Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier stands as a testament to how vintage and modern can coalesce into a single, powerful unit. Designed to bring the classic Neve-inspired sound into the compact and versatile 500 series format, this preamp is an audio artisan's dream. Whether you're recording vocals, electric guitars, or drum kits, the MP-500NV delivers a lush, warm sound that captures the essence of the original 1073 preamp while offering modern clarity and punch.

Equipped with iron in the signal path, the MP-500NV offers a rich vintage tone with the option for transformer saturation or single-ended amplifier softness. Its dual metering system allows precise control over gain staging, letting you explore a wide range of sonic textures. This preamp is more than just a tool; it's an instrument in itself, capable of enhancing the sound of high-end microphones and elevating the performance of more modest ones. For musicians and producers alike, the MP-500NV is a versatile addition to any studio setup, promising reliability and exceptional audio fidelity.

Key Features:

  • Balanced XLR inputs and outputs for seamless connectivity
  • High-impedance front panel Hi-Z input for direct instrument use
  • Adjustable pre-amplification in 5dB steps, with output ranging from -25 to +10dB
  • Dual metering for input and output monitoring
  • High-current 70ma Class A bias at the output
  • Switchable input impedance: 1200 and 300 ohms
  • Requires two slots in a 500 series rack
  • Custom high-quality Sowter transformers for a vintage sound
  • Ultra-quiet noise floor for rich and textured audio capture
  • Built with long service life components for durability and consistent performance

Product specs

Available since March 2011
Pre-Amp Yes
48 V Phantom power Yes
compressor No
limiter No
equalizer No
De-Esser No
other processors No
Rack/Frame No
supplies No

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier?

The Great River MP-500NV is designed to amplify low-level microphone signals to line level, providing a clean and robust signal suitable for recording, broadcasting, or live sound applications.

Does the Great River MP-500NV provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Great River MP-500NV includes 48V phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones that require external power.

Is the Great River MP-500NV compatible with 500 series racks?

Yes, the Great River MP-500NV is specifically designed as a 500 series module, meaning it is compatible with any standard 500 series rack.

Does the Great River MP-500NV include built-in compression or EQ features?

No, the Great River MP-500NV does not include built-in compression, EQ, or other processing features. It focuses solely on providing high-quality microphone preamplification.

How does the Great River MP-500NV enhance the audio signal from a microphone?

The Great River MP-500NV enhances audio signals by offering a clean, low-noise amplification with ample headroom, ensuring the signal is strong and clear for further processing or recording.

Josh Bartel

Josh Bartel

Heavy Guitar Preamp Shootout - CAPI, Chandler, Universal Audio, Great River and More!

Video thumbnail for Heavy Guitar Preamp Shootout - CAPI, Chandler, Universal Audio, Great River and More! by Josh Bartel

Heavy Guitar Preamp Shootout - CAPI, Chandler, Universal Audio, Great River and More!

Josh Bartel

Josh Bartel

Video thumbnail for Great River Electronics Mic Preamps: MP-1NV, MP-2NV, MP-500NV - Quick n' Dirty by soundpurestudios

Great River Electronics Mic Preamps: MP-1NV, MP-2NV, MP-500NV - Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Great River MP-500NV Preamp @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

Great River MP-500NV Preamp @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional performance on vocals and acoustic guitars

  • Provides a unique sound character distinct from other brands

  • Versatile, delivering great results on various sources including bass and hi-hat

  • Precise and clear sound reminiscent of 60s-70s era, yet modern

  • Input and output level controls enhance usability with other gear

  • Smooths out harsh highs, making bright sources sit nicely in mixes

  • Adds weight and pleasant solidity to low ends, especially on bass and drums

  • Impedance and loading features subtly enhance mid/high frequencies

  • High-quality build and sound, comparable to higher-priced competitors

  • Effective metering for easy level adjustments

CONS

  • More expensive than bundled preamps in audio interfaces

  • Learning curve in setting input/output levels and impedance

  • Some rack slots may not power it, suggesting higher power demand or compatibility issues

  • Coloration of sound, while desirable, may not suit users seeking a purely clean signal path

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier.

Features and functionality

  • The Great River MP-500NV takes up two slots in a 500 series rack and offers a sound similar to a 1073, with distinct harmonic distortion that adds dimension to vocals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted for having a 1073-ish sound but is considered more interesting in the harmonic distortion arena compared to other similar preamps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Great River MP-500NV is particularly effective for vocals, bass, and guitar, providing a versatile option for various recording needs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the MP-500NV delivers a rich sound that enhances the dimensional quality of recordings, making it a favored choice among those seeking a full-bodied tone in their tracks.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jon Foreman uses Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier

Jon Foreman

Singer, Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Photo

As pictured at his Instagram account, he is spotted using this item for his work.

See how Jason van Wyk uses Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier

Jason van Wyk

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Two of these can be seen in this Instagram post mounted in a 500 series rack underneath his Neve 1073.

See how Neeraj Khajanchi uses Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Twitter

Neeraj Khajanchi has added the Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier to his studio setup. This preamp is known for its ability to emulate the vintage sound of 1970s consoles. Khajanchi shared this update on Twitter, highlighting his latest gear acquisition.

See how Jordan Perlson uses Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier

Jordan Perlson

Drummer

Becca Stevens Band

...
Verified via Jordan Perlson

Listed among Perlson's equipment on his website.

My recording rig:

Apple Mac Pro

Logic X

Apogee Rosetta 800

(2) API 500c

(2) Great River MP-500NV

Daking MIC PRE IV

AKG 414 (stereo pair)

Mercenary Audio KM 69 (stereo pair)

Soyuz Small Diaphragm Fet

Yamaha Subkick

Assorted Shure and Beyerdynamic mics.

Many vintage and modern kits and snares: Ludwig, Slingerland, Yamaha, Gretsch and more.

Cymbals: assorted Meinl

Percussion from all over the world.

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 Great River MP-500NV 500 Series Mic Preamplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
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Roland RE-201 Space Echo Effects Processors
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API 560
API 560 Effects Processors
1
Apogee Rosetta 800
Apogee Rosetta 800 A-D & D-A Converters
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API 512c
API 512c Preamps & Channel Strips
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Soyuz SU-013 FET Condenser Microphones
1
API 500V
API 500V Rack Accessories
1
Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick
Yamaha SKRM-100 SubKick Dynamic Microphones
1
AMS Neve 1073DPA
AMS Neve 1073DPA Preamps & Channel Strips
1

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