Avalon AD2022 Avalon

Avalon Preamplifiers, AD2022 Specs & Details

“The AD2022 is the most powerful preamp I have ever used. I use it on everything: Mics, keyboards, sound modules, synths, guitars and bass. I have never heard a bass sound so controlled and big… Amazing!” – Devin P., CA

“Lowering the input impedance on the AD2022 for recording electric guitars using an SM57 mic, gave me a low mid-range presence that was unbelievable!”
– John B., CA

“I have recently been recording Alanis M. with the AD2022. I don’t need to use EQ or compression on the way in. Just the AKG C12 through the AD2022 and straight to tape. I’ve been completely blown away! It is perfectly balanced and crystal clear with ultra fast transients in the low end. Amazing detail! Alanis immediately noticed a difference in her headphones when we first plugged the AD2022 in. Thank you very much. It’s the best mic pre I have ever heard.”
– Rob J., CA

The AD2022 is Avalon’s fourth generation of fully discrete, symmetrical Pure Class A microphone preamplifiers. The dual mono AD2022 includes the original sonic capabilities and transparency of the M2, M22 and M5 preamplifiers plus several additional features, including selectable microphone source loading for optimized cable/mic matching, improved high-voltage Class A regulated power supplies, two high Z instrument inputs, variable-passive high pass filter, quality/silver wiring and doubled plated circuit boards for superior low level signal transfer.

AD2022 FEATURES

• Symmetrical Pure Class A design, two channels
• Microphone and hi-Z instrument inputs
• Gain switched 4dB steps plus +/- 3dB fine output trim 
• Selectable microphone input impedance matching 
• Low noise -126dB EIN
• Ultra high quality, low-ratio, balanced input transformer
• Balanced, high-current Class A output to +36dB
• Large illuminated analog VU meters and twin peak LED’s
• Regulated phantom power supply +48v 
• Input polarity phase reverse 
• High headroom +36dB input before overload
• Input -20dB pad for high level signals
• Sealed silver relays for all signal routing
• External AC 150w toroidal power chassis
• Fully discrete Class A regulated audio power supplies
• Deep, musical sound-stage, transparent amplification

MICROPHONE INPUT

The AD2022 incorporates the most advanced high-performance microphone transformer available. Split low-ratio primary windings are carefully combined within a custom mu-metal core for extended smooth frequency response and very low distortion.  Sealer silver relays are used for minimal signal invasion.  The input signal selector, high pass filter, polarity-phase reverse, +48v power and the 20dB input attenuator all utilize local sealed relay operation. A variable passive high pass filter provides a minimum phase shift design while eliminating low frequency rumble, wind noise and mechanical vibration at sub sonic frequencies.

SYMMETRICAL PURE CLASS A DESIGN

Two 100% discrete, high-voltage, symmetrical Pure Class A signal amplifiers are utilized per channel. The first operates in a cascaded-cascode FET configuration while the second stage amplifier is fully bipolar. The twin amplifiers share the total available gain requirement. This shared architecture increases the high level headroom capability, improves transient response and doubles the internal bandwidth of the ultra-high performance pure Class A signal amplifiers.

OUTPUT and METERING

High-current DC coupled, Class A discrete amplifiers are utilized for the output drive interface with +36dB capability into all known loads.  Two large, high-quality analog VU meters indicate accurate signal readings while bi-color LED’s offers peak indication at 0dB and +20dB.

FAQ – Is the mic preamp in the Vt-737sp the same as the AD2022 or M5?

AD2022 PREAMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS

Circuit Topology:    Twin cascode FET and bipolar low level signal amplifiers,
high-voltage, 100% discrete, symmetrical Pure Class A
Input Type and Load:    Transformer balanced low-ratio, 50, 150, 600 and 1k5 ohm input load selection
Maximum Mic Level:    +36dB balanced XLR pin 2 hot (with -20dB passive attenuator)
Maximum Instrument Level    +18dB at 100k ohms instrument input level, standard mono 1/4 inch jack
Input Attenuator:    -20dB resistive pre transformer primary, sealed silver relay
Phantom Power:    +48v regulated 50mA capability, sealed silver relay
High Pass Filter:    Passive, variable from 30Hz to 185Hz @ 6dB per octave, sealed silver relay.
Polarity Reverse:    Sealed silver relay on microphone input
Gain Range Input:    +20dB to +64dB in 4dB steps
Gain  Output Range:    +/- 3dB variable conductive plastic potentiometer
Maximum Output Level:    +36dB balanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, discrete symmetrical Pure Class A
Output Type:    XLR connector, pin 2 hot
Noise EIN Unweighted:    -126dB 150 ohm
Noise 20kHz Unweighted:    -102dB
Distortion THD, IMD:    0.05% nominal
Frequency Response -3dB:    1Hz to 120kHz transformer limit
System Bandwidth:    DC to 1MHz
Output Meter:    High quality, illuminated analog VU meter 0dB = +4dB.
Peak Meter:    Bi-color LED’s 0dB and +20dB peak detection circuit.
AC power supply B2T:    External toroidal 100V to 240V, 50-60Hz selectable,
150 watts maximum.
Cables:    90V ac, 4 pin male power input connector, B2T required, internal DC regulation
Dimensions:    19 x 12 x 3.5 in (482 x 305 x 89mm)
Weight:    15lbs (6.8kg)
Dimensions – Shipping Carton:    24 x 21.5 x 7.5 in (610 x 546 x 190mm)
Weight – Packed:    25lbs (11.4kg)