Classic VP26 500 Series Vintage Style Mic Preamp

[jsteiger]

Hey all,

Just wanted to make everyone aware that our fully assembled and tested Classic VP26 Microphone Preamps (http://classicapi.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=66_68_69&products_id=105) are now available. They are of course in the ultra popular 500 series format!

They feature custom Ed Anderson input and output transformers. We have a few different DOA options as well. One key feature is that the base-priced unit sells with no DOA. This gives the user many options and doesn?t make one pay for a DOA if it is just gonna be replaced by a vintage Melville or something!

Stop by and check them out here (http://classicapi.com/) for more details.

Here are a few pics. Please click to enlarge.
http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/face.gif (http://classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/face.jpg)

http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/front-right-angle.gif (http://classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/front-right-angle.jpg)

http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/side.gif (http://classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/side.jpg)

BTW, I have a few units out to some industry friends for their thoughts and opinions. So far, the response has been very good. I have also been in touch with Pan60. I will be sending him a unit for review as soon as he gets caught up a bit. The man has a heckuva lot more going on than most people realize!

Cheers, Jeff :)

[pan60]

Hey all,

Just wanted to make everyone aware that our fully assembled and tested Classic VP26 Microphone Preamps (http://classicapi.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=66_68_69&products_id=105) are now available. They are of course in the ultra popular 500 series format!

They feature custom Ed Anderson input and output transformers. We have a few different DOA options as well. One key feature is that the base-priced unit sells with no DOA. This gives the user many options and doesn?t make one pay for a DOA if it is just gonna be replaced by a vintage Melville or something!

Stop by and check them out here (http://classicapi.com/) for more details.

Here are a few pics. Please click to enlarge.
http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/face.gif (http://classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/face.jpg)

http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/front-right-angle.gif (http://classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/front-right-angle.jpg)

http://www.classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/side.gif (http://classicapi.com/catalog/images/gallery/VP26/assembled/side.jpg)

BTW, I have a few units out to some industry friends for their thoughts and opinions. So far, the response has been very good. I have also been in touch with Pan60. I will be sending him a unit for review as soon as he gets caught up a bit. The man has a heckuva lot more going on than most people realize!

Cheers, Jeff :)

i am so looking forward to getting caught up!
looking forward to getting one of these if Jeff!

[jsteiger]

i am so looking forward to getting caught up!
looking forward to getting one of these if Jeff!Cool Pan60! Just let me know when you are ready. I have one with all the trimmings off to the side for you.

How's the back? I hope the ditch is done. :eek:

Best!
Jeff

[pan60]

Cool Pan60! Just let me know when you are ready. I have one with all the trimmings off to the side for you.

How's the back? I hope the ditch is done. :eek:

Best!
Jeff

yes i is done, and i am hurting, trying to get healed up now: )~

[LunchBoxHero]

Jeff those look fantastic, congrats. I will link directly to that page in the database if that's what you would like.

[jsteiger]

Jeff those look fantastic, congrats. I will link directly to that page in the database if that's what you would like.Hi James,

Yes, a link to that page would be cool. Sorry to complicate things since I really have 3 versions of this preamp.

VP25 kit form
VP26 kit form
and VP26 fully assembled

That will be it though! I will not be doing a VP25 assembled.

Cheers!
Jeff

[Denyle]

What are the differences b/t the VP25 & VP26?

[jsteiger]

What are the differences b/t the VP25 & VP26?
Hey,

The only difference is the output transformer. Everything else is identical.

That is why the DIY faceplate is VP2X.

I myself see no need to spend the extra $$ for a 2503 that has a 3rd winding that will never be used for anything. I did want to make that available though for those who are after the exact 312 thing.

The 2503 was of course used on a 312 card.

The 2623-1 was the output trafo used on the console modules. FWIW, out of the 2488's we have seen, we have found zero 2503 transformers used. They are all the 2623-1's. Don't ask me why! It's just how API did it back in the day. :p

Best, Jeff

[Denyle]

I see now, thanks. I figured it had to do with the transformers.
FYI, your comparison charts show a 2503 for both versions.

[jsteiger]

...FYI, your comparison charts show a 2503 for both versions.Oh man! Thanks for that. That is the 2nd version of those charts. I must have looked them over 10 times when I made changes. :rolleyes: Murphy's law and everything. I guess it should have been 11. Sorry for the confusion.

Cheers, Jeff

[pan60]

Murphy's law is always getting me!
:eek::eek:

[Denyle]

I just finished a pair of these kits. They sound great and go together fast. I had only a few minor hiccups but it's DIY so it's to be expected. One seems to be phase reversed from the other. Maybe the transformer wire colors got flipped. BTW, the op amps are Fabio's 2520BC. I haven't tried any others yet.

The VP26 are the plain aluminum ones in the top lunchbox.
http://www.denyleguitars.com/images/vp26

[jsteiger]

Hey Tom,

Nice rack man! :D Lot's of goodies in there.

So, what were the hick-ups you mentioned? Something on my part? I am always open to feedback for possible improvements.

I'm glad you like the way they sound. Have you had the time to directly compare them the 312a hanging out on the upper left?

Is that a 559 to the right of the VP26's? It looks like mine only with a stripped face-plate. Looks like you may have the little rubber condoms for the switches too. Mine are naked.

Cheers, Jeff

[Denyle]

I had trouble getting some standoffs tight due to the countersinks being too deep. My solution was to stick the flat washer between the screw head and the L bracket and tighten until the washer was drawn into the hole.

I had buggered threads on one toggle switch too, which is why they don't match. I planned to replace them both eventually with dpdt for an led.

I've only done a real quick comparison but the VP26 sounds thick and weighty. The 312A is smoother and cleaner. When I swap the op amps around, maybe I'll be able to gauge the contribution of the amps vs. the transformers.

Yes, that 559 is kind of a basket case but it's still cool.

Here's a better shot of the VP26
http://www.denyleguitars.com/images/vp_26

[pan60]

sweet!!!!!!
i am very excited to get to work with the one i have here: )~

[Denyle]

Murphy's Law strikes again. :eek:
What I thought was an out of phase transformer turned out to be a failing op amp.

Jeff, there's a bit of static when adjusting the gain pot. Any cause for concern?

[jsteiger]

Murphy's Law strikes again. :eek:
What I thought was an out of phase transformer turned out to be a failing op amp.

Jeff, there's a bit of static when adjusting the gain pot. Any cause for concern?Hi Tom,

Someone needs to kick Murphy's arse I believe. :cool:

Is the static in both pres or just one? The pot is conductive plastic so there should be no scratchiness even if a DC was present...which it shouldn't be due to the blocking cap between the DOA and the pot. I have put together and tested quite a few and the gain pots are always dead quiet. Maybe a funky DOA? If only one is producing the static, trying swapping DOA's for the heck of it. I can always drop you another 25K pot if need be.

As for the countersunk holes, I have already gripped to my machine shop fella's about that. I have ran across a few during my assemblies as well. I hit the underside of those standoffs with a 3/16" bit to create a slight concave end. Works like a charm, no washer required. I have told them they must keep a tighter tolerance on my next batch. They did maintain tight specs on the face-plates countersunk holes. :)

Let me know what you find with the scratchy pot.

Best, Jeff

[gar381]

Check out the Classic VP26 Review in the new Tape Op:)

GARY