{"product_id":"wolff-audio-w1-500-series-microphone-preamp","title":"Wolff Audio W1 500 Series Microphone Preamp","description":"\u003ch3\u003eW1 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsole sound. Single-channel focus. Pure analog control.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wolff Audio W1 is not inspired by our consoles — it is our console microphone preamp, precision-engineered into a single-channel 500-series module.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo compromises. No scaled-down circuitry. Just true console architecture made accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrue Console DNA in a 500-Series Format\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the W1 is the same analog signal path trusted in world-class studios:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Cinemag input and output transformers\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully relay-controlled signal switching\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocketed op-amp design for easy customization\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-stage gain architecture for precision control\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery critical function — gain, pad, phantom power, and line switching — is relay controlled to maintain signal integrity and long-term reliability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is unmistakable:\u003cbr\u003edepth, punch, harmonic richness, and authority that only true console circuitry delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMassive Headroom. Zero-Compromise Tone.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003eIn zero-gain mode:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransformer is padded 10 dB\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOp-amp runs at unity\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall level sits roughly 20 dB lower than typical mic pres\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis means you can capture extremely loud sources without external pads — and without sacrificing tone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut a dynamic mic inches from a snare drum. Track aggressive guitar cabinets. Record powerful vocalists at full intensity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound stays big, controlled, and musical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrive the Tone. Control the Output.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe W1’s dual-stage architecture gives engineers complete command of gain staging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain selectable in 10 dB steps up to 50 dB\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditional ±6 dB trim control\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated output fader positioned between gain stages\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum gain of approximately 56 dB\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis design allows you to drive the input transformers and preamp circuitry for character — while independently controlling output level to your converters.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo impedance issues.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo unwanted overload.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo compromises.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJust pure tonal control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudio-Grade Metering and Monitoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorrowed directly from Wolff console design, the W1 features intelligent LED metering that provides clear, usable feedback during tracking.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual reference display: –20 dB and +4 dB\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent release behavior\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClip indication\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput dimming during phantom power switching\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou always know exactly what the preamp is doing — at a glance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFront Panel Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeutrik combo XLR \/ ¼″ mic and instrument input\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelay-controlled 20 dB pad\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelay-controlled 48V phantom power\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolarity reverse\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain trim control\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated output fader\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsole-grade LED metering\u2028\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for Engineers Who Expect More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe W1 is designed for professionals who want real console performance without dedicating space to a large-format desk.\u003cbr\u003eTracking. Overdubbing. Re-amping. Precision capture of any source.\u003cbr\u003eIf you want transformer depth, massive headroom, and total gain-stage control — this is the preamp that delivers it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wolff Audio","offers":[{"title":"New | On Order","offer_id":53795194634523,"sku":"WOLFFW1","price":787.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9049\/3723\/files\/W1-1.jpg?v=1787147357","url":"https:\/\/www.altomusic.com\/products\/wolff-audio-w1-500-series-microphone-preamp","provider":"Alto Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}