Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Electrodyne 501 Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the heart of vintage sound with the Electrodyne 501 Preamp, a masterpiece that blends classic design with modern reliability. This 500 Series mic preamp resurrects the golden era of audio with its 2-stage discrete transistor and transformer-coupled I/O, ensuring that your recordings encapsulate the warmth and clarity that made its predecessors legendary. An active DI on the front panel leverages the mic input transformer to enrich your sound further, while the rotary output fader grants precise control over your signal. Whether you're tracking vocals or laying down guitar tracks, the Electrodyne 501 Preamp is your bridge to capturing the essence of historic recordings with the finesse required by today's standards.

Key Features:

  • 2-stage discrete transistor and transformer-coupled I/O for authentic vintage sound
  • Active DI on the front panel for enhanced direct instrument recording
  • Provides up to +68dB of gain for versatile signal amplification
  • Rotary output fader allows for an additional +6dB over unity gain
  • Switchable impedance to match a wide range of microphones

Product specs

Preamp Type Solid State
Number of Channels 1
Frequency Response 10Hz-60kHz
Phantom Power Yes

FAQs

What type of preamp is the Electrodyne 501?

The Electrodyne 501 is a solid-state preamp, known for delivering a clean and transparent sound with a touch of vintage warmth.

Does the Electrodyne 501 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Electrodyne 501 includes phantom power, allowing it to supply the necessary voltage for condenser microphones.

What is the frequency response of the Electrodyne 501 Preamp?

The Electrodyne 501 Preamp features a frequency response of 10Hz to 60kHz, ensuring it captures a wide range of audio frequencies accurately.

How many channels does the Electrodyne 501 Preamp have?

The Electrodyne 501 Preamp is a single-channel unit, making it ideal for individual microphone or instrument recording.

Is the Electrodyne 501 suitable for home studio recording?

Yes, the Electrodyne 501's high-quality sound and single-channel design make it a great choice for home studio recording setups.

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Pete’s Place Audio Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 1 - Full Mix

Video thumbnail for Pete’s Place Audio Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 1 - Full Mix by soundpurestudios

Pete’s Place Audio Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 1 - Full Mix

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Pete’s Place Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 3 - Piano by soundpurestudios

Pete’s Place Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 3 - Piano

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Electrodyne 501 Microphone Preamplifier 500 Series Module Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Electrodyne 501 Microphone Preamplifier 500 Series Module Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Pete’s Place Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 2 - Guitars by soundpurestudios

Pete’s Place Electrodyne 501 Preamp pt 2 - Guitars

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile functionality across various tasks

  • Powerful DI facility for keys and DI bass

  • Enhances dynamic mics to mimic tube mic qualities

  • Impedance button boosts low end for dynamic mics

  • Delivers remarkable results on guitars and vocals

  • Exceptional value for the price

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electrodyne 501 Preamp.

Comparisons

  • The Electrodyne 501 is considered darker sounding, contrasting with the euphonic and tight characteristics of the Pacifica, which is more flattering to bright sources.

    Source
  • Though both use Cinemag output transformers, the Electrodyne and Pacifica are distinct in sound; Electrodyne is not characterized as dark like the Pacifica.

    Source
  • It's noted that preamp saturation from the Electrodyne 501 differs from other sources like pedals, offering a unique tonal character.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for handling transients well, the Electrodyne 501 offers a unique sonic profile distinct from Neve or API, making it a good choice for vocals and D.I. bass.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Electrodyne 501 for its ability to saturate sounds in a "smiley face" way without clipping, enhancing warmth and depth.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that the Electrodyne 501 preamps are subtle in their impact on synths, with noticeable differences primarily when tracking rather than during playback.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Electrodyne 501 preamps are frequently used during mixdowns, especially when paired with units like the Cranborne 500r8, rather than solely for tracking.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stimming uses Electrodyne 501 Preamp

Stimming

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

Stimming mentions using Electrodyne 501 Preamp at 13:08 of his Production Masterclass with Future Music Magazine.

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