The 1970s marked a turning point in professional audio, with solid-state electronics ushering in a new wave of design and a distinctive departure from the sound of earlier valve-based gear. Recording consoles from Neve, API, and Quad Eight defined the sonic character of that era, shaping the sound of countless legendary records. Drawing direct inspiration from this golden age, the A-Designs Pacifica pays homage to the revered Quad Eight Pacifica console while establishing a voice of its own.
Developed by seasoned recording engineers and meticulously tested by ear, the A-Designs Pacifica has earned high praise across the industry. Engineers often describe it as combining the depth of a Neve, the punchy midrange of an API, and the smooth high end associated with Massenburg designs. This combination has made it a favourite among Grammy-winning and platinum-selling producers and engineers alike.
Visually, the A-Designs Pacifica reflects its heritage with a cream-coloured finish, solid red gain knobs, red phantom power button with LED indicator, and grey push-buttons for phase reversal and a –20 dB pad. The front panel also includes two Hi-Z instrument inputs. Unlike many modern designs, the Pacifica routes these instrument signals through the input transformer, providing extra colour and tonal depth.
The custom transformers are a critical part of A-Designs Pacifica’s sonic identity. Built by Cinemag’s Tom Reichenbach, whose father Ed built the originals for Quad Eight consoles, the output transformers closely follow the classic design, while the input transformers are proprietary to A-Designs. This transformer topology contributes to the Pacifica’s wide bandwidth of 9 Hz to 101 kHz with less than 1% distortion, giving it tight low-end punch, smooth highs, and exceptional realism across the spectrum.
More than just a nod to vintage tone, this extended frequency response reduces in-band phase shift and enhances harmonic richness, helping EQ adjustments feel more creative and musical. The A-Designs Pacifica stands as proof that the spirit of classic analogue sound is not only alive but thriving, offering a powerful modern tool for today’s high-end studios.
Features
- Solid state design
- Custom input transformers
- Custom output transformers
- Single rack space format
- Balanced XLR input
- Balanced XLR output
- Level controls per channel
- -20 dB pad switch
- 48V phantom power switch
- Phase reverse switch
- Blue LED power indicator
- On/off power switch
- Toroid power transformer
- Up to 72 dB of gain
- Hi-Z 1/4” input for direct injection
- Red LED phantom power indicator
