Interphase Audio Silicon
Interphase Audio Silicon is the module version of the beloved microphone preamplifier from the Ark console. It delivers the same musical character in a compact, modern format. If you want clean, accurate amplification, Silicon gives you a refined microphone preamp that works beautifully in professional recording setups.
Its transformerless, solid-state design keeps the signal path simple and transparent. As a result, Silicon accepts input from almost any microphone type. You can connect dynamic mics, condenser mics, ribbon microphones, synths, and even guitars directly. In fact, you can also use the mic input as a line input when your session calls for it.
Silicon also keeps noise to an absolute minimum. With an exceptionally low Equivalent Input Noise of -138 dBu, it adds no more noise than the source itself. Therefore, your recordings stay open, detailed, and quiet, even at high gain settings.
The gain range has been designed for precision control. The mic trim pot now covers +20 to +60 dB, which gives you fine adjustment across the range. For lower-level sources, use the 20 dB [Range] switch. This changes the range to 0 to +40 dB while preserving the same smooth control.
Importantly, the [Range] switch is not a pad. Instead, it adjusts the amplifier’s operating behavior by changing the gain pot value, the quiescent current of the input stage, and the feedback used to stabilise the circuit. This approach helps Silicon maintain excellent noise, distortion, and headroom performance at every gain level. In short, a pad reduces level but adds noise, while the [Range] switch preserves clarity.
Silicon also includes a reference bargraph meter and the High-Pass Filter from the Ark console EQ section. Consequently, you get both useful monitoring and practical tone-shaping tools in one module.
Specifications:
- Input Impedance: 20k
- Maximum Input Level (unity gain): +20dBu (500 Module)
- Maximum Input Level (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%
- Inter Modulation 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 is available as a 500 or Octa module, with a Silver or Black faceplate. For engineers who want a highly capable microphone preamp with clean gain, flexible input options, and outstanding noise performance, Silicon is a strong choice.
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