pm1000
hIGH-gAIN
The PM1000 “High Gain”
These are built from the Master/Monitor modules out of original PM1000 consoles. These modules use the same exact all-discrete preamp as the infamous channel strips, without the EQ. Because there is no EQ in the signal path, these actually run even a little hotter than the channel strips, with a few extra dB of volume on tap. Fully recapped and ready for studio use.
With full Input/Gain/Output controls onboard. you can take these all the way from that lovely colored “Japa-Neve” sound into deep layers of all-discrete transistor saturation. Many degrees of clipping are on the menu and one can even achieve thick “fuzz” tones for guitar/bass via the DI. No need for saturation mods on these, they come ready to COOK in their stock form.
To my ear, these represent the best value in a discrete mic preamp that I can find anywhere on the market. True 70's all-discrete electronics, transformer-balanced with thick iron and every feature one would need.
I can rack your modules for you as well if you have some on the shelf. PM1000 Master and Monitor modules can both be racked this way. Reach out for pricing.
~3-5 week build time
Base Prices:
4-channel: $ 1550
2-channel: $ 775
1-channel: $ 500
CUSTOM OPTIONS BELOW
HIGH-GAIN
01:
PM1000 2-Channel High-Gain
02:
PM1000 1-Channel High-Gain
pm1000 d.i.
PM1000's are a favorite for Bass DI in studios all over. Fat, deep and ultra smooth. After hosting a shoot-out at the workshop with various high end bass preamps running into a 1000w bi-amped rig, we were shocked to find ourselves coming back to the non-EQ PM1000 as the best sounding "clean" bass preamp. Just a massive clean sound that couldn't be matched, both with fingerstyle and pick'd bass. Huge headroom & punch, gargantuan lows and a very low noise floor.
A "Marshall/Fender/Vox"-style impedance switch, 3dB input pad (to really "clean up" ultra hot pickups) and an unbalanced effects loop complete the bass preamp package. Inputs and FX loop jacks are placed in both front and back with the front jacks jumpering out the rear jacks so that different pedals or guitars can be "auditioned" in front, even as the rear jacks are already patched into a rig.
The simplicity of controls on this preamp reflects just how killer the inherent tone is. Glorious, all-discrete, console DI bass tone with the heft of vintage iron.
These have transformer-balanced XLR output but also ship with a XLR -> 1/4" unbalancing cable, so you can get that transformer warmth even on an unbalanced rig.
~4 week build time
$650 Direct
CUSTOM PM1000 OPTIONS
PRICE PER CHANNEL
SWITCHABLE OUTPUT TRANSFORMERS
$ 85 (+)
This has become a fairly often requested feature - two separate output transformers on a switch for a slightly different “flavor” & “feel” to the output stage. Standard transformers that I use are the original MIJ Tamura & USA Edcor - both are quality iron.
Other options are available too for additional cost - Cinemag, Hammond, etc.
PARALLEL JACKS
$ 20
XLR and TRS In/Out jacks in parallel for each channel. For maximum I/O options.
pm1000
FAQ
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A vintage all-discrete console from the 70’s with a fully inductor EQ on the channel strips. Made to a very high standard.
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Origins of the “Japa-Neve” etymology seem to be conflicted. I’ve heard several different stories and it’s difficult to trace the origin. While they are a different circuit than a Neve 1073, they share many important characteristics – all-discrete gain staging, fully inductor EQ, large signal transformers which contribute to the warm sound, etc. And of course – they were made in Japan.
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The Cyclops Audio racks are fully recapped for quiet and reliable operation. Some tweaks are made to the signal path to improve low-end response as well. The “Neve EQ mod” shifts the mid/high EQ positions from the stock positions - 1k/2k/4k/10k - to the much more musical - 700hz/1.6k/3.2k/12k - as you would find on a Neve-style Inductor EQ. The power scheme drops the noise floor to ultra-quiet levels that can’t be found in the original boards - making these well suited for any studio situation. Finally, an unbalanced front panel DI is added to every channel. The DI on these is nothing short of FAT and very popular for bass/guitar and for warming up any unbalanced line (vintage tape machines, delays, etc.)
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I use an external power supply with an additional filter circuit built inside the enclosure. After auditioning a myriad of different power configurations, I found this setup to be by far the quietest and most reliable. This is a feature that studio engineers really appreciate in the modern environment. There is also diode protection to keep the unit safe from accidentally plugging in the wrong power supply. Power supply is included.
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While this is a subjective question, consensus from my growing list of clients is that in this racked configuration they compete with just about any preamp out there. They have their own “vibe,” which many have described as ”Neve-like.” With +70dB of discrete gain on tap, it is often said that they can go head to head with the best of ‘em.
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The Master and Monitor sections of the PM1000 console have the same pair of 4-transistor discrete gain amps that the channel strips use, minus the EQ circuit. This allows me to create the same +70dB all-discrete mic preamp without the EQ. I add all the standard mic preamp controls: 180*/PAD/+48v as well as the front panel DI. These are fully-featured mic preamps.
I have recently begun adding INPUT controls to this config for a more complete control over gain staging. These are a favorite of drummers and anyone doing a lot of their EQ in-the-box or with a dedicated EQ unit.
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Check above for custom options and pricing.
Balanced output jacks on standard builds can be TRS or XLR upon request. (no charge)
I’m open to any and all other custom ideas you may have. Custom decals are also available.
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I’ve currently topped off at 4 channels with EQ (4u enclosure) and 4 channels without EQ (2u enclosure). I do these versions regularly and can crank them out on request.
In theory, 6 or 8 channels of the non-EQ variant could be racked in a 3u/4u enclosure if requested.
I am slowly putting together a couple small console/sidecar style builds in the non-EQ configuration. If you have interest in snagging these for your studio, give me a shout.
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I try my best to keep a stock of channels available for builds. Naturally, this is vintage gear so there is inherent scarcity. If you have raw channels or boards available, reach out to discuss trade options for fresh builds.
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I am always interested in acquiring raw PM1000 boards for racking and parts. If you have a board and wish to trade for some racked channels, this is something that I do on occasion. Contact me for details.
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Of course! Reach out to me for a quote. I’m currently offering a very good price for rack jobs when channels (and/or output transformers) are being provided by the client.
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Not currently, these are primarily done built-to-order. The supply of vintage channels is limited so it is first come, first serve. Pre-built Cyclops Audio stuff and one-off/unique builds will occasionally happen, so subscribe to the newsletter below to stay informed of these if they become available.