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Description

Step into the golden era of analog sound with the A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI, a modern marvel that pays homage to the legendary Quad Eight consoles of the 1970s. This dual-channel powerhouse is not just a piece of studio gear; it's a bridge to the past, capturing the essence of classic hits with a contemporary twist. Whether you're striving for the depth of a Neve, the midrange clarity of an API, or the shimmering top end of a Massenburg, the Pacifica delivers all these tonal qualities and more.

At its core, the Pacifica features custom Cinemag transformers, meticulously crafted to reproduce the coveted sound signature of its vintage predecessors. This attention to detail ensures that every note, whisper, and beat is captured with unparalleled warmth and precision. The unit's striking design, with its creamy off-white faceplate and distinct red knobs, echoes the iconic aesthetic of the Quad Eight, making it a conversation starter and a centerpiece in any studio setup.

Beyond its nostalgic appeal, the Pacifica boasts a robust feature set designed for today's musicians and engineers. With front-panel hi-Z inputs, a -20dB pad, and a full 48v phantom power supply, it caters to a wide array of recording needs, from vocals and instruments to direct-injection guitars and basses.

Key Features:

  • Two-channel mic preamp/DI with a vintage vibe
  • Custom Cinemag input and output transformers
  • Front-panel hi-Z inputs for direct instrument connection
  • -20dB pad, phase switch, and 48v phantom power
  • Balanced XLR output connectors
  • Custom cast aluminum control knobs
  • Distinctive vintage-inspired design with red and gray switch caps
  • Solid-state design with a single rackspace form factor

Owner's manual

A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI User Manual

Product specs

Preamp Type Solid State
Number of Channels 2
Phantom Power Yes
Analog Inputs 2 x XLR
Analog Outputs 2 x XLR
Frequency Response 9Hz-101kHz
Rack Spaces 1U
Height 1.75"
Depth 10"
Width 19"
Weight 11 lbs.

FAQs

What kind of sound character can I expect from the A Designs Pacifica preamp?

The A Designs Pacifica preamp is known for its smooth, open sound with a touch of vintage warmth, making it ideal for vocals and instruments that benefit from a rich, full-bodied tone.

Does the A Designs Pacifica provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the A Designs Pacifica features a 48v phantom power switch, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.

How many channels does the A Designs Pacifica preamp offer?

The A Designs Pacifica is a stereo preamp, offering two channels for dual-microphone setups or stereo recording applications.

Is the A Designs Pacifica suitable for both studio and live sound environments?

Yes, with its robust build and versatile sound character, the A Designs Pacifica is well-suited for both studio recording and live sound reinforcement.

What are the input and output options on the A Designs Pacifica?

The A Designs Pacifica features balanced XLR inputs and outputs, along with a Hi-Z 1/4" input for direct instrument connections.

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

A Designs Pacifica Mic Preamp Tracking Killer Acoustic Guitars

Video thumbnail for A Designs Pacifica Mic Preamp Tracking Killer Acoustic Guitars by soundpurestudios

A Designs Pacifica Mic Preamp Tracking Killer Acoustic Guitars

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for A Designs Pacifica Microphone Preamp @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

A Designs Pacifica Microphone Preamp @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for A Designs Pacifica Dual-Channel Solid-State Microphone Preamp @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

A Designs Pacifica Dual-Channel Solid-State Microphone Preamp @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a 'big' and 'colored' sound, enhancing recordings

  • Offers analog mojo without overly softening highs, maintaining clarity

  • Simple, straightforward operation

  • Provides huge headroom for a super clean bass sound

  • Versatile, excels on various sources including vocals and instruments

  • Consistently ranks top in shootouts against other preamps

  • Extended low end without muddiness; open high end without harshness

  • Excellent build quality; durable and visually appealing

  • Effective DI on the front, unlike many others

  • Adds a touch of magic to recordings, creating a distinctive sound

CONS

Critic Reviews

A-Designs Pacifica

soundonsound.com

The A Designs Pacifica preamp strikes a fine balance between transparency and character, making it a versatile addition to any studio. With impressive build quality and a sound that's often described as "just right," it excels in adding a complementary enhancement across a wide range of recording needs. While not entirely unvarnished, it offers a harmonically rich sound that doesn't sacrifice detail. Its performance shines with electric guitars and certain vocals, although it may not suit every classical or high-toned percussion application. Despite some nostalgic marketing fluff, this high-quality preamp offers more versatility than many competitors.

positive

A-Designs Audio: Pacifica 2-ch mic preamp | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI impresses with its simplicity and clarity, making it a standout choice for recording demanding instruments like kick and snare drums. Its no-frills design allows for quick setup, and it delivers a crisp, accurate sound without the need for EQ adjustments. While the Pacifica shines with a brighter top end compared to vintage Quad Eight preamps, it might lack the "chunky" low mids some may prefer for electric guitar. Overall, it's a successful blend of vintage charm and modern clarity, leaving even gear-laden studios tempted to make room for it.

positive

Field Test: A-Designs Audio Pacifica Microphone Preamp

mixonline.com

The A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier impresses with its vintage-inspired design and robust construction, reminiscent of the classic Quad Eight Ventura console. It excels in delivering detailed, noise-free audio with ample gain, making it ideal for classical and jazz recordings. The dual-channel design offers versatility for various recording scenarios, providing a clean, uncolored sound that enhances any microphone's performance. Despite its high output levels, the Pacifica manages distortion well, though some may find the need for frequent use of the -20dB pad a slight inconvenience. Overall, it's a highly recommended addition for serious recording engineers.

positive

Review: A-Designs Pacifica — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

A-Designs Pacifica is a fantastic homage to the classic Quad Eight consoles, offering a full-bodied, versatile sound that shines across various applications. Its build quality and aesthetic appeal are top-notch, delivering depth and detail without excessive coloration. While lacking extra features, this preamp's simplicity ensures focus on sound quality, making it a solid, reliable choice for those seeking an alternative to the Neve sound. At an accessible price, it's a worthwhile investment for capturing the essence of vintage audio heritage.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

The Tuss

...
Verified via Photo

Aphex Twin includes the A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier/DI in the gear list for his album "Syro," as shown in the user-uploaded photo on Imgur.

See how Nigel Stanford uses A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI

Nigel Stanford

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 5:31, Nigel Stanford can be seen using the A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI. Nigel Stanford produced Cymatics in November of 2014.

Album Usage

The A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use A Designs Pacifica Stereo Microphone Preamplifier / DI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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