A-designs Pacifica

The A-Designs Pacifica is a two channel microphone preamplifier, modeled after the preamps from a Quad Eight console from the early 1970's. It's a simple device with a great sound. It's got XLR inputs and outputs in the back for each of the two channels and has 1/4" inputs in the front for going direct. It is rackable and only takes up a single space.

UTILIZATION

It's super easy to use the A-Designs Pacifica. Each channel has a knob for gain control and buttons for 48 volt phantom power, a pad, and phase reverse. The pad is at -20 db. No need for the manual since it's so simple.

SOUND QUALITY

The studio of the A-Designs Pacifica is nothing less than outstanding! I've had the pleasure of using some real Quad Eight preamps from an old console and have to say that I think they did a great job of emulating this kind of sound and then some. To me it's got even more depth than the Quad Eights that I've used before and is nice and punchy. It's good for all sorts of applications including on drum overheads, vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and pretty much anything else when used in the right situation.

OVERALL OPINION

A-Designs Pacifica is truly a special set of preamps. Even if you don't know anything about Quad Eight, as most really don't, Pacifica stands on it's own as a set of world class mic preamps for all applications. They're versatile and simply sound great. I'd only used this for the first time recently and it's definitely my new favorite set of preamps. The price is about right for two preamps of this quality, as Pacifica is right around $2000 (US) new, which of course doesn't make it cheap. Still, Pacifica is a beautiful front end piece for any studio, especially in a home environment where you'd want to take your studio to the next level.

This is a pre-amp transistor. It has 2 XLR inputs and outputs and power supply is internal. It is 19 "rack

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use. It connects the microphone and the gain is pushed hop! There are also options for micro 48volts requesting additional power, pad (very useful, it helps to get a little more color. I use it on a microphone 2, average)
The manual is good, but in English only.

SOUND QUALITY

All that stupid. It is colorful way API, Neve, GML. Its very clear and both beneficial for several instruments of lower quality acceptable and even makes some rather low-end microphones. I use it on everything!

OVERALL OPINION

This is probably the preamp to obtain in 2007.
The look is very attractive, the sound to meet expectations the most difficult. Now I wait a full console A Designs!

Everything has been said ...

UTILIZATION

Easy .... You have to play with the pad for good surprises (more or less coloring)

SOUND QUALITY

According to the CSA ... sublimate her! Punch in general (hello gain!) But not too much color .... I call it a preamp "polish"

OVERALL OPINION

I add a comment to what has been said, make no mistake, the rack version has much more gain than the API version 500 (I had), called P1. Good to know! Both are good but if you want two ... go for the rack version!