AURORA AUDIO GTQ2 Pure Class A Stereo Mic Preamp / 3-band EQ

AURORA AUDIO GTQ2

The GTQ2 features mid-pressure typical of the Vintage Neve 1073, beefy and tight low end, and exceptionally high transient transients.
However, the GTQ2 sounds more open and “modern” than the best of the well-preserved original 1073s without sacrificing anything of the typical 1073 recognition value.  Also striking is his enormous headroom. Bringing the GTQ2 to clipping is almost impossible while allowing neat saturation of signals to harmonic distortion – without the unwanted appearance of ugly artifacts on harder peaks.  He has a compared to the original a bit stripped-down 3band EQ, as well as a high pass filter.
Incidentally, in a detailed blind test with five of the most common “1073 type” Pre's the GTQ2 clearly took the first place. Why the result has surprised even a connoisseur even in approach, explains the history of the GTQ2.

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Pure Class A Stereo Microphone Preamp / 3-band EQ – special price 2250£ + VAT

Features & Benefits & Design

- Mic Pre up to 80 dB gain in 5 dB steps
- Output Pot – infinitely mute to unity gain
- Phase reverse
- Phantom Power 48V
- DI (High Z) instruments input per channel
- High Pass Filter (80 Hz)
- Three band EQ: + 15dB adjustment 80Hz (Bass), 12KHz (Treble) mid frequencies of 400Hz, 1,600Hz 3,200Hz 18dB>
- Input impedance = 1,200 ohms or 300 ohms balanced and floating
- Balanced and floating Output will drive any impedance from 600 ohms upwards
- D.I. Input impedance = 10Megohms
- Frequency response <20Hz to>50KHz + 1dB
- Rear jacks provide an unbalanced output at the same level as balanced. Selectable input impedance on rear panel
- Distortion <0.075% @ 1KHz
- EIN <-125dB @ 80dB gain
- Dimensions 19” x 1U 11” (482.6mm 44.45mm 279.4mm) Weight =20lbs
- Transformer balanced inputs and outputs.
- All Class A discrete transistor circuitry Stepped adjustable in 5dB steps from –10dB to +80dB

This is where it all began. Since it’s introduction to the pro audio world over 10 years ago by Geoff Tanner, the GTQ2 has become a modern classic. It is the foundation of the entire Aurora Audio line and sets the standard for all of the Class A discrete designs for the company.

With one foot firmly planted in the historic British preamp sound that makes up some of the worlds favorite recordings of all time, the GTQ2 is also equally capable of capturing the best modern tones of today.

Geoff Tanner’s design incorporates balanced transformer input and output. Our transformers are made to Geoff’s exacting specifications by the old Marinair crew in the United Kingdom. This results in the warm yet extremely punchy sound that only great iron can provide.

The adjustable input impedance coupled with 80dB of available gain makes the GTQ2 ideal for cleanly amplifying everything: low power ribbon mics, classic dynamic mics, and high output condensers. You don’t always have to stay clean though. Turn up the gain on the GTQ2 and hear the classic harmonics and overtones that made the Class A British sound so sought after.

The GTQ2 EQ is made to be engineer and musician friendly. This 3 bands small wonder is an incredibly powerful tone shaping tool. Geoff saw the opportunity to simplify the EQ section by focusing on the most musical frequencies so you can spend your time recording and not twiddling knobs. The Hi-end shelving at 12K provides air and sheen while never getting thin or shrill. The Low-end shelving at 80hz gives you enough power to fill out an anemic sound or cut to get rid of any offending rumble. The Midrange control at 400Hz, 1.6K, and 3.2K can help you get rid of mud and get tracks to cut through your dense mix.

When is a DI not just a DI? When it’s the GTQ2 DI! The 10 Megohm DI input allows for a full frequency experience. You will hear Bass and Keyboards with a whole new sense of clarity and fullness. For those recording instruments “in the box” like electric guitars, amp and room simulations will sound more real than ever since the GTQ2 provides an unparalleled source material for the modeling program to react to.

The GTQ2 is truly an all-purpose mic pre. Ideal for any instrument, vocal, or sound effect, the GTQ2 is being used around the world by professionals in Music, Film, and TV.

The GTQ2 features mid-pressure typical of the Vintage Neve 1073, beefy and tight low end, and exceptionally high transient transients.
However, the GTQ2 sounds more open and “modern” than the best of the well-preserved original 1073s without sacrificing anything of the typical 1073 recognition value.  Also striking is his enormous headroom. Bringing the GTQ2 to clipping is almost impossible while allowing neat saturation of signals to harmonic distortion – without the unwanted appearance of ugly artifacts on harder peaks.  He has a compared to the original a bit stripped-down 3band EQ, as well as a high pass filter.
Incidentally, in a detailed blind test with five of the most common “1073 type” Pre’s the GTQ2 clearly took the first place. Why the result has surprised even a connoisseur even in approach, explains the history of the GTQ2.
More below.

Tips & Tricks

One of the most important features of the GTQ2 is – as banal as it may sound – its output pot.  Unity Gain is on 5h, so right on stop.  However, it is recommended as a starting point to position the output pot more between 3h and 4h and increase the gain accordingly. The signal is thus somewhat saturated, and enriched with harmonic overtones and sits in such a way usually better in the mix.  For recording eg bass, keyboards or even BD, SN and similar. But it is also not uncommon to turn the output back to 12h, for example, and boost gain accordingly.  The result will never clip, but bring pleasant distortion to the ear. Equally popular is the GTQ2 as an “outboard processor” in the mix, be it on the guitar total or in a complete analog mix on BD and SN, or even on drum sum.  But I also know of ITB mixers that send the full amount through the GTQ2 to generate more depth, more pleasant transients, and a tighter low end.  On the back of the device, there is a switch with which the input impedance can be switched between 300 and 1200 ohms (ie 6dB).  Typically, the GTQ2 is left to 1200 ohms for most applications, especially when recording high-level capacitor microphones.  When using older tapes microphones or low-level dynamic Mics (such as Shure SM7) is sometimes recommended to switch to 300 ohms.