Avalon Design V5 Pure Class A Mic-Line Preamplifier

Avalon DI-preamplifiers have been in use around the world since 1985. They have found their way into the world's leading musicians rigs and recording sessions and have been featured on thousands of the best selling (and sounding) albums, downloads and live performances. The V5 includes the best of the Avalon U5 DI functions with a studio quality preamplifier and "a new sonic addition". Two alternate solid-state topologies are cascaded to provide a rich, low midrange harmonic content not offered in other Avalon preamplifiers. This feature empowers the V5 with a new scale of sonic character.

SONIC EXCELLENCE

The Avalon V5 DI-RE-MIC Preamplifer is an ultra-high-performance professional preamplifier, DI and RE-amper. Created for maximum versatility, the V5's sonic signature - "Deep and Controlled Bass, Musical Mid-range and enhanced Vocal Projection" combine with a unique set of user features including, 100% discrete Pure Class A amplification, Avalon's unique "passive" TONE-BANK, professional VU meter with dual peak LED's, multiple outputs including an instrument level transformer isolated Re-amp. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the V5 is ideal for ribbon, dynamic and condenser microphones, bass guitar, acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and very low output passive pickups .

The state-of-the-art DI input stage provides a very-high inpedance, "zero-load" effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, while maintaining massive input headroom to +36dB before overload.

MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN

The V5 includes a very high quality input transformer (same as the Avalon VT-737sp) with dual microphone input impedance loading for perfect mic/cable matching, high-cut switch for eliminating unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, headphone monitor amp and DC coupled, 100% Class A output amplifiers for defined bass control. A buffered "thru" output for zero-instrument-load tuners or power amp inputs, internal toroid power transformer with discrete high-voltage power supplies for low noise and sealed silver relays for transparent signal routing.

Key Features

• Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
• Forward musical detail and sonic excellence
• Minimum audio signal path
• High quality transformer input & isolated output
• Microphone and Hi-Z inputs to +36dB
• Very low noise -100dB
• High headroom +30dB
• Switched 2dB, high-gain preamplifer to +66dB
• DC coupled Pure Class A output
• Large illuminated professional VU meter
• Twin LED peak signal indicators
• Regulated +48v phantom power supply
• Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
• Variable passive high pass (bass cut) filter
• All signal routing with sealed silver relays

Technical Specifications

Audio Circuit topology
100% discrete, high-voltage, Class A
Gain
Switched 2dB steps, -/+ 0.15dB
Input Modes (4)
Line, Instrument-DI, Microphone high-Z & low-Z
LINE (transformer)
Balanced 6,000 , XLR~TRS, gain -3dB~36dB, max. input 47dB
INSTRUMENT ~ DI
Unbalanced 10,000,000 , TRS, gain 2dB~42dB, max. input 36dB
MICROPHONE HiZ (transformer)
Balanced 6,700 , XLR, gain 20dB ~ 60dB, max. input 23dB
MICROPHONE LoZ (transformer)
Balanced 1,760 , XLR, gain 26dB ~ 66dB, max. input 19dB
PAD (passive input attenuator)
Line -13dB, Instrument -10dB & Microphone -15dB
Phantom Power
48V regulated @10mA, blue=power ON, red=phantom ON
Thru output
Unbalanced, impedance buffered TRS
Maximum line ouput level
+30dB DC coupled, balanced 600 , XLR~TRS
Maximum isolated output level
+12dB transformer balanced high Z output, TRS
Headphone output
0.5w into 600 , TRS
Noise 20kHz, unweighted
-100dBu minimum gain position
Noise (EIN) 22Hz-22kHz
-128dB @ 40dB gain (low Z microphone output)
Distortion THD, IMD
0.05% at +10dB output
Frequency response, -/+0.5dB
5Hz to 50kHz
Frequency response, -3dB
2Hz to 500kHz (input band limited)
VU Meter
Professional moving coil VU, wide range -33dB ~ 18dB
Signal LED's
Peak capture, blue=0dB, red=20dB
High Cut Filter
-3dB at 4kHz minimum phase design
Polarity reverse (phase)
All outputs relay switched (including isolated output)
Tone Shape
Ten "passive" voices for improved clarity, problem solving and musical enhancement
AC power
Internal toroidal AC supply, dual wattage, 115 or 230v selectable 50/60Hz, 35w max
Dimensions
8.5 in x 3.5 in x 12 in (216 mm x 88 mm x 305 mm)
Weight-packed
12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Rack mount kit (1) RM-1
Single V5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds one half rack unit).
Rack mount kit (2) RM-2
Dual V5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds two half rack units).