GRACE DESIGN m103

Product overview

The GRACE DESIGN m103 is a channel strip that combines the transimpedance m101 microphone preamplifier circuitry with a 3-band precision EQ and an optical compressor, with Hi-Z instrument input, ribbon mic mode and independent access to the preamp and EQ/COMP sections, in a 1U rack chassis made in the USA.

The m103 starts with the tried and true m101 microphone preamplifier circuitry: musical, transparent and pure, with headroom, detail and clarity, complete with the exclusive ribbon mic mode, a 75 Hz HPF and 48V phantom power. The 3-band EQ is built around a single-stage parallel tuning architecture that minimises circuitry and delivers natural tonal shaping from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the compressor is based on an optical attenuator for gentle limiting to fairly heavy compression while remaining neutral and transparent.

Key features

• Fast, musical transimpedance mic preamp with 0.5 % precision metal film resistors
• 12-position gold-plated rotary gain switch: mic 10-65 dB, Hi-Z -10 to 45 dB
• Ribbon mic mode: relay bypass of the phantom decoupling capacitors, 20 kΩ input impedance and 48V lockout
• 3-band precision EQ: fully parametric mid, peak or shelf mode for the low and high bands
• Optical compressor, switchable before or after the EQ, with stereo link and external sidechain
• Mic amp direct outputs and an EQ/COMP section line input
• 10-segment gain reduction and output VU meters
• Front-panel Hi-Z instrument input switched by a sealed gold contact relay
• Sealed gold contact relays for all signal switching; built-in universal power supply
• Laser-etched black anodised front panel; made in the USA

The m101 preamp at its heart

The preamp section uses the m101 circuitry with a 12-position gold-plated gain switch, a peak LED (green at -10 dBu, red at +16 dBu, 12 dB before clipping), 48V phantom power, a 75 Hz 12 dB/octave high-pass filter with a transitional Thompson-Butterworth response, and ribbon mic mode, which locks out 48V and raises the input impedance from 8.1 kΩ to 20 kΩ.

Precision 3-band EQ

Each band offers up to 12 dB of cut or boost: low 20 Hz to 750 Hz and high 3 kHz to 20 kHz, each in peak or shelf mode, and a fully parametric mid from 500 Hz to 4 kHz with Q from 0.5 to 5. Because of the accuracy of the design, smaller increments of cut or boost can be heard, giving a greater level of control over tone shaping.

Optical compressor with link and sidechain

Threshold -15 to +15 dBu, attack 3 to 200 ms, release 0.03 to 3 s and ratio 1:1 to 12:1, with the EQ>COMP or COMP>EQ order selectable from the front panel. The rear LINK IN jack links two m103 compressors for stereo bus compression, or accepts an external sidechain signal for ducking and de-essing.

Flexible routing

All outputs are active all the time: up to five live outputs when the source is the mic input. Record a safety track from the MIC PRE OUT, use the MIC PRE OUT and LINE IN as insert points for another outboard unit, or use the preamp and the EQ/COMP section independently on different sources.

In the box

• m103 channel strip
• AC power cable
• Owner's manual and warranty card
• Four #10-32 rack screws with washers
• Four adhesive rubber feet

GRACE DESIGN m103: frequently asked questions

Can the preamp and the EQ/COMP section be used separately?

Yes. The mic preamp has its own direct outputs and the EQ/COMP section its own balanced XLR line input, so both can be used independently on different sources.

Can two m103 units compress a stereo signal together?

Yes. A cable between the two rear LINK IN jacks, with both units set to link, sums the sidechains; the master unit sets threshold, attack and release, while the ratio stays independent for fine centring of the stereo image.

Does it work with ribbon microphones?

Yes. Ribbon mic mode locks out 48V phantom power, bypasses the decoupling capacitors and raises the input impedance to 20 kΩ.

Can I plug a guitar or bass straight in?

Yes. The front-panel 1/4" Hi-Z input (2.5 MΩ unbalanced, 5 MΩ balanced) makes the m103 an excellent DI instrument input.

Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN m103 in India?

The GRACE DESIGN m103 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Vocal tracking through the full channel strip

Studios recording vocals with a condenser microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Start with EQ and COMP off; gain fully anticlockwise, trim at 12 o'clock.
2. Switch on 48V and set the gain with the peak LED.
3. Shape the tone with the EQ, then add gentle compression.
4. Set the final level with the trim.

Tip: Three lit GR meter LEDs mean gentle compression.

Workflow 2: Safety track without processing

Engineers who want an unprocessed backup take.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the preamp gain.
2. Engage EQ and COMP for the main track.
3. Record the MIC PRE OUT as a clean safety.
4. Choose the better take later.

Tip: All outputs are active all the time.

Workflow 3: Stereo bus compression with two units

Studios compressing stereo overheads or a mix bus.

Connections

Setup

1. Set both rear switches to LINK and both LINK switches on.
2. Turn the slave threshold fully anticlockwise.
3. Set threshold, attack and release on the master.
4. Match the ratio on both units by ear.

Tip: Ratios stay independent for fine centring of the stereo image.

Workflow 4: De-essing a vocal

Engineers taming sibilance while tracking.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the rear switch to sidechain.
2. Feed a copy of the vocal with the sibilance (about 6-9 kHz) emphasised.
3. Switch on LINK (SC) and COMP.
4. Set threshold and ratio for the sibilant peaks.

Tip: Sidechain mode needs only an unbalanced 1/4" plug.

Workflow 5: Bass or guitar DI with EQ and compression

Players recording directly.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug in: the relay switches to Hi-Z.
2. Set gain from -10 dB upwards.
3. Add about 3 dB in the 50-100 Hz range for weight.
4. Even out the level with the compressor.

Tip: The 75 Hz HPF is the first choice for rumble before the low EQ band.

Workflow 6: Mixing: EQ/COMP on a line-level track

Mix engineers using the m103 as an outboard processor.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the MIC/LINE switch to LINE.
2. Choose EQ>COMP or COMP>EQ.
3. Process the track.
4. Use the trim for makeup gain.

Tip: For a low-level line signal, feed it into MIC IN to gain extra level through the transparent preamp.