V5 Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier, DI, and Re-Amp

Avalon DI-preamplifiers have been in use around the world since 1985. They have found their way into the world's leading musicians rigs and recording sessions and have been featured on thousands of the best selling (and sounding) albums, downloads and live performances. The V5 includes the best of the Avalon U5 DI functions with a studio quality preamplifier and "a new sonic addition". Two alternate solid-state topologies are cascaded to provide a rich, low midrange harmonic content not offered in other Avalon preamplifiers. This feature empowers the V5 with a new scale of sonic character.

Sonic Excellence

The Avalon V5 DI-RE-MIC Preamplifer is an ultra-high performance professional preamplifier, DI and RE-amper. Created for maximum versatility, the V5'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 V5 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 inpedance, "zero-load" effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, while maintaining massive input headroom to +36dB before overload..

Minimum Signal Path Design

The V5 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

Gain: Switched 2dB steps, -/+ 0.15dB

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

LINE (transformer): Balanced 6,000 Ω, XLR~TRS, gain -3dB~36dB, max. input 47dB

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

MICROPHONE HiZ (transformer): Balanced 6,700 Ω, XLR, gain 20dB ~ 60dB, max. input 23dB

MICROPHONE LoZ (transformer): Balanced 1,760 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 balanced high Z output, TRS

Headphone output: 0.5w into 600 Ω, TRS

Noise 20kHz, unweighted: -100dBu minimum gain position

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

Distortion THD, IMD: 0.05% at +10dB output

Frequency response, -/+0.5dB: 5Hz to 50kHz

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

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

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

High Cut Filter: -3dB at 4kHz minimum phase design

Polarity reverse (phase): All outputs relay switched (including isolated output)

Tone Shape: Ten "passive" voices for improved clarity, problem solving and musical enhancement

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

Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in (216 x 89 x 305mm)

Weight-packed: 12lbs (5.4kg)

Rack mount kit (1) RM-1: Single V5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds one half rack unit).

Rack mount kit (2) RM-2: Dual V5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds two half rack units).

Reviews

"I used this preamp on some great live streams and social media content. I have also begin using it in my recording studio on some gospel music and pop music projects. It is warm, clear, and adds an amazing amount of mic presence. This is an amazing step in the right direction of professionalism. Don't hesitate to get one!"

— Semaj P.

“From vocals to acoustics. Even on the low end this V5 is exactly what I was looking for in regards to taking that next step in quality in all my recordings.”

— Kevin S.

“I bought it for vocal recording. I knew I needed something to bring out the vocals and lower the workflow after recording. The vocals are so full and creamy it's amazing. You literally don't have to do much to mix it.”

— Contay T.