GRACE DESIGN m101

Product overview

The GRACE DESIGN m101 is a single-channel microphone preamplifier and instrument DI with a balanced, transformerless transimpedance circuit, built-in ribbon mic mode, 10-75 dB of gain and three simultaneous outputs, in a half-width 1U chassis made in the USA.

Maintaining the GRACE DESIGN pedigree throughout, the m101 employs a balanced, transformerless, transimpedance circuit topology. With wide bandwidth and headroom it is natural, musical and detailed, letting engineers and musicians consistently record vibrant tracks. Equally at home amplifying a vintage condenser microphone or a plugged-in acoustic guitar, it serves as an invisible link between the microphone or instrument and the recording device. A dead-quiet universal switching power supply accepts 100 to 240 V AC, and every preamp function, including 48V and HPF, has its own indicator LED.

Key features

• Fast, musical transimpedance architecture; fully balanced, transformerless XLR mic input
• Ribbon mic mode: relay bypass of the input capacitors, 20 kΩ input impedance and 48V lockout
• Hi-Z instrument DI on the front panel: 1 MΩ unbalanced, 2 MΩ balanced
• 12-position gold contact rotary gain switch and 0.5 % precision metal film resistors
• +10 dB output trim for fine level and level riding
• 75 Hz, 12 dB/octave high-pass filter, optimised for minimum phase shift
• Three outputs at once: XLR balanced, TRS balanced and TS unbalanced
• Two-colour peak LED; LED indicators for 48V, ribbon mode and HPF
• Sealed gold contact relays; no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path
• Built-in universal AC power supply; half-width 1U aluminium chassis; made in the USA

Ribbon mic mode, built in

Pushing the ribbon switch locks out 48V phantom power to protect delicate ribbon elements, raises the mic input impedance from 8.1 kΩ to 20 kΩ and bypasses the DC blocking input capacitors with sealed gold contact relays. With up to 75 dB of gain there is ample level for even demanding low-level ribbon recordings, and the mode is also ideal for many dynamic microphones.

Gain for any microphone

The precision gold-plated 12-position switch sets the mic gain from 10 to 65 dB in 5 dB steps (instrument input -10 to 45 dB), and the conductive plastic trim adds up to 10 dB more for a total of 75 dB. The peak LED shows green at -14 dBu and red at +16 dBu, 10 dB before clipping.

Instrument DI and three outputs

Plugging into the front Hi-Z jack switches the input from the rear mic connector through a sealed gold contact relay; the high input impedance suits guitars with passive pickups and any high-output instrument. On the rear, balanced XLR, balanced TRS and unbalanced TS outputs can all be used at the same time, for example to a recorder, a mixer and an instrument amplifier.

In the box

• m101 microphone preamplifier
• Three-prong AC power cable
• Warranty registration card

GRACE DESIGN m101: frequently asked questions

Can the m101 be used with ribbon microphones?

Yes. Ribbon mic mode locks out phantom power, raises the input impedance to 20 kΩ and bypasses the input capacitors, with up to 75 dB of gain.

Does it work as a DI for guitar or bass?

Yes. The front Hi-Z input has 1 MΩ unbalanced (2 MΩ balanced) input impedance, ideal for passive pickups.

Can I rack mount it?

Yes. Two m101 units fit side by side in a standard 1U rack tray, using the #10-32 threaded mounting insert under the chassis.

Does it need an external power adaptor?

No. It has a built-in universal power supply for 100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 5 W.

Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN m101 in India?

The GRACE DESIGN m101 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Vocal recording with a condenser microphone

Home and professional studios tracking vocals.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn gain and trim fully anticlockwise; 48V off.
2. Connect the microphone, then switch on 48V.
3. Raise the gain until the peak LED shows green on loud passages.
4. Use the trim for fine level riding.

Tip: Switch 48V off and let it discharge before connecting or disconnecting a microphone.

Workflow 2: Ribbon microphone on guitar cabinet or brass

Engineers using passive ribbon microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Make sure 48V is off.
2. Press ribbon: 48V locks out, impedance rises to 20 kΩ.
3. Set gain up to 60 dB plus trim.
4. Check the peak LED.

Tip: Ribbon mode is also ideal for many dynamic microphones.

Workflow 3: Guitar or bass DI

Players recording directly.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug in: the relay switches to the Hi-Z input.
2. Set gain from -10 dB upwards.
3. Feed the amplifier from the unbalanced output.
4. Record the DI and the amplifier together.

Tip: All three outputs can be used at the same time.

Workflow 4: Acoustic instruments

Recording acoustic guitar, strings or percussion.

Connections

Setup

1. Set gain.
2. Engage HPF for rumble or proximity effect.
3. Fine-tune with trim.
4. Record.

Tip: The HPF is 75 Hz, 12 dB/octave, optimised for minimum phase shift.

Workflow 5: Stereo pair in a rack

Studios recording stereo sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount two m101 side by side in a 1U rack tray.
2. Use identical gain switch positions.
3. Match levels with the trim.
4. Record the pair.

Tip: The 12-position switch makes repeatable settings easy.

Workflow 6: Live vocal rig

Singers carrying their own preamp.

Connections

Setup

1. Set gain for the vocal.
2. Engage HPF on stage.
3. Send the XLR output to the mixer.
4. Use the second output for a recorder.

Tip: The laser-etched front panel stays legible in varied lighting.