A vintage all-discrete console from the 70’s with a fully inductor EQ on the channel strips. Though the console in it’s original format has a number of inherent limitations, the onboard preamps themselves have the potential to be very high-end standalone units with the right tweaks, mods and racking procedure.

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.

- All Cyclops Audio PM1000 racks are fully recapped and upgraded for quiet and reliable operation

- A number of circuit tweaks are made to the signal path to improve headroom and low-end response

- The “Neve EQ mod” shifts the mid/high EQ frequency positions on the Inductor EQ to the much more musical positions you would find on a Neve 1073-style EQ

- The power/grounding scheme drops the noise floor to ultra-quiet levels that can’t be found in the original boards - or even in most modern discrete gear!

- An unbalanced front panel DI is added to every channel. The DI is nothing short of FAT and very popular for bass/guitar and for warming up any unbalanced line (vintage tape machines, delays, etc.)

- Finally, the infamous “Treble-Switch” and “Saturation Control” mods now come standard (as of 2026) on all Cyclops PM1000’s: for a truly boutique and musical preamp with many colors to it

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.

While this is a subjective question, consensus from my large list of clients is that in this “Cyclops-racked” configuration, these compete with just about any preamp out there.

They have their own unique “vibe,” which many have described as ”Neve-like.” With +70dB of discrete gain on tap, they can go head to head with the best of ‘em. Quite a few of my clients even say that they prefer these to the other big-dog preamps in their rack.

If you are a lover of boutique discrete pres, these Cyclops PM1000 racks are a flavor you won’t want to miss.

The PM1000 “High-Gain”

Master and Monitor sections of the PM1000 console have the same dual pair of 4-transistor discrete gain amps that the channel strips use - minus the EQ circuit. This allows me to create a killer +70dB all-discrete mic preamp. I add all standard mic preamp controls (180*/PAD/+48v) as well as a front panel DI. These are fully-featured mic preamps with gain staging controls placed at several points in the signal path for a finely-tuned control of the gain structure and multiple sonic colorations easily accessible to the user.

These are a favorite of drummers and anyone needing lots of high quality discrete input channels. Also a favorite of engineers who want thick analog saturation capabilities in their racks.

As of 2026, I am racking all “High-Gains” with cAPI’s EA2623 output transformer, for massive gain and thickness.

The “High-Gain” has grown into it’s own animal - and I must admit - some cats even prefer it to the channel strip version!

Reach out for availability.

In 2026, my custom pre-orders officially concluded. As word has gotten out about that, a good number of folks have come to me with console trades. I’ve had a channel reload, and thus there will be a number of custom tricked out PM1000/EQ units hitting market very soon. Be warned: These do not last long!

Fall and Winter will also see some fleets of pre-built PM1000 “High-Gain” units become available.

In addition to offering racking services for your channels, I am also still offering 1-1 “console-for-rack” trades for you cats that don’t want to spend any cash. My “Custom Options” menu is still open for you folks sending in channels/consoles as well.

Contact me for details.

Of course! Reach out to me for a quote.

As of Fall 2026, I am still offering legacy pricing and trade value for rack jobs and 1-1
console-for-rack trades. I want to continue to hook up people who already have the vintage parts and need them converted into true boutique studio preamps. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to offer these prices, as costs are constantly rising, so give me a shout.