V55 Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier, DI, and Re-Amp

The Avalon V55 is a dual channel, Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier, DI Instrument preamp and features transformer isolated outputs for Re-amping. The V55 will capture every magical performance and continues Avalon's passion and commitment to sonic excellence while delivering deep and controlled bass, musical midrange for enhanced vocal projection and ultra high impedance "transparent" instrument inputs.

Sonic Excellence

The Avalon V55 DI-RE-MIC Preamplifier is an ultra-high performance professional preamplifier, DI and RE-amper. Created for maximum versatility, the V55's sonic signature "deep and controlled bass, musical mid-range and enhanced vocal projection" combine with a unique set of user features including, 100% discrete Pure Class A amplification, Avalon's unique "passive" TONE-BANK™, professional VU meter with dual peak LED's, multiple outputs including an instrument level transformer isolated Re-amp. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the V55 is ideal for ribbon, dynamic and condenser microphones, bass guitar, acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and very low output passive pickups

The state-of-the-art DI input stage provides a very-high impedance, "zero-load" effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, while maintaining massive input headroom to +36dB before overload.

Minimum Signal Path Design

The V55 includes a very high quality input transformer (same as the Avalon VT-737sp) with dual microphone input impedance loading for perfect mic/cable matching, high-cut switch for eliminating unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, headphone monitor amp and DC coupled, 100% Class A output amplifiers for defined bass control. A buffered "thru" output for zero-instrument-load tuners or power amp inputs, internal toroid power transformer with discrete high-voltage power supplies for low noise and sealed silver relays for transparent signal routing.

Features

  • Dual Mono, Pure Class A, 100% discrete design

  • Forward musical detail and sonic excellence

  • Minimum audio signal path with 10 position extended range TONE-BANK™

  • High quality transformer input & isolated output

  • Microphone and Hi-Z  inputs to +36dB

  • Very low noise -100dB

  • High headroom +30dB

  • Switched 2dB, high-gain preamplifer to +66dB

  • DC coupled Pure Class A output

  • Large illuminated professional VU meter

  • Twin LED peak signal indicators

  • Regulated +48v phantom power supply

  • Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD

  • Variable passive high pass (bass cut) filter

  • All signal routing with sealed silver relays

Specifications

Audio Circuit Topology: 100% discrete, high-voltage, Class A, Dual-Channel

Gain: Switched 2dB steps, -/+ 0.2dB

Input Modes (4): Line, Instrument-DI, Microphone high-Z & low-Z

LINE (transformer): Balanced 9,000 Ω, XLR~TRS, gain -2dB~+38dB, max. input 47dB

INSTRUMENT ~ DI: Unbalanced 10,000,000 Ω, TRS, gain +2dB~+42dB, max. input 36dB

MICROPHONE HiZ (transformer): Balanced 6,600 Ω, XLR, gain +20dB ~ +60dB, max. input 23dB\

MICROPHONE LoZ (transformer): Balanced 1,800 Ω, XLR, gain +26dB ~ +66dB, max. input 19dB

PAD (passive input attenuator): Line -13dB, Instrument -10dB & Microphone -15dB

Phantom Power: 48V regulated @10mA, blue=power ON, red=phantom ON

Thru output: Unbalanced, impedance buffered TRS

Maximum line ouput level: +30dB, DC coupled, balanced 600 Ω, XLR~TRS

Maximum isolated output level: +12dB transformer isolated, unbalanced

Headphone output: 0.5W, 600 Ω, TRS

Noise 20kHz, unweighted: -98dBu typical, minimum gain

Noise (EIN) 22Hz-22kHz: -128dB @ 40dB gain (low Z microphone output)

Distortion THD, IMD: 0.05% at +10dB, 0.5% at +30dBu

Frequency response, -/+0.5dB: 5Hz to 20kHz

Frequency response, -3dB: 2Hz to 500kHz (internal band limited)

VU Meter: Professional moving coil VU, wide range -33dB ~ +18dB

Signal LED's: LED peak capture, blue=0dB, red=20dB

High Cut Filter: -3dB at 3.7kHz minimum phase design

Polarity reverse (phase): All outputs (relay switched)

Tone Shape: Ten "passive" filter-tone selections

AC power: Internal toroidal AC supply, dual voltage, 115~230v selectable 50/60Hz, 35w max per channel

Dimensions: 19 x 3.5 x 12 in (483 x 88 x 305mm)

Weight-packed: 24lbs (10.9kg)

Reviews

“The V55 is just straight up great. When I was researching it there were not a lot of reviews out there on it and my concern initially was that it was a DI/Reamping device first and the Mic pre part of it was secondary. That is not the case. The V55 is a great Mic pre. When I plugged it in for the first time and recorded some vocals I was just blown away by the clarity, headroom and presence.”

— Gary O.

“Excellent build quality. Solid knobs, metallic body, quality visible internal parts, strong inputs, strong buttons, and beautiful look.”

— Mark L.

"This is definitely a key piece for voice over work!”

— Erik D.