Triton Audio D2O 500-series mic pre

[JazzPipo]

Hi all,

Today Peter Paul from Triton Audio was in our studio to test his new D2O mic pre which will be released for 500 series format begin next year. The pre is based on the Siemens V72 pre.

I was very pleased with the sound off this pre. Very nice open top end with the right amount of sparkle and nice full lows. I recorded some test files in mp3 and compared the D2O tot my Shadow Hills Mono GAMA in Steel and Nickel. I added the files to this post... The D20 really holds his own next to the Shadow Hills and has its own flavour... The Lundalh can be switch in 1:2.5 or 1:5 ratio, there is a 50dB / 70dB feedback switch, phantom power and phase shift. The gain pot is stepped. I'm also very interested in the tube version which will also be released in 500 format in a single unit... I think it will give the Rolls a run for it's money since the pricing will be very very affordable with estimated prices around $600-$700 for the FET and $700-$800,- for the tube version... but don't pin me down on the pricing because the official price has not been set yet...

D2O is a low noise discrete microphone preamp inspired by the famous German pre-amps of the 40's and 50's. It comes in two versions: an all jFet design and a Hybrid tube/fet preamp. D2O's general layout consists of a Lundahl 1538 input transformer followed by a 2 stage amplifier with enough gain to amplify all types of microphones. Output drive is supplied by a discrete low impedance jFet buffer with superb sonic properties. Quality Paper in oil coupling capacitors are used, all other used components are high-end grade as well.

Other features:
Low noise / low res power supply
switch able transformer ratio / input impedance
selectable feedback ratio sets gain and character
stepped attenuator
phase reverse switch
phantom power
available mid December 2009
API 500 series versions will be available early 2010

Home - tritonaudio

[flute player]

Nice clean sound in the first sample.
Just curius if the 70 dB is the maximum gain of this new device.
This because Triton has the fathead to give especially ribbons a boost.
When you raise iup the gain to a level of approx. 85 dB it might be a good alternative for the AEA TRP.

greetz,

Paul

[Tomer1]

Im hearing very slight difference between the two preamps,
Both sound great.
The switcable transformer ratio is a cool idea.

[JazzPipo]

Originally Posted by flute player

Nice clean sound in the first sample.
Just curius if the 70 dB is the maximum gain of this new device.
This because Triton has the fathead to give especially ribbons a boost.
When you raise iup the gain to a level of approx. 85 dB it might be a good alternative for the AEA TRP.

greetz,

Paul

The D20 Gives plenty of gain to use with a ribbon... I also made a test file with a FatHead II which worked really well. The unit I tested was not calibrated. But it's safe to say it delivered quite a bit more then 70dB... I will post the FetHead clip later...

The recording chain for this test was: '71 Martin D-28 -> Neumann TLM103 -> D2O -> Pro Tools.

[flute player]

Originally Posted by JazzPipo

The D20 Gives plenty of gain to use with a ribbon... I also made a test file with a FatHead II which worked really well. The unit I tested was not calibrated. But it's safe to say it delivered quite a bit more then 70dB... I will post the FetHead clip later...

Hi there Alkmaar, I also own two Fatheads and a few other ribbons.
So will look forward for those files.
Still it might not be enough for microphones like an R44.
Or in my case the Cloud JRS-34

greetz,

Paul

[lostintime]

Has anyone else used this preamp?

[WildCowboys]

Is anyone else wondering why on their homepage you cannot find names of the guys behind it? The fethead products were a product offered by MoFli, which was also a company in the netherlands, now it is made and sold by Tritonaudio, also based in the netherlands. As far as I remember some guys here have had unfinished business with MoFli when they went out of business. Not trying to do any harm to anyone innocent, but a clarification would be nice. Are former MoFli people involved in this new company?

That aside the products look very promising and prices totally reasonable. I might buy some just out of curiosity....

Best,
Pat

[retractablezing]

having dealt with both companies that you're referring to Pat, i can safely say they're totally different entities with different people behind them, no reason to raise this sort of suspicion.

i have nothing but praise for Peter (Triton-Audio), i own 2 fetheads and when one arrived acting up, they replaced it with another (v2, shorter and better version they now sell) free of charge, and paid for the shipping back and forth.

[WildCowboys]

Good to hear! Looks like MoFli was selling Tritones products before they went out of business leaving behind some angry guys....selling the same unique stuff and being in the same country (and pretty new...) and not having any names on the "about us" section of their website just makes it look a little "hmmmmmm..." Would be great of them to add their names.

I am really interested in the FetHead products as well as the preamps. Next time I got some money left over I know who will get some ;-)

Best,
Pat

[retractablezing]

the fetheads are very effective, especially to someone who relies mainly on dynamics and ribbons (i'm one of those...types), and i really wish i could justify the cute preamp and further support some fellow europeans making cool gear based on actual vintage european designs - it's a great concept. maybe one day.

in the meantime, i urge anyone interested to support these guys, in my experience they very much deserve it.

[retractablezing]

i'll also add that there's some extremely exciting products coming in the future in the same small footprint/big sound concept from these guys. can't disclose anything (sorry) but ppl should really watch out for some really cool stuff.

[JazzPipo]

Hi all,

Recently got the D20 Tube Fet for testing in the studio... this thing is absolutely fantastic it has some nice silky character in the highs and is less sharp then the FET version. For it's price it really is a bargain... They are currently working on the 500 version!

Here are two extra samples one with the Tube and one with the FET version. Recording path: Martin D28 -> TLM103 -> D20 -> ProTools... playing could be better