CAPI ROCLEM MEC32 500 Series Preamp
The ROCLEM™ MEC32 is part of our assembled by CAPI only stable of
modules. The MEC32 is a very unique preamp module that stands loud and
proud in today's crowded 500 series market. As of it's release, nothing along
these lines has ever been realized. We have built off of the strong foundation
of our MEC31 preamp and incorporated a few nice additions.
After the success and love shown to our approach towards complete 2-stage
preamplifiers (like our VP28, VP28-Platinum and Heider H2) we knew
immediately that our MEC line needed the same treatment. We started with
our MEC31 and added a 80Hz high pass filter and complete 2nd gain stage
including a stepped fader booster. The 2nd stage fader booster has 12dB of
gain 'in hand', exactly like a real console! To complete the package we added
an accurate metering circuit referencing to today's digital storage
capabilities. That said, don't let the red LEDs fool you. The ROCLEM™ MEC32
has 9.8dB of headroom beyond illuminating the top meter LED!!
So, what or who was Melcor?
Melcor was a pro audio equipment manufacturer in the mid to late 1960s.
They predated API by a handful of years. In fact, rumor has it that product
designers and engineers left Melcor to start API with Saul Walker circa 1969
or so. The same folks that designed the Melcor 1731 opamp would then go
on to design the API 2520. Besides the opamp, the Melcor CL-20 compressor
limiter would morph into the early API 525. The Melcor 2-band GME-20 EQ
would transform into the very first API 550 and the Melcor AML27
preamplifier card would become the legendary API 312.
Background:
Near the end of summer in 2023 my main transformer winder hit me up
asking if I had any interest in his rendition of the Melcor 400-20 input
transformer. Oddly enough and without his knowledge I was just nearing the
end of my version of the 1731 opamp. I told him I would only be interested
if he could also make a recreation of the OG 400-17 output transformer.
"Challenge accepted" was his reply and suddenly we had the 3 main building
blocks to create a new preamp.
Each and every ROCLEM™ MEC32 is hand assembled, burned in and tested
at CAPI headquarters in Nashville Tennessee.
Key Operating Features:
In MIC mode, the stepped PREAMP GAIN ranges from +16dB to +60dB in
4dB increments (as indicated on the front panel) with an input impedance of
600 ohms.
In LINE mode (MIC pushbutton out or disengaged), the stepped PREAMP
GAIN ranges from -20dB to +24dB, with an input impedance of 8.5K ohms.
The PAD pushbutton equates to 10dB of attenuation in
either MIC or LINE mode. With the PAD pushbutton engaged while
in MIC mode, the input impedance remains 600 ohms.
The stepped CHANNEL FADER switch and 2nd stage booster amp provide a
range of -16dB to +12dB in addition to the above-mentioned preamp gain
range. This equates to a maximum gain of 72dB when in MIC mode.
In LINE mode with unity gain settings, the ROCLEM™ MEC32's clipping level
is +29.8dBu.
PHANTOM POWER is defeated when LINE mode is selected.
Physically and electronically fully VPR compliant with current draw less than
100mA per rail (under typical operating conditions)
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Said owners do not endorse nor are they affiliated with Classic Audio Products, Inc