Silicon Pair of Solid State Microphone Preamp
Interphase Audio Silicon Pair gives you two Silicon modules in one product box. If you want the sonic character of the beloved Ark console microphone preamp in a compact format, this pair delivers it with precision and style.
Silicon is the module version of the much-loved microphone preamplifier from the Ark console. It brings the same clear, open sound into a 500 Series or Octa format, so you can build a flexible rig without sacrificing quality. Because it uses a transformerless, universal solid-state design, Silicon accepts signals from virtually any microphone. As a result, you can connect dynamic, condenser, and even ribbon microphones directly.
You can also use Silicon with synths or guitars, which makes it a practical front end for more than just vocals. In fact, the mic input can also function as a line input, giving you even more routing options in the studio.
Silicon Pair stays exceptionally quiet. With an Equivalent Input Noise of -138dBu, it adds no meaningful noise beyond the source itself. Therefore, your recordings keep their natural detail and transparency.
The mic trim pot offers a gain range from +20dB to +60dB, which gives you fine control over input levels. However, if you need more boost at lower levels, the 20dB [Range] switch changes the gain window to 0dB to +40dB. That keeps the control range precise while making low-level sources easier to manage.
The [Range] switch is not a pad. Instead, it changes how the mic amplifier operates by adjusting the gain pot value, the quiescent current of the input stage, and the feedback used to stabilise the circuit. Therefore, Silicon maintains excellent noise, distortion, and headroom performance at every setting. A pad reduces signal level by adding noise, while Silicon’s [Range] switch preserves signal integrity.
Silicon also includes the reference bargraph meter and the High-Pass Filter from the Ark console EQ section. Consequently, you get practical metering and useful low-end control in one streamlined module.
Specifications
- Input Impedance: 20k
- Maximum Input Level at Unity Gain: +20dBu (500 Module)
- Maximum Input Level at Unity Gain: +24dBu (Octa Module)
- Frequency Response (-1dB): 15Hz to 40kHz
- Frequency Response (-3dB): 7Hz to 80kHz
- Equivalent Input Noise, input shorted, 60dB gain: -134dBu
- Output Noise at Minimum Gain, low Range: -100dBu
- Output Noise at Minimum Gain, high Range: -83dBu
- Total Harmonic Distortion at +4dBu output: 0.0004%
- Intermodulation Distortion at +4dBu output: 0.0004%
- Common Mode Rejection: -80dB
- Maximum Output Level: +26dBu (500 Module)
- Maximum Output Level: +32dBu (Octa Module)
- Current Requirement: 65mA maximum per rail
- Size and Weight: Standard 500 Series, 0.6 kilos
Silicon Pair is available as a 500 or Octa module, and you can choose either a Silver or Black faceplate. If you want a clean, versatile preamp with outstanding clarity, Silicon Pair is a strong choice for any studio.
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