The A-Designs MP-2A is a high-end all-tube stereo microphone preamplifier designed to deliver unmatched versatility, musicality, and sonic character across a wide range of sources. Whether used with ribbon, dynamic, or condenser microphones, or even as a direct input for instruments, the A-Designs MP-2A consistently delivers outstanding results. It’s widely praised by professional engineers and producers as a preamp capable of handling an entire record’s tracking needs with confidence and style.
At the heart of the A-Designs MP-2A are EF86 input tubes and 6N1-P output tubes, operating with no integrated circuits and using only discrete components. The signal path is fully analogue, incorporating Audience capacitors and custom Cinemag transformers. Its point-to-point wiring reflects a boutique, audiophile-standard build quality, ensuring optimal tone and reliability.
Each channel features a -20 dB pad, polarity switch, 48V phantom power, true VU metering, and a front-panel Hi-Z instrument input. The preamp’s unique fixed-gain amplifier and output attenuator configuration ensures consistent performance across a wide range of input levels, maintaining tone and dynamic integrity regardless of source signal strength. One of the standout features is the inclusion of two Tone switches per channel, offering four distinct voicing options that expand the A-Designs MP-2A’s sonic palette far beyond traditional preamps.
With 60 dB of gain on tap, the A-Designs MP-2A is well-suited for low-output microphones, including vintage ribbons, while also adding harmonic depth and presence to instruments such as bass, guitar, and synths. Whether you’re after pure transparency or warm tube saturation, the MP-2A provides a broad tonal range that makes it a flexible centrepiece for any professional studio.
Features
- Vacuum-tube design
- Two level volume controls
- Two polarity switches
- Two tone switches
- Two phantom power switches
- Two backlit true VU meters
- Red jewel lamp power indicator
- Two Neutrik combo XLR / 1/4” input connectors
- Two XLR output connectors
- Zero feedback loop design
- 2U rack space
- Two CineMag input transformers
- Two custom-wound output transformers
- Two 6N1-P tubes
- Two EF86 tubes
- Clean and airy high end
- Warmth, transparency, and high-quality sound
