The Warm Audio JUDE-MP2 is a two-channel microphone preamp developed with Sound Techniques. It recreates the mic pre from the Sound Techniques A-Range consoles designed by Geoff Frost, the desks used at Trident and De Lane Lea on records by the Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John and Queen. It is built for studio engineers who want that console character on two matched channels.
-
Classic topology: dual-discrete 3035 Class-A amplifier, hand-wired, with custom CineMag USA input and output transformers
-
Z-Match impedance control: Geoff Frost's circuit changes how the input transformer behaves, shaping tone, depth, frequency response and gain
-
65 to 76 dB of gain on a stepped potentiometer, with a VU meter on each channel showing output level
-
Per-channel switching: +48V phantom, polarity and line, each with an LED indicator
-
Flexible I/O: rear XLR and 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, plus a front-panel instrument input on each channel
Z-Match is the main tonal tool. Lower impedance settings give more gain, while higher settings change the response and headroom, so the same mic can be voiced differently for a vocal, acoustic guitar or piano. The 10K setting is intended for the line input. Note that transformerless condenser mics on phantom power can oscillate at that setting.
With two channels, the MP2 suits stereo sources such as drum overheads, room mics and piano pairs. The line switch reconfigures the gain structure so the rear inputs accept line-level signals, and the front TS jack takes guitar, bass, keyboards, synths or drum machines directly. Inside are Nichicon and Wima capacitors, housed in a steel chassis with an aluminum faceplate.