GRACE DESIGN m201mk2
PRICE ON ENQUIRY
GRACE DESIGN m201mk2 two-channel mic preamp: fully balanced path, 18-64 dB gain, ribbon mode, -20 dB pad, parallel XLR outputs. Available in India from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
VISUAL GUIDE — See Every Photo, Spec & Setup Step (PDF)
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Frequency response and distortion
| Frequency response @ 20 dB, ±3 dB (150 Ω) | 3.2 Hz - 530 kHz |
| Frequency response @ 20 dB, ±0.2 dB | 14.8 Hz - 109 kHz |
| Frequency response @ 40 dB, ±3 dB | 3.2 Hz - 500 kHz |
| Frequency response @ 40 dB, ±0.2 dB | 15.4 Hz - 103 kHz |
| THD+N @ 20 / 40 / 60 dB, +20 dBu out, 1 kHz | < 0.0008 / 0.0009 / 0.0070 % |
| IMD @ 40 dB, SMPTE/DIN 1:1 / 4:1 | < 0.0007 / 0.009 % |
| Phase deviation @ 40 dB, 75 Hz - 45 kHz | < 3° |
Noise referred to input
| @ 60 dB, 50 Ω, 22 Hz‑22 kHz / A‑weighted | -130 / -133 dB |
| @ 60 dB, 150 Ω, 22 Hz‑22 kHz / A‑weighted | -127 / -127.5 dB |
| @ 40 dB, 50 Ω / 150 Ω, 22 Hz‑22 kHz | -127 / -125 dB |
| @ 40 dB, 50 Ω / 150 Ω, A‑weighted | -130 / -128 dB |
| @ 20 dB, 50 Ω / 150 Ω, 22 Hz‑22 kHz | -117 / -117 dB |
| @ 20 dB, 50 Ω / 150 Ω, A‑weighted | -120 / -119 dB |
Gain, levels and impedances
| Gain, default mode | 18‑64 dB, 2 dB steps |
| Gain, ribbon mode | 28‑74 dB, 2 dB steps |
| Crosstalk @ 40 dB, 1 kHz / 10 kHz | -140 / -130 dB |
| CMRR @ 60 dB, 3.5 Vcm, 1 kHz / 10 kHz | > 85 / 75 dB |
| Phantom power | +48 V ±1.0 V; 6.8 kΩ resistors matched ±0.1 % |
| Maximum output level (1 kHz, 100 kΩ) | +28 dBu |
| Peak LED | Green -16 dBu, red +16 dBu |
| Input impedance nominal / ribbon / pad | 8.1 kΩ / 20 kΩ / 1.3 kΩ |
| Output impedance | 150 Ω |
General
| Power | 100‑240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 10 W max. |
| Fuses | Two T250mA 250V~, 5 x 20 mm time delay |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 43 x 483 x 274 mm (1.7 x 19 x 10.8 in) |
| Weight | 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) |
| Operating temperature | 10‑40 °C |
Product overview
The GRACE DESIGN m201mk2 is a two-channel high-fidelity microphone preamplifier with a fully balanced signal path, 24-position gold contact gain switches, ribbon mic mode, -20 dB pad, phase reverse and parallel XLR outputs, in a 1U rack chassis.
The redesigned m201mk2 delivers massive headroom, ultra-wide bandwidth and a very open, musical character. The refined fully balanced signal path gives incredible dynamic range, and a new power supply design provides the lowest noise performance GRACE DESIGN has ever achieved, translating a sonic picture of astonishing clarity and detail that captures the essential character of the music being recorded. It is focused on being the finest, purist style two-channel mic preamp GRACE DESIGN can make.
