Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$549.00
Reverb
$549.00 New
$489.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$549.00
Thomann
4.7 (3)
$539.00 $535.00 $4.00 · All time low
Vintage King
5.0 (2)
$549.00

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Meris 440 Mic Pre". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Meris 440 Mic Pre is a high-quality, all-analog microphone preamp designed primarily for recording guitars. Inspired by the classic analog console sound, this preamp offers an unparalleled audio experience with the perfect blend of warmth and richness. The CineMag input and output transformers combined with the hybrid-discrete op-amps, encapsulate the soul of a vintage American console.

But, the Meris 440 is not just about the old school charm. A standout feature of this preamp is its unique, pedal-friendly effects loop. This, coupled with its highpass filter and high-frequency shelving, ensures a finished tone that saves time during mixdown and enhances the overall tonal interaction of the instruments in your arrangement.

The Meris 440 is also a perfect re-amping platform, bringing a new level of flexibility to your recording process. With its compatibility with all 500 Series chassis and multiple utility features, it is an invaluable asset for every recording studio.

Key Features:

  • All-analog mic preamp with CineMag transformers and hybrid-discrete op-amps
  • Delivers the sound of a classic American recording console
  • Built-in effects loop opens up creative recording and mixing possibilities
  • Highpass filter and high-frequency shelving EQ deliver a finished tone
  • Compatible with all 500 Series chassis
  • 48-volt phantom power, -20dB pad, and phase reverse
  • Designed and built in Los Angeles, California
  • Up to 60 dB gain at the input section
  • -27 dB to +12 dB Output Trim
  • 100% Analog signal path
  • Controller for gain and output
  • Status LED for +48 V phantom power
  • 2 Front-side 6.3 mm mono-pin (send / return) connections
  • Return socket can be used as DI input (post filters, pad and phase reversal)
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Preamp Type 500 Series Solid State Preamp
Number of Channels 1
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (±0.3dB)
Phantom Power Yes
Pads -20dB
Polarity Switch Yes
EQ 80Hz/200Hz Highpass Filter, 4kHz/7kHz High Shelf Filter
Analog Inputs 1 x 1/4" (DI/return)
Analog Outputs 1 x 1/4" (send)
Module Slot Size Single
Power Usage ±16V DC
Depth 6"

FAQs

What makes the Meris 440 Mic Pre suitable for recording guitar?

The Meris 440 Mic Pre is designed with a highpass filter and high shelf filter, which are ideal for shaping guitar tones. Its solid-state design ensures a clean signal with low noise, enhancing the clarity of guitar recordings.

Does the Meris 440 Mic Pre provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Meris 440 Mic Pre includes phantom power, making it compatible with condenser microphones that require external power.

Can the Meris 440 Mic Pre be used with other instruments besides guitar?

Absolutely, the Meris 440 Mic Pre can be used with a variety of instruments. Its versatile EQ settings and solid-state design make it suitable for capturing high-quality audio from different sources.

What type of EQ controls does the Meris 440 Mic Pre offer?

The Meris 440 Mic Pre features an 80Hz/200Hz highpass filter and a 4kHz/7kHz high shelf filter, allowing precise tonal shaping for various recording applications.

Is the Meris 440 Mic Pre compatible with 500 Series racks?

Yes, the Meris 440 Mic Pre is a 500 Series module, designed to fit into any standard 500 Series rack, offering flexibility and ease of integration into your recording setup.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Meris 440 mic pre, demo by Pete Thorn/Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Meris 440 mic pre, demo by Pete Thorn/Vintage King by Pete Thorn

Meris 440 mic pre, demo by Pete Thorn/Vintage King

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Makeup and Vanity Set + Meris featuring Mercury7 Reverb + 440 by Meris

Makeup and Vanity Set + Meris featuring Mercury7 Reverb + 440

Meris

Meris

Video thumbnail for Meris 440 Mic Pre Tips and Tricks by Meris

Meris 440 Mic Pre Tips and Tricks

Meris

Meris

Video thumbnail for Meris 440 Mic Pre Amp for 500 Series - Sound Clips by Meris

Meris 440 Mic Pre Amp for 500 Series - Sound Clips

Meris

Meris

Video thumbnail for LA meets NY.  Live Vocals Thru Meris 440 Mic Pre Amp - Featuring Artist Danielle Parente by Meris

LA meets NY. Live Vocals Thru Meris 440 Mic Pre Amp - Featuring Artist Danielle Parente

