CHANDLER LIMITED Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp

Product overview

The CHANDLER LIMITED Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp is CHANDLER LIMITED's well-known Germanium Preamp adapted for 500-series racks: classic germanium transistors in all class A, transformer balanced circuits, with stepped gain, Feedback, Pad, Thick, DI, 48 V and phase.

The Germ 500 MKII is an updated version of the original Germ 500, with an improved faceplate layout and a nicer look. It uses the same transformers and amp blocks as the rack version to keep the sound consistent with it, and the power has been updated on the MKII so there are no power-up issues with current lunchboxes and rack systems.

Key features

• Classic germanium transistors in all class A, transformer balanced circuits
• Same transformers and amp blocks as the rack Germanium Preamp
• Gain / Germ Drive switch in 3 dB steps: -5 to +65 dB
• Feedback control: THD, frequency response and gain change with feedback
• Pad and Thick (low-frequency rise) switches
• DI / unbalanced 1/4" input, 100 kΩ, straight into the class A circuit
• +48 V phantom power and phase (polarity) switching
• Updated power: no power-up issues with current lunchboxes and racks

Feedback and Gain

The Feedback control is essential to the sound and function of this pre amp: THD, frequency response and gain change considerably with varying feedback. Using it with the Gain / Germ Drive switch creates a wide range of tones: thick, bright, lots of colour. Driving the gain tends to accent low frequencies for a thicker tone.

Pad, Thick and DI

Use the Pad to run the Gain and Feedback controls near full for increased low end and harmonic distortion. Thick adds a gentle (well, maybe not so gentle) low-frequency rise for warmth and roundness. The DI / unbalanced input takes guitar, bass or samples directly into the class A circuit, for a tone different from a standard direct box.

In the rack

The module is tested to start up without power errors in common 500-series racks; CHANDLER LIMITED recommends a rack with an external power supply for any 500 module, and a wire from earth to power supply common where the rack allows.

In the box

• Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp module

CHANDLER LIMITED Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp: frequently asked questions

Is it the same sound as the rack Germanium Preamp?

It uses the same transformers and amp blocks to keep the sound consistent with the rack version.

What power does it draw?

500-series ±16 V: +16 V @ +50 mA and -16 V @ -40 mA.

Does it have a DI?

Yes: a 1/4" mono unbalanced input with 100 kΩ impedance.

What do the example settings show?

The recall sheet gives Big, Bigger, Biggest and Clear starting points.

Where can I buy the CHANDLER LIMITED Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp in India?

The CHANDLER LIMITED Germ 500 MKII Pre Amp is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Vocals

Studios tracking vocals in a 500 rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch on 48V if needed.
2. Set the gain in 3 dB steps.
3. Set Feedback for the tone.
4. Record.

Tip: Low feedback for a clearer tone.

Workflow 2: Big guitars

Recording guitar cabinets.

Connections

Setup

1. Engage Thick.
2. Engage Pad.
3. Run Gain and Feedback near full.
4. Record.

Tip: Pad plus high Gain and Feedback adds low end and harmonic distortion.

Workflow 3: Bass DI

Bass recording.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch to the DI input.
2. Set the gain.
3. Add Thick.
4. Record.

Tip: The DI feeds the class A circuit directly.

Workflow 4: Drums

Drum tracking.

Connections

Setup

1. Use Pad on loud sources.
2. Set gain.
3. Shape with Feedback.
4. Record.

Tip: Driving the gain accents low frequencies.

Workflow 5: Samples and keyboards

Producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Select DI.
2. Set gain.
3. Set Feedback.
4. Record.

Tip: Try the Clear example setting.

Workflow 6: Matching the rack version

Studios with the rack Germanium Preamp.

Connections

Setup

1. Use the same gain and feedback numbers.
2. Compare.
3. Record.
4. Note settings on the recall sheet.

Tip: Same transformers and amp blocks as the rack version.