| Gain, 2 dB steps (ribbon 28‑74 dB) | 18‑64 dB |
| Noise referred to input, 50 Ω | -130 dB |
| Frequency response, ±3 dB | 3.2 Hz - 530 kHz |
| Maximum output level | +28 dBu |
Key features
- Two channels with a fully balanced signal path and a new low-noise power supply
- 24-position gold contact gain switch: 18 to 64 dB in 2 dB steps
- Ribbon mic mode: +10 dB gain, 48V disabled, input capacitors bypassed, 20 kΩ input impedance
- -20 dB pad and phase reverse on sealed gold contact relays
- 48V phantom power with a 1 s soft start to minimise turn-on transients
- Bi-colour peak LED (green -16 dBu, red +16 dBu), adjustable threshold
- Two parallel balanced XLR outputs per channel
- Built-in universal 100-240 V AC power supply; no extra ventilation needed in the rack
Every microphone at its best
Large diaphragm microphones sound as they were intended, with detail and texture in extra measure, and dynamic microphones come alive with new-found dynamics and clarity. Ribbon mic mode shifts the gain range up 10 dB while deactivating 48V phantom power, bypassing the decoupling capacitors and optimising the input impedance; it also suits lower-output dynamic microphones.
Relay switching, no front-panel signal wiring
The phase and pad switches only power sealed gold contact relays on the preamplifier circuit board, eliminating signal wiring to the front panel and switch contact performance problems. With the pad engaged the effective gain range becomes -2 to 44 dB.
Parallel outputs
Each channel has a second parallel XLR output for sending the line signal to an additional recording device or mixer at the same time.
In the box
- m201mk2 microphone preamplifier
- 6 ft AC power cord
- Four rack screws
GRACE DESIGN m201mk2: frequently asked questions
How much gain does the m201mk2 offer?
18 to 64 dB in 2 dB steps, or 28 to 74 dB in ribbon mic mode; with the -20 dB pad the range is -2 to 44 dB.
Can I use the pad and ribbon mode together?
GRACE DESIGN recommends not to: the microphone would see a variable input impedance, which can cause a low-frequency bump of up to 10 dB.
Can I feed two devices at once?
Yes. Each channel has two parallel XLR outputs.
Does it need ventilation in a rack?
No. It mounts in a standard 19" rack without extra ventilation.
Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN m201mk2 in India?
The GRACE DESIGN m201mk2 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.
Workflow 1: Stereo pair of condenser microphones
Studios recording overheads, piano or ensembles.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Two condenser microphones | XLR mic inputs 1 and 2 |
| XLR outputs | Converter or interface inputs |
Setup
- Turn both gains fully down; +48V off.
- Connect the microphones and switch on +48V.
- Set identical gain switch positions.
- Back off until the red peak LED stops flashing.
Tip: The 24-position switches make matched, repeatable settings easy.
Workflow 2: Ribbon microphone recording
Engineers using passive ribbon microphones.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Ribbon microphone | XLR mic input |
Setup
- Turn the gain down and +48V off.
- Press RBN: gain +10 dB, 48V disabled, 20 kΩ input.
- Raise the gain up to 74 dB.
- Record.
Tip: If 48V was on, ribbon mode waits until the phantom voltage has discharged.
Workflow 3: Recording and mixing at the same time
Live recording and broadcast.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| XLR output | Recorder |
| Parallel XLR output | Mixer |
Setup
- Set the gain for the source.
- Connect the first output to the recorder.
- Connect the parallel output to the mixer.
- Monitor the peak LED.
Tip: Both outputs carry the same signal.
Workflow 4: Loud sources with the pad
Drums, guitar cabinets and brass.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Microphone | XLR mic input |
Setup
- Set the gain fully down.
- If the peak LED flashes red excessively, press -20.
- Re-set the gain (range -2 to 44 dB).
- Record.
Tip: Do not combine the pad with ribbon mode.
Workflow 5: Dynamic microphone on vocals
Vocalists using dynamic microphones.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Dynamic microphone | XLR mic input |
Setup
- Press RBN for the extra 10 dB of gain.
- Raise the gain.
- Check polarity with Ø if needed.
- Record.
Tip: Ribbon mode also works very well with lower-output dynamic microphones.
Workflow 6: Unbalanced destination
Users feeding unbalanced recorders or amplifiers.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| XLR output | Unbalanced input |
Setup
- Use a cable with pin 1 to ground and pin 2 to hot.
- Leave pin 3 open.
- Set the gain.
- Record.
Tip: The balanced output stage needs pin 3 left open for unbalanced use.