Meris

Meris

Video thumbnail for Luke Sital Singh - "Fail for You" Live at Red Bull Studios London by Sound Network Ltd

Luke Sital Singh - "Fail for You" Live at Red Bull Studios London

Sound Network Ltd

Sound Network Ltd

Video thumbnail for Meris 440 - 500 Series Mic Preamp by soundpurestudios

Meris 440 - 500 Series Mic Preamp

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers thick, warm tonality enhancing vocal and instrument recordings

  • Unique dipswitches for LPF and high boost cater to darker mics effectively

  • Versatile for use with guitar pedals, expanding creative possibilities

  • Transformer-based design provides great sound across various sources

  • Focused on guitar processing but excels with a wide range of sources

  • Equipped with a useful effects loop for innovative sound design

  • Return input functions well with both standard and guitar level effects

  • Provides a distinctive character when used with time-based effects

  • Output trim allows for easy adjustment after pedal use

CONS

  • Return input level is relatively low, requiring adjustment

Critic Reviews

Meris 440

soundonsound.com

The Meris 440 Mic Pre is a standout in the crowded 500-series preamp market, thanks to its unique built-in guitar effects loop, allowing seamless integration of stompbox pedals into recording setups. With a pedigree rooted in Strymon, the 440 excels in both guitar-specific and all-around mic preamp applications, providing API-like clarity and weight. Its solid build and user-friendly design are complemented by Cinemag transformers, ensuring a smooth top end and commendable DI performance. While its mono effects loop might limit use with stereo pedals, the 440's innovative approach and stellar audio performance make it a worthy investment for both guitarists and recording professionals.

positive

Meris: 440 mic preamp & pedal interface (500-series) | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Meris 440 Mic Pre is a standout in the crowded 500-series format, offering versatility and classic "API-like" tonal quality. Its CineMag transformers deliver a punchy, clear sound that's perfect for guitars but also excels with other instruments. The inclusion of a unique effects-pedal loop sets it apart, allowing creative integration of guitar pedals during mixing. While cranking the gain can lead to harsh distortion, careful adjustments yield excellent results. The EQ options are subtle yet effective, and the module's DI capabilities expand its utility. At $549, it's a bargain, providing both solid preamp functions and added flexibility with its built-in features. Overall, a highly recommended addition for anyone seeking a reliable and adaptable preamp module in their recording setup.

positive

Review: Meris 440 - Everything Recording

everythingrecording.com

The Meris 440 Mic Preamp is a standout in a crowded market, offering classic punch with Cinemag transformers and versatile features like a -20dB pad and selectable EQ options. Its sleek design and easy-to-use layout enhance its appeal, though the lack of LED signal indicators is a minor drawback. Ideal for guitarists and versatile across instruments, it simplifies recording and mixing, making it a worthy investment despite its higher price.

positive

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Meris 440 Mic Preamp delivers a classic American mic pre tone at a surprisingly affordable price. With its robust build and low noise level, this preamp is a versatile addition to any 500 series setup, excelling in guitar cabinet recordings. While the DI input demands high gain, it remains impressively noise-free. Ideal for building a custom channel strip, the 440 combines well-thought-out design with practical EQ features, making it a stellar choice for studio owners looking to enhance their guitar recordings without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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charlie_hurst

Versatile mic pre and guitar DI, with effects loop

Firstly this is a great mic pre in it’s own right. It’s a lovely transformer based design, which sounds great on loads of sources with all sorts of mics. It’s focussed on guitar processing so feel it may be tailored to that use case, but regardless it sounds great on a wide variety of sources. It’s a versatile pre with plenty of controls to shape the input.

The other side of this pre is the guitar level effects loop, which consists of a send and return. The return can be used as I standard DI input too, and it sounds great. Guitar plugins sound right through this DI.

The send will send a guitar level feed of whatever is sent into the rear input of the module. This allows you to achieve a wide variety of techniques involving guitar level kit. Things such as re-amping guitars or applying guitar effects to dry guitars are the basics.

Guitar effects are some of the more creative effects around and applying those to vocals or sound design elements out of the box can really add interesting organic layers to sounds.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses Meris 440 Mic Pre

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from February 26, 2023

See how Bibio uses Meris 440 Mic Pre

Bibio

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

"New tasty treats for my lunchbox."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Meris 440 Mic Pre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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