Load Up with 8 Pres!

Aphex' 1788A 8-channel Preamplifier is a 2U rackspace pre for stage or studio. The idea behind the 1788A is that even with balanced cable runs, microphones sound better when the signal doesn't have to travel incredible distances to get where it's going. Aphex believes that by coupling the 1788A with the optional 1788ARC remote control will give you the shortest cable runs possible and dramatically improve the sound quality.

Aphex 1788A At a Glance:

• Easily Transported Size
  
• Separate Analog Outputs
  
• Fully totally tweakable Max out Level
  
• Microphone Out Limiter
  

Easily Transported Size
The Model 1788 contains eight preamps in 2RU space. Since there is a fair amount of heat dissipation, there should be at least 1RU spacing between every preamplifier. In that configuration, they may be stacked to provide 40 channels of high quality preamps in a standard 16RU road case.

Microphone out Limiter
All preamps have a max in level. Once that level is exceeded, there is no way to remove that totally unpleasant distortion. In order to avoid that occurrence, many engineers set the preamplifier so that the expected peak level at max sound level is still at least 12dB below the clip point. While this sports some insurance against the preamplifier clipping, it causes a loss of noise performance and, in the case of digital, a loss of resolution. The Model 1788 has a one-of-a-kind limiter (patent pending) in the front end of the preamplifier which limits the out level of the microphone by as much as 20dB, hence the name 'Microphone out Limiter'. This allows the engineer to get max noise performance and also allows max resolution for an analog to digital converter, all without worrying about crashing the preamplifier. The Model 1788A has 39dB of tweakable in gain and fixed gain of 26dB for a total max gain of 65dB. There is a 26dB pad which will allow a preamplifier to be run as a unity gain buffer stage. For example, this allows the line level out of a wireless microphone receiver to be fed into the preamplifier.

Totally tweakable Max Out Level
The max Output level of the Model 1788 is +24dBm (loaded into 600 Ohms) balanced. There are, however, many in stages which have odd max in levels (e.g.-+18dBu). In order to retain the function of the microphone limiter and maximize noise performance of the entire audio rig, the Model 1788 has output level trim of up to 24dB. Once the max input level of the device following the Model 1788 is defined, the output level of the 1788 can be trimmed to that exact level. The input gain of the 1788 is then adjusted to achieve optimum performance. In addition to the 24db of output adjustment, each output may be muted.

Separate Analog Outputs
Microphones are often passively split and then fed to two or more locations. The Model 1788 has two separately trimmable, buffered analog outputs. The main output on XLR is transformerless servo-balanced and the second output is tranformerless balanced on a DB-25 multipin connector. This allows two separate ins to be fed at optimal levels from an optimized microphone preamplifier.

Aphex' Model 1788A rocks eight preamps in 2RU space. All of its settings are remotely controllable via Ethernet or MIDI, using Aphex' hardware remote or on PC or Mac using the company's 1788SW control software. The 1788A features Aphex' proprietary MicLim technology, a one-of-a-kind, patented limiter in the front end of the preamplifier which limits the output of the microphone by as much as 20dB. It features two separately trimmable, buffered analog outs plus optional digital outs (AES/EBU, TDIF and ADAT) with selectable sampling rates up to 96kHz. LeNA, the 1788A's digitally controlled Low Noise Amp, allows its input gain to be adjusted in 0.125dB steps and 1dB stops without noise or glitches. There is also an optional digital output module, the 1788-1, available with AES/EBU, TDIF, and ADAT outputs at 24-bit/44.1, 48, and 96kHz (AES only).

Aphex 1788A Features:

• 2U Rackspace
  
• 8 Channels
  
• Microphone Output Limiter
  
• Fully adjustable Microphone Output
  
• Separate Analog Output
  
• Up to 40 Channels of I/O can be Stored in a 16U rack
  
• Optional Remote Control Available
  
• Optional Digital Output Module Also Available
  
• 24-bit
  
• 44.1-96kHz
  
• Ultra-Low Noise Operation
  
• 1788A Preamplifier is Now Controllable via Pro Tools and Mac!
  
• Perfect for FOH or Studio Engineers