For the discerning audiophile who demands pristine sound and uncompromised quality, the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Series Single Channel Zero Distortion Microphone Preamp is your ideal partner in the studio. This preamp is not just about capturing sound; it’s about capturing the essence of your performance with remarkable transparency. Housed in a sleek half-rack 1U design, its ZDT (Zero Distortion Technology) promises an ultra-clean signal path that feels like a "straight wire with gain."

Designed by the legendary David Blackmer, the Earthworks 1021 delivers a stunning frequency response from 1Hz to 200kHz, ensuring every nuance is faithfully reproduced. With distortion levels less than 0.0001%, this preamp eliminates all sonic degradation, allowing your microphones to truly shine. Whether you're working with low-output dynamic mics or delicate ribbon mics, the switchable gain range of 5dB to 60dB accommodates your needs with precision.

The 1021 is equipped with user-friendly features such as true 48V phantom power, polarity reversal, and a clip indicator, all accessible via front-panel switches. The innovative rear-panel 1/4" TRS output with a front-level control permits seamless integration with various studio gear, offering parallel processing capabilities that cater to modern recording demands.

Key Features:

• Zero Distortion Technology with less than 1 part per million distortion
• Frequency response: 1Hz to 200kHz (±0.5dB)
• Gain switchable from 5dB to 60dB in 5dB steps
• True 48V phantom power, polarity reverse, and clip indicator
• XLR and 1/4" TRS (variable) outputs with gain/level controls
• Discrete components; Class A amplification
• Full-differential (balanced) circuit from XLR in to XLR out

Product specs

FAQs

What makes the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Series Preamp unique compared to other preamps?

The Earthworks 1021 ZDT Series Preamp is unique due to its zero distortion design, offering less than one part per million distortion, and its all-discrete Class A amplification with no ICs or electrolytic capacitors in the signal path for greater transparency.

Can the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp drive long cable runs without signal loss?

Yes, the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp has a very low output impedance, allowing it to drive long lines without interference or signal loss.

Does the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp support both balanced and unbalanced outputs?

Yes, the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp provides separate XLR and 1/4" phone outputs, each with its own gain/level controls, and the 1/4" phone connector can drive both balanced and unbalanced inputs.

Is the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp suitable for high output applications?

Absolutely, the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp offers a high output level of +30dBu, making it suitable for demanding applications requiring robust output levels.

Does the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Earthworks 1021 ZDT Preamp features true 48-volt phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones requiring phantom power.