W1 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier

Console sound. Single-channel focus. Pure analog control.

The Wolff Audio W1 is not inspired by our consoles — it is our console microphone preamp, precision-engineered into a single-channel 500-series module.

Designed by legendary engineer Paul Wolff, the W1 delivers the exact transformer topology, gain structure, and relay-controlled signal path found in Wolff Audio’s flagship large-format recording consoles — now in a compact format that fits any 500-series rack.

No compromises. No scaled-down circuitry. Just true console architecture made accessible.

True Console DNA in a 500-Series Format

At the heart of the W1 is the same analog signal path trusted in world-class studios:

• Custom Cinemag input and output transformers

  
• Fully relay-controlled signal switching

  
• Socketed op-amp design for easy customization

  
• Dual-stage gain architecture for precision control

  

Every critical function — gain, pad, phantom power, and line switching — is relay controlled to maintain signal integrity and long-term reliability.

The result is unmistakable:
depth, punch, harmonic richness, and authority that only true console circuitry delivers.

Massive Headroom. Zero-Compromise Tone.

The W1 operates at significantly lower baseline gain than conventional microphone preamps — a design choice that dramatically increases usable headroom while preserving transformer loading and impedance relationships.
In zero-gain mode:

• Transformer is padded 10 dB

  
• Op-amp runs at unity

  
• Overall level sits roughly 20 dB lower than typical mic pres

  

This means you can capture extremely loud sources without external pads — and without sacrificing tone.

Put a dynamic mic inches from a snare drum. Track aggressive guitar cabinets. Record powerful vocalists at full intensity.

The sound stays big, controlled, and musical.

Drive the Tone. Control the Output.

The W1’s dual-stage architecture gives engineers complete command of gain staging.

• Gain selectable in 10 dB steps up to 50 dB

  
• Additional ±6 dB trim control

  
• Dedicated output fader positioned between gain stages

  
• Maximum gain of approximately 56 dB

  

This design allows you to drive the input transformers and preamp circuitry for character — while independently controlling output level to your converters.

• No impedance issues.
  
• No unwanted overload.
  
• No compromises.
  
• Just pure tonal control.

Studio-Grade Metering and Monitoring

Borrowed directly from Wolff console design, the W1 features intelligent LED metering that provides clear, usable feedback during tracking.

• Dual reference display: –20 dB and +4 dB

  
• Intelligent release behavior

  
• Clip indication

  
• Output dimming during phantom power switching

  
• You always know exactly what the preamp is doing — at a glance.

Front Panel Features

• Neutrik combo XLR / ¼″ mic and instrument input

  
• Relay-controlled 20 dB pad

  
• Relay-controlled 48V phantom power

  
• Polarity reverse

  
• Gain trim control

  
• Dedicated output fader

  
• Console-grade LED metering


Built for Engineers Who Expect More

The W1 is designed for professionals who want real console performance without dedicating space to a large-format desk.
Tracking. Overdubbing. Re-amping. Precision capture of any source.
If you want transformer depth, massive headroom, and total gain-stage control — this is the preamp that delivers it.