Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pre". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unlock the full potential of your recordings with the Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pre. This powerhouse of a preamp seamlessly integrates into any API 500 Series compatible rack, delivering exceptional clarity and transient response that brings out the best in both vocals and instruments. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of a whisper or the booming energy of a kick drum, the Mono GAMA ensures every detail is preserved with stunning precision.
At the heart of this preamp lies the innovative Transformer Switching Matrix, allowing you to tailor your sound with ease. Choose from three distinct sonic profiles: Nickel for a clean, ruler-flat low end with a slight high-end boost, Steel for a robust low-frequency presence, or the Discrete setting for unmatched transparency and speed. This versatility makes the Mono GAMA a versatile tool, accommodating a wide range of recording scenarios with ease.
Built with precision and care, the Mono GAMA features an original Jensen input transformer, providing a solid foundation for its impressive performance. It offers all the essential features you’d expect from a world-class preamp, including phantom power, polarity switching, and a stepped rotary attenuator for easy recall of your settings. Its vintage-inspired design is not just for show; it speaks to the meticulous craftsmanship that ensures the Mono GAMA will be a reliable part of your studio for years to come.
Key Features:
- 500 Series format with a discrete operational amplifier
- Transformer Switching Matrix: Nickel, Steel, and Discrete options
- Original Jensen input transformer
- Stepped rotary attenuator for repeatable settings
- DI input with pad and phase reverse
- Vintage-style engraved front panel
- Exceptional build quality for professional use
Product specs
| Preamp Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
FAQs
-
What type of sound can I expect from the Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Microphone Preamp?
-
The Mono GAMA preamp provides a versatile sound with a solid-state design, offering clarity and precision. It features transformer switching options that allow for a variety of tonal characteristics, from clean and transparent to colored and warm.
-
Does the Mono GAMA 500 Series Preamp provide phantom power for condenser microphones?
-
Yes, the Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Microphone Preamp includes phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require external power.
-
Is the Mono GAMA 500 Series Preamp suitable for recording vocals and instruments?
-
Absolutely, this preamp is designed for high-quality studio applications, providing excellent sound reproduction for both vocals and a wide range of instruments.
-
Can the Mono GAMA 500 Series Preamp be integrated into a 500 Series rack?
-
Yes, the Mono GAMA is specifically designed to fit into a 500 Series rack, allowing for easy integration into existing studio setups.
-
What makes the Mono GAMA 500 Series Preamp different from other 500 Series preamps?
-
The Mono GAMA stands out with its unique transformer switching feature, which provides multiple tonal options, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific recording needs.
Videos
RockoNCompany
Shadow Hills Industries Mono gama by Rock oN
Reviews
PROS
-
Offers three distinct transformer tones for versatile sound shaping
-
Built like a tank, ensuring durability and longevity
-
Direct input feature excels with electric guitars and basses
-
Adds depth, character, and presence to vocals and instruments
-
Stepped gain attenuation allows for precise level adjustments
-
Maintains signal clarity and punch even with character added
-
Suitable for professional and home studios alike
-
Can thicken up sounds, providing weight and heft to recordings
-
Excellent for direct instrument recording with clean and characterful outputs
-
Provides natural, firm bass and lively mids and highs for different instruments
CONS
-
Expensive, may be a significant investment for some
-
Lack of built-in metering for input/output levels
-
Achieving heavy saturation leads to high output levels that may require external adjustment
-
Some users may find the differences between the three transformer modes subtle for their applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
251
Awesome, unique, powerful sound & one of the most powerful pre's ive ever used.
One of my newest additions to my new 500 rack, and i have to say i'm in love. I use it on most of my drum tracks, running via firewire from my Midas Venice F32, then to a 500 series pultec, and my results have been amazing. I have never been able to achieve such a powerful chest pounding low end and heavy drum sounds! I havent used it on to many other tracks like synth's etc. but i will experiment more this next month. I would highly refer this to all of my fellow engineers who have a 500 series rack or are planning on purchasing one. Shadow Hills always delivers high quality units. I could not image living without it, and i will be purchasing another one asap!
278
You can get transparent or color out of this thing depending on what transformer setting you have applied.
This is a very versatile preamp. What I really like about this preamp is the fact that you have three different transformers. When used in a pair you can get really creative and go for different color on the L then R of whatever your amping. You can get transparent or color out of this thing depending on what transformer setting you have applied. My favorite setting is the discrete however I use the steel a lot too.
Artist usage
Add artist
"These are mic pres API, they're called 500 Series because of their size. These are also called lunch pails because you can just take these various 500 series that people make and just kind of stuff them in here," says Steve Vai about the Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pres.
In this picture from their Facebook, you can see the Mono GAMA towards the left in a lunchbox turned sideways.
Neeraj Khajanchi utilizes the Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pre, as evidenced by his interaction on Twitter with a photo captioned "@EmpiricalLabs This many??" The Mono GAMA is renowned for its exceptional clarity and transient response, driven by its Discrete Operational Amplifier and versatile Transformer Switching Matrix, allowing users to select between Nickel, Steel, or Discrete settings. This preamp is a staple in professional setups, offering features such as phantom power, polarity switching, and a stepped rotary attenuator, all contributing to its stunning sound quality and robust build.
Album Usage
The Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pre has been featured on the following albums:
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 Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA 500 Series Mic Pre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Shadow Hills Preamps
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Preamps
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-