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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began May 28, 2026.
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Description
Discover the sonic richness of the Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp, a standout piece in the world of studio recording gear. Crafted with passion for the 500 Series format, this preamp draws its inspiration from the iconic console pres of the 1970s, blending vintage vibes with modern clarity. Its all-discrete, transformer-coupled design is engineered to elevate your recordings, offering an abundance of gain to breathe life into any microphone. The MA5's signature 28kHz shelving EQ boost infuses recordings with a distinctive sheen, transforming ordinary sounds into polished audio gems. Featuring a Carnhill/St. Ives input transformer and a custom Jensen output transformer, this preamp not only captures the essence of classic recording equipment but also brings it into the contemporary studio with impeccable style and functionality.
Key Features:
- All-discrete, transformer-coupled design for authentic vintage tone
- Inspired by classic 1970s console preamps for unmatched warmth and clarity
- Features a Carnhill/St. Ives input transformer for rich, harmonic content
- Custom Jensen output transformer ensures pristine, balanced output
- 28kHz shelving EQ boost adds a unique sheen and polish to recordings
- Abundant gain to accommodate a wide range of microphones
- Perfect for the 500 Series format, offering flexibility in your studio setup
Product specs
| Brand | Avedis Audio Electronics |
| Model | MA5 500 Series Mic Preamp Module |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 500 Series Modules and Frames, Microphone Preamps |
FAQs
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What makes the Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp unique?
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The Avedis MA5 is known for its classic Neve-inspired sound, offering rich, warm tones with a high level of detail. It's designed for the 500 Series format, making it a flexible choice for modular setups.
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Is the Avedis MA5 suitable for vocal recordings?
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Yes, the Avedis MA5 is highly regarded for vocal recordings due to its smooth and musical character, providing a polished and professional sound.
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Does the Avedis MA5 require a specific power supply?
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The Avedis MA5 is a 500 Series module, so it requires a compatible 500 Series rack for power and operation.
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Can the Avedis MA5 handle high SPL sources like drums?
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Yes, the Avedis MA5 can handle high SPL sources effectively, making it suitable for recording drums and other loud instruments without distortion.
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How does the Avedis MA5 compare to other 500 Series preamps?
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The Avedis MA5 stands out for its vintage-inspired sound and build quality, often compared favorably to other high-end 500 Series preamps for its tonal warmth and clarity.
Videos
Vid Knob (Big Knob)
Apogee Duet VS Avedis MA5 VS Heritage Audio 1073/500 Preamps On Guitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp.
Comparisons
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The Avedis MA5 is praised for its warm, open Neve-like sound, contrasting with the punchy API 512, ideal for drums.
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While not as clean as the Grace m501, the MA5's honest sound and headroom make it a versatile choice alongside high-fidelity preamps like the Camden 500.
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The Avedis MA5 offers tighter low-end focus and more sizzle in the high end compared to the Sound Skulptor 573, making it preferable for vocals.
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Use cases and applications
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The MA5 is noted for being smooth, big, and open, making it a versatile choice for various recording applications.
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The Avedis MA5 is noted for saturating less in the midrange than in lows and highs, making it versatile for different recording needs.
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For gain-hungry mics like the SM7B, the MA5 provides clean recording capabilities, enhancing mic performance with clarity and focus.
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While preamps aren't essential, the Avedis MA5 can give vocals distinctive flavor and tonal enhancement, fitting well into diverse recording setups.
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User experience
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Owners describe the MA5 as having a smooth and big sound, adding a sense of openness to recordings, which is particularly favored by users.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Two Avedis Audio MA5 microphone preamps can be seen at the very top of his rack. One of these is used for his main vocal microphone, with 28k shelf engaged, as discussed in the Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star livestream. If you download the Logic Session from his website or get a particularly good screenshot from a livestream of his, you can see that his 21st Audio Input, entitled "Sing", is his vocal mic. On his Interface, that is the first channel of DANTE inputs, when in 96khz or 192khz. This suggests he uses one of the Grace m108 units at the bottom of the rack for conversion on this channel, not the Focusrite itself.
Rueben of Unknown Mortal Orchestra uses this preamp in the live show as shown in this interview
As can be seen at his official Instagram account (about making some music) you can see him using this item in the picture / video.
In spiritbox's video called Spiritbox - Circle With Me - Courtney LaPlante live one take performance the Youtube description box has a list of the gear she used and in that list was the Avedis MA5 preamp
Bora Karaca lists the Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp on the gear page for his studio, The Laboratory Audio.
We were influenced by albums like Kanye [West’s] The Life Of Pablo, Frank Ocean’s Blonde and all of Drake’s stuff from a sonic point of view. We were really working on getting a high-end vocal sound, which would be great against the darkness of the drums and the bass and it would allow Stormzy’s vocal to really cut through. The main mic we used was a Brauner VM1 into an Avedis preamp, into an API 550 EQ and a Tube Tech CL1B compressor, so it was a pretty high-end chain. We also used the UTA preamp as well, which has its own EQ on different tracks. Then we would take Stormzy’s vocal and bounce it out through the desk and through another compression stage – we’ve got the UTA Fairchild compressor, which is incredible.
Album Usage
The Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp 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 Avedis MA5 Microphone Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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