New York studios, the PRS 1.5 preamplifier acclaimed after 30 years of quest
Passionate New York based multi-platinum record producer and sound engineer, owner of a world-class Tom Hidley designed recording facility (see References), Mic A., in his quest for the most accurate and natural sounding monitoring, had already chosen JMF Audio designed mono amplifiers years ago.
Mic A. is one of the few to have maintained a full analog workflow, using a collection of equipment which sonic character is sought after by the artists and the record companies to create the sound texture that suits some types of musics. However in the studio the engineer cannot adjust, correct or tune what he cannot hear, thus accurate monitoring is key.
Sound engineers work by listening. Mic had always wanted to exactly hear what was on the mix bus of the large analog recording and mixing console. The integrated control section of the console itself was not enough precise to him to reveal the precious information. Therefore Mic decided to get inside the console and place wires on the mix bus to link to an external and more accurate line stage to feed the power amplifiers and speakers (monitors).
For this external line-stage, Mic had tried numerous solutions, but none turned out to be “transparent”.
Moreover, the line-stage had to serve as a neutral switch between the console and a known source such as a commercial disc for the engineer to reference his work along the process.
In 2017, Mic approached JMF Audio of France and placed an order for a PRS 1.5 preamplifier, customized to handle the high magnitude signals of the console. JMF Audio was working on a new version of the PRS 1.5. In JMF Audio studios, the PRS 1.5 version D, inserted in-line, volume set so that the output level is the same as the input level, was proven equal to a direct link on measurement and listening. (the reference direct link being a symmetrical JMF Audio CM8-C interconnect). This absolute test allowed us to consider the PRS 1.5 version D as an audio element of absolute fidelity.*
Mic A. in the control room of the studio with the PRS 1.5 preamplifier
Feedbacks, e-mail:
"I received and installed the PRS 1.5 [...] The sound character, tone, detail, musicality, timing, placement of instruments was like nothing I ever experienced. [...] It became so involving I just left the CD playing to the end [...] A breakthrough in world class audio. Thank you for your dedication."
Visit of the studios, August 2017:
In the main live room, where the musicians play and the microphones are placed for recording.
Platinum and gold records in the entrance and corridors.
Clients of the studios: Steve Gadd (Eric Clapton), Mariah Carey, Seal, L.L. Cool J., Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, Atlantic Records, Universal Music... (according to displayed information by the studios)
More info at:
*This truth-test is, by principle, relevant and meaningful. While demonstrating the transparency of the PRS 1.5-D preamplifier, it also validates JMF Audio's technology, approach and knowhow as a whole...
Photos credit: JMF Audio, copyright (C)
More on facebook.com/jmf.audio