When it comes to capturing the pure essence of sound, the Earthworks 521 ZDT sets a new standard for microphone preamplifiers in the 500 Series format. Designed by the legendary David Blackmer, this preamp is part of Earthworks' acclaimed "Zero Distortion" line, making it an indispensable tool for audio purists. Its freakishly clean gain ensures that your recordings are free from any unwanted noise, hiss, or false harmonics, allowing every subtle nuance of your performance to shine through.

With precision controls offering 5-60dB of gain in 5dB increments, the 521 ZDT provides effortless recall of settings, a feature much appreciated by professionals working across various music genres. Whether you're capturing the delicate tones of a jazz ensemble or the dynamic range of an orchestral performance, this preamp's transformerless output stage ensures that your signal remains crystal clear, even over long cable runs. The inclusion of phantom power and polarity switches adds a layer of versatility, making the 521 ZDT a flexible choice for any studio setup.

Key Features:

• Single-channel preamp for 500 Series racks
• Earthworks ZDT Zero Distortion Preamplifiers technology
• Less than 1 part per million of distortion for maximum signal clarity
• Adjustable gain from 5dB to 60dB in 5dB increments
• Transformerless output stage for driving long cable runs
• Includes phantom power and polarity switches

Product specs

FAQs

What makes the Earthworks 521 ZDT preamp unique compared to other 500 series modules?

The Earthworks 521 ZDT preamp is known for its Zero Distortion Technology (ZDT), which ensures ultra-low noise and high fidelity, making it ideal for capturing detailed recordings without coloration.

Is the Earthworks 521 ZDT suitable for recording vocals and instruments?

Yes, the Earthworks 521 ZDT is designed to handle both vocals and instruments with exceptional clarity, offering a transparent sound that faithfully reproduces the source audio.

How does the Earthworks 521 ZDT handle high-gain applications?

The Earthworks 521 ZDT can handle high-gain applications with ease, maintaining a clean and distortion-free signal even at high levels, thanks to its innovative design.

Does the Earthworks 521 ZDT require any special power supply?

The Earthworks 521 ZDT is a 500 series module, so it requires a compatible 500 series rack for power and operation.

What are the main connectivity options for the Earthworks 521 ZDT?

The Earthworks 521 ZDT offers standard 500 series connectivity, which includes balanced XLR inputs and outputs when installed in a 500 series rack.