John Hardy M-1

The John Hardy M-1 is a four channel microphone preamplifier. You can actually get the M-1 with any amount of preamps, ranging from one to four, depending on what you're looking for, but the one that I've used had four channels. Each of the channels has XLR connections for both input and output. It is an analog piece of gear that will only take up a single space in a rack case.

UTILIZATION

Overall, the John Hardy M-1 has a very simple make up. Even if you don't have much experience with mic pres, the M-1 makes it as easy as possible to get acquainted. Each channel simply has a knob for gain level, and buttons for phantom power, high gain, and to reverse the polarity. Each also has a VU meter that measures your overall output and monitors when you peak. I don't think a manual is necessary unless you're a beginner or are having technical difficulties.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the John Hardy M-1 mic pre is just about as clean of a mic pre as I've heard. While it might not share the same amount of warmth and width that you get with a Neve pre, it definitely has its own sound to bring to the table, which is something that I'm always open to as I'm always looking for new types of sounds. The M-1 can definitely be used for any types of application, as I've generally been happy with the sound I've gotten across the board regardless of what I'm recording with it. However, I will say that I've only used it in situations where I'm looking for a clean cut sound, so it isn't like I use it on anything and everything no matter what...

OVERALL OPINION

A great thing about the John Hardy M-1 is that it comes in a number of different forms, making it available for both those who might only want a single channel, and those who would want a whole slew of channels. The price of these is definitely reasonable, especially if you go with the four channel model as you can save a lot of money per channel. More and more I've been checking out these more boutique type of companies, and you can really find some gems like this one amongst them. All in all, definitely a great sounding mic pre worth checking out regardless of what type of studio you've got.

1 rack unit
two preamp
XLR conection

UTILIZATION

a knob for gain
a boost
phase reverse
a phantom power
Led a saturation

it might be like an insert
and the preamp clipping a bit before the LEDs turn

SOUND QUALITY

very good sound reproduction good transient
very very staining can
with an adhesive tape is really the result of a natural bluff

OVERALL OPINION

I've had months qq
used on a score recording
in static ambient beats with two large diaphragm tube
or a gtr or voice with the adhesives 4038
used next to a Studer 169, it complements the
we are here in the high end of the preamp