Signal/Clip LED: Flashes green when a signal is present and turns red 3 dB before clipping

3 Gain switch: In combination with the level potentiometer the overall gain can be set between 0 and +70dB. The 10 and 20 positions entirely bypass the input stage.

4 Input impedance: Center is the standard 1200 Ohms input impedance. Left sets a 300 Ohms low impedance, useful for ribbon mics that also adds 6 dB of gain. Right sets a 10 kOhm impedance input pad for line levels.

5 Polarity Sets the polarity (phase) of the output signal

6 Sends phantom power to the microphone

7 High impedance input (> 1 megohm) for instruments. The instrument signal goes through both transformers.

What's in the kit?

Absolutely everything!

Passive components (resistors, capacitors),
2 Carnhill transformers
Active components (diodes, transistors, LED, ...),
Front panel elements (switches, potentiometers, knobs),
Connectors, relay,
PCB's,
Front panel and side panel,
All hardware

You bring the solder (use good quality solder, 1mm diameter max) and the Lunchbox.

Difficulty level

The MP573 kit is an easy build in spite of a rather large number of components.
The only setup is adjusting the bias current in the output stage. It requires a standard DC voltmeter.

lunchbox

Product Options

XT500 Extender

The XT500 option is a cable extension that allows you to test and setup the module outside the lunchbox while connected.
You get a discount when you puchase it as a Kit option.

Go to the XT500 page

501 Case

The 501 case option is a standalone, single slot lunchbox with PSU.
The XT500 Extender is not needed with the 501.

You get a discount when you puchase it as a Kit option.

Go to the 501 page

Assembled Product

If you prefer not to DIY, choose an Assembled product.
It comes fully assembled, ready to use.

Technical specifications

Measure	Conditions	Value
Iddle supply current	No input signal	V+ : +92mA V- : -92mA
Input impedance	f=1kHz	300Ω, 1200Ω and 10kΩ
Maximum input level	Line input	unlimited
Maximum output level before clip	f=1kHz	+27dBu
Minimum gain		0dB
Maximum gain		+70dB (+76dB in 300 Ohms)
EIN	Zin=0Ω Bandwidth=0-30kHz	-126.5dBu
Frequency response	Gain=+40dB Zin=150Ω Deviation < 1dB	10Hz-50kHz
THD	f=1kHz Gain=+40dB	< 0.008%
DI input impedance		> 1MΩ
DI gain range		-22dB to +48dB
DI max input level		+15dBu

lunchbox

Documents

Go to Products technical documentation

User manual

6 Product Reviews - Average rating 5 / 5 (Show All)

Click to review this product

Fabulous "1073"-inspired 500 Series preamp

JG Teheux - 12/02/2020

Fantastic "1073"-style preamp kit for the money! Does everything you could hope this type of pre would do, with the bonus of a great integrated DI, all in the very popular 500 Series format with its many benefits (and no disadvantage, provided you use a good rack with a proper PSU).
The reason I chose SSK over the other popular options (AML, Don Classics, Heritage, AMS Neve, Golden Age Project, Warm Audio...) were :
- fantastic value for the money (partly thanks to the kit form) : for the price of an entry-level clone (GAP...) you get a top notch one (similar in sound quality to other listed above except Warm Audio which I found inferior although better than GAP).
- ease of build, great documentation, all components included in one single order (not the case with Don Classics)
- easily replacable, discrete components (not the case with AMS which has lots of SMD)
- can form a complete "1073" channel strip when combined with the SSK EQ573 module, or used independently : depending on the task at end you can...

Great Sound

Philipp Wilfinger - 23/12/2019

Have 4 573s:
Great Preamps!!
Had fun building, Great support as always,
They sound fantastic!

Best DIY 1073 Clone out there

Henry - 19/12/2019

If you are like me and were trying to decide between this and the AML EZ 1073 for your studio, I've got good news: you came to the right place.
I haven't personally tried the Ez1073 but from others I've heard that the MP573 sounds fatter and phat it sounds.
Additionally, the MP573 has a DI input which is very useful, and it accepts line level input with a flick of a switch- amazing!.
I can't think of a negative thing really, except the output knob could be a bit sturdier as it wobbles slightly, but that doesn't change the sound or the quality of the other parts.
Just phenomenal! I hope Jean-Pierre will make more kits. Merci!

MP573 is FANTASTIC!!!

Karl J - 27/12/2018

Hello. I just wanted to throw you some feedback (of the good kind). Now that I've had my 573 pre in use for over 1.5 year, I gotta say it's GREAT! I have some other Neve clones and legit API 512c pres and the 573 hangs right with them. In fact, the DI is so huge it's become my go to for Bass guitar. The 573 has also been doing the main vocal tracks on my current project, as well as having some duties recording guitars through Marshall amp.

I'm tracking drums for my project in two weeks and plan on using the 573 with a tube mic for "front of kit" duties and I know it will sound HUGE!

All said, it is a great kit at a reasonable price. It arrived quickly! And JPK is great at answering the tech questions.

I still have a slot left in my lunchbox and am curious about the MP566. But another MP573 is very likely. I can't recommend it enough!

Mmmmmm

ZMFG - 01/08/2018

For the record, I had never soldered before I bought my first Sound Skulptor kit (CP5176). I love this pre! I use it for everything, but it's especially cool on vocals. It may be taboo, but I even use it on acoustic guitar. The build is easy and straightforward. The sound is great from crisp cleans to colorful harmonic overdrive (I like this on some vocals and bass).

Excellent!

Claudio - 15/04/2018

The MP573 was the very first DIY preamp I’ve ever built. Even with very little soldering experience building it was a breeze – thanks to the detailed assembly guide. By now, I own five different outboard preamps, but the MP573 is still my favourite for male vocals, acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass.

I’ve never had a Neve 1073 in my studio, so I can’t really say how close the MP573 is to the original, but I do know that it is a solid piece of gear with high quality components and an excellent warm and rich sound.

One thing I sometimes miss is a trim knob that can attenuate the signal by more than the currently available 10 dB. If I want to drive the input transformer really hot for a fat distorted sound, it’s sometimes difficult to bring down the volume of the preamp to a level that does not distort my audio interface. I found a workaround for that, but having the option in the module would be helpful.

Other than that, the MP573 is a wonderful preamp which I highly recommend. Tha...