A Designs P-1

5.0 (3)

$900.00 2 available New

$730.00 3 available Used

$900.00

$900.00

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "A Designs P-1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the heart of your music with the A Designs P-1, a marvel in the realm of sound that brings studio magic right to your fingertips. Inspired by the legendary Quad Eight Coronado console, this 500 Series mic preamp and DI doesn't just capture sound—it cradles it in the rich, warm audio landscape reminiscent of the esteemed Pacifica preamp. Whether you're laying down tracks in a home studio or bringing live performances to life, the P-1 is your gateway to audio excellence, offering unmatched clarity and depth. It's not just a piece of gear; it's your next step towards sonic perfection.

Key Features:

500 Series module, fitting seamlessly into your existing setup.
Inspired by the classic Quad Eight Coronado console input, for a timeless sound.
DI functionality, offering flexibility for both mic and instrument inputs.
Captures the essence of the A Designs Pacifica preamp, delivering warmth and clarity.
Ideal for both studio recordings and live performances, enhancing every audio detail.

Product specs

Preamp Type	Solid State
Number of Channels	1
Phantom Power	Yes

FAQs

What type of preamp is the A Designs P-1?: The A Designs P-1 is a solid-state preamp, known for its clear and transparent sound quality.
Is the A Designs P-1 suitable for recording vocals and instruments?: Yes, the A Designs P-1 is versatile and well-suited for both vocal and instrument recordings, thanks to its high-quality construction and custom-wound transformers.
Does the A Designs P-1 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the A Designs P-1 includes 48V phantom power, which can be activated for use with condenser microphones.
Can the A Designs P-1 handle high-output sources without distortion?: The A Designs P-1 features a -20dB pad, allowing it to handle high-output sources while maintaining clarity and minimizing distortion.
Is the A Designs P-1 easy to install in a 500 series rack?: Yes, the A Designs P-1 is designed for easy installation in a 500 series rack, featuring thumb screws for convenient setup and removal.

Videos

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SOLON Music

Preamp Shootout on Drum Machine + Synth :: API / Tube Tech / Heritage / Sebatron / A Designs

SOLON Music

A Designs P1 Preamp 500 Series Module

Front End Audio

Gear Talk A Designs Red EM and P-1 Mic Preamp comparison

womensaudiomissionTV

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality across many mic types and applications
Enhances low-end beautifully for a thick, defined sound
Offers sufficient gain for various sources, improving their best features
Smooth and forgiving on vocals and bass, even at high gain levels
Outperforms many high-end preamps in overall sound quality
Handles drum transients exceptionally well, offering musical, dimensional clarity
Custom Cinemag transformers provide a warm, harmonic-rich signal
Versatile, excelling with dynamic mics, guitars, backing vocals, and more
High build quality, described as nearly indestructible
Excellent as a DI for bass, with notable improvements in sound

CONS

Lacks a stepped gain knob for precise level matching
May not suit "boomy" sources or certain ribbon mics due to its character
High-quality power supply needed for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about A Designs P-1.

Comparisons

0 0

The A Designs P-1 is favored over other preamps like the API and 1073 clones for its versatility across various musical applications.
Source
0 0

The A Designs P-1 was offered at $1000 for two units, making it a notable option compared to other preamps in its price range.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners report the P-1 shines on multiple sources, highlighting its broad applicability in diverse recording scenarios.
Source

Value and pricing

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The P-1 is appreciated as a worthwhile investment early in studio setups due to its high-quality signal chain enhancement.
Source
0 0

A user was offered two A Designs P-1 preamps for $1000, suggesting a competitive price point for those evaluating budget versus performance.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The P-1 is considered a solid choice for those recording guitars and vocals, expanding its versatility beyond its basic function.
Source

Critic Reviews

A-Designs Audio: P-1, EM-Silver, EM-Red & EM-Blue preamps | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

A Designs P-1 is a versatile mic preamp that excels in providing a unique character to recordings. The review praises its ability to bring tracks forward with a pleasant graininess, especially effective for indie rock vocals and electric guitars. The P-1 is lauded for its immediacy and ability to handle dense mixes. While the review mentions a slight downside in reduced snare sustain, it highlights the P-1's strengths, such as its growl on electric bass. Overall, the P-1 is recommended as part of a diverse arsenal, allowing for a variety of textures and making mixing easier and more enjoyable.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

sammyalper

236

almost 10 years ago

Great 500 Series Preamp

Works especially well if the power chassis has a feed or stereo link function. Great as a DI for bass.

Artist usage

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Ludwig Göransson

Composer, Music Producer

Verified via Photo

Two A-Designs P-1 can be seen in the rack to the left of Ludwig. Close shot: https://i.imgur.com/i0RD6t4.png

Hainbach

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

preamp shown in video

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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