Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII X-MOD Microphone Preamp, mit Carnhill-Übertragern

Original retail price 1350 euros!

Chameleon Labs CL 7602 MK2 X-MOD

> It is said that he is noticeably better than his successor, the 7603 ... and besides, it's ‘built like a tank’.

In this version, the already excellent sound of the 7602 MK2 is further enhanced by the use of high-quality Carnhill transformers.

The X-MOD option adds high-quality British input and output transformers from Carnhill/Saint Ives. These custom transformers give the 7602 MKII X-MOD, a very special warm bass and soft, smooth highs that are perfect for tracking and mixing.

The Chameleon Labs CL 7602 MK2 X-MOD is also a classic microphone preamplifier in 19" format with a balanced microphone input transformer from Carnhill and a balanced line input transformer. High-impedance DI input (TRS), balanced output transformer from Carnhill Discrete Class A amplifier, 48-volt phantom power, detented rotary switch (20 positions) manufactured in Switzerland. Selectable microphone input impedance with 300 Ω or 1200 Ω Signal LEDs for power, signal, overload and peak Induction coil EQ and high-pass circuit Phase reversal switch.

Chameleon Labs CL 7602 MK2 X-MOD Overview:

• Classic analogue sound
• Developed based on Rupert Neve's 1073 model
• Partially detented rotary switch (20 positions) manufactured in Switzerland
• Signal LEDs for power, signal, overload and peak
• Induction coil EQ and high-pass circuit
• Phase reversal switch
• Input noise: <-125 dBm
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 116 dB (output control at maximum)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (-0.5 dB), 10 Hz – 50 kHz (-3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.0245% at 1 kHz

Inputs

• Microphone: XLR, transformer-balanced, in UK produced Carnhill transformer, shielded against RF interference
• Switchable impedance: 300 Ω or 1200 Ω, switchable 48 V phantom power
• Line: XLR, transformer-balanced, shielded against RF interference, impedance: 10 kΩ
• DI: TRS jack (6.3 mm), high impedance, for connecting passive electric guitars, E/A guitars, electric basses, etc., impedance: 100 kΩ

Gain

• Type: Class A circuit, discrete design, Fairchild transistor
• Microphone: 20 dB to 80 dB, 20-step Swiss-made rotary switch (detented in 5 dB steps)
• Line: -20 dB to +10 dB, 20-step Swiss-made rotary switch (detented in 5 dB steps)
• EQ
• Circuit: based on coils and capacitors
• High-pass filter: -18 dB/octave, switchable corner frequency: 50 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz, 300 Hz or OFF
• Bass: cowtail filter, ±20 dB adjustable, switchable cutoff frequency: 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz or 220 Hz
• Midrange: bell filter, ±20 dB adjustable, switchable cutoff frequency: 360 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz or 7.2 kHz
• Treble: Cowtail filter, ±20 dB adjustable, switchable cutoff frequency: 3.4 kHz, 4.9 kHz, 7 kHz, 12 kHz or 16 kHz

Output:

• Type: XLR, transformer-balanced, in UK produced Carnhill transformer, galvanically isolated, impedance: 600 Ω
• Maximum output level: +26 dBm

Indicators:

• Power LED: blue (‘Power’), Level LEDs: green – input signal present (“Signal”)
• yellow – output signal ?+4 dB (‘+4dB’), red – signal overloaded (‘Peak’)

Other:

• Switches: Power, microphone input impedance, phantom power, DI (switches the jack socket to the input), HPF/EQ section (active/bypass), phase reversal
• Power supply: generously dimensioned external power adapter, primary voltage 240 VAC, secondary voltage 24 VAC, quiescent current consumption 3.5 W, power consumption 8.5 W
• For other power grids, for example 110VAC, please use a suitable power supply unit.

Housing:

• Sheet steel with 6 mm thick aluminium front panel,
• dimensions: 48.0 x 30.8 x 4.4 cm, weight: 4.54 kg

Source delamar: Test conclusion and download

Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII (Unfortunately, this one doesn’t have X-MOD) Test conclusion:

4.5 DELAMAR SCORE. This preamp amplifies up to 80 dB, is well-built, has wonderfully large potentiometers and scores particularly highly with its first-class equaliser. Surprisingly moderate in price, all in all. Detailed Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII test conclusion:

PROS: Clean, neutral sound, good to very good build quality and great feel, flexible, musically coherent 3-band EQ with wide control ranges. Up to 80 dB gain – also suitable for old ribbon microphones, variable impedance for microphones

‘CONS’: External power supply

Who is it for? Highly ambitious beginners, advanced users and price-conscious professionals looking for a preamp with an excellent equaliser.

Please note:

• For shipments to "non-EU countries", please always enquire about the exact transport costs in advance! This applies in particular to large and/or heavy items > 31 kg.
• Please also note that import duties and taxes may apply.