A-Designs EM Blue – 500 Series Transformer Microphone Preamp
The A-Designs EM Blue is a 500 Series transformer microphone preamp designed for a crisp, open, and detailed sound with extended high-end presence.
Part of A-Designs’ celebrated EM Series, the EM Blue offers a distinct tonal “color” that shines on vocals, acoustic instruments, and percussion — where clarity, articulation, and air are key.
Using custom-wound nickel transformers and discrete Class A circuitry, the EM Blue delivers hi-fi transparency with smooth transformer warmth, making it an essential tone-shaping tool in any modular studio setup.
Key Features
- 500 Series microphone preamp with Class A, transformer-balanced design.
- Custom Cinemag nickel input and output transformers for open, airy high-end and pristine detail.
- Distinct bright and clean tonal character with refined transient response.
- 70 dB of gain for use with dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.
- Front-panel Hi-Z input for direct connection of guitars, bass, or synths.
- 48V phantom power, phase reverse, and -20 dB pad per channel for full flexibility.
- Perfect for vocals, acoustic guitars, percussion, and overheads where brilliance and detail matter.
- Part of the A-Designs EM Series “color preamps” – designed to complement other EM modules for tonal variety.
- Hand-built in the USA using high-grade components and precision Cinemag transformers.
Applications
- Vocals: Adds sparkle, presence, and clarity for a mix-ready sound.
- Acoustic Guitar: Enhances articulation and natural brightness without harshness.
- Drum Overheads & Percussion: Captures shimmer, air, and transient realism.
- Strings & Piano: Delivers hi-fi detail with warm transformer character.
Technical Specifications
| Unit Type | 500 Series Microphone/Instrument Preamp |
|---|---|
| Circuit Type | Discrete Class A with transformer-balanced input and output |
| Gain Range | Up to +70 dB |
| Input Impedance | 2 kΩ (Mic), 1 MΩ (Instrument) |
| Output Transformer | Custom nickel-core Cinemag transformer |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 60 kHz ±1 dB |
| THD + N | < 0.05% @ +20 dBu |
| Controls | Gain, 48V, Pad (-20 dB), Phase Reverse, Hi-Z Input |
| Power Requirement | Standard 500 Series rack ±16V DC |
| Format | Single-slot 500 Series module |
| Origin | Hand-built in the USA by A-Designs Audio |
Why Choose the A-Designs EM Blue?
The A-Designs EM Blue is the go-to preamp when you need clarity, sparkle, and definition without harshness.
Its nickel-core transformer design produces open highs, tight lows, and fast transient response that make acoustic sources shine.
Perfect as a complement to the warmer EM Silver or the balanced EM Gold, the EM Blue adds hi-fidelity brilliance and presence to your EM Series preamp collection.