Bizzar Audio 'Mint Julep' 500 series mic preamp

[matta]

I'd like to introduce you to the first of our 500 series modules that are planed for '08 release, A partner ship between Ashton Audio and Bizzar Audio.



The Mint Julep is a high gain mic pre with a discrete front end that is electronically balanced throughout using high quality components like the Grayhill gain switch, 1% metal film resistors, Low ESR long life electrolytic caps, WIMA coupling capacitors & unique power distribution.

The pre is capable of up to 66dB's of gain in steps of 6dB's for accurate recall and also features a gentle active low cut filter at 100Hz, Polarity inversion and of course +48V phantom power. In addition we have added a metering circuit to round off the package, which was designed/built using the guidelines set out by the API VPR Alliance.

Inspired by an early British design it complements the large selection of 'coloured' 500 series mic pres by offering something that is clean, open and transparent.

All opamps are socketed and user serviceable/swappable with pin compatible chips eg TL072, NE5532, OPA2604 etc. We really like the sound of the 'classic' 5532 in this application, but a Burr Brown option will be available for the front end, for those wanting a silkier top end response.

The photos show one of the 5 prototypes that are doing the rounds with the commercial unit being set for release in within the1st Quarter. Production units will be double sided offering better electrical and mechanical security and feature a solid, spun aluminium gain knob (not shown in the photos).

They will be available directly from us at a price that is going to set a new standard for affordablilty... though we can't confirm the final price until we have the first production run, it looks to be under $500USD.

Regards

Matt (Ashton Audio) & Peter (Bizzar Audio)

[TAVD]

Hmmm, it looks decent enough so please don't take this the wrong way but, I think you'll have a difficult time selling gearslutz on a transformer-less monolythic op amp 500 preamp @ $500. Get it closer to $300-$400 and I think they'd fly off the shelves. Congrats.

[matta]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the comments.

Unless we move manufacturing to china and/or skimp by using cheaper parts there is no way we can get it CLOSE to $300.00 retail.

The Grayhill switch alone is over $15.00 in a single component, the pre requires custom illuminated switches that we have to buy in bulk, the WIMA and Rubycon are not cheap either, nore is custom metal work. As a boutique audio company our gear is hand built by us, so there are labour and R&D costs to consider.

We drew on design inspirations from designs by Rupert Neve & SSL. One of the main drives was to offer a competitive product in the 500 series that rivaled the sonics characteristics/qualities of the much loved DAV BG-1, and we we believe we have done that.

All of the above use monolithic, transformless designs. We wanted to be honest and open hence us providing inside shots of the gear, which many manufacturers don't and we feel we are still competitively priced when compared to the above and offer features they don't/didn't.

We have chosen to build a quality piece of kit, offering a 'budget' (cost wise ) mic pre that sonically rivals those we set out to match.

Peter Cornell, the designer of this Mint Julep has for years offered a DIY pre called the 'Green Pre' which can be found in thousands of studios around the world in use today. The Mint Julep takes the best of the Green's features, builds on them using better quality parts, layout and design etc, while still remaining cost effective. Each one is then built by us to oversee quality control.

Again, we have tried our best to lower the price as best we can and we expect the price to be below $500, right now it looks to be around $450-$500, there isn't a way to get it to $300 without serious compromise or mass manufacturing.

Thanks again

Matt

[TRA]

Originally Posted by TAVD

Hmmm, it looks decent enough so please don't take this the wrong way but, I think you'll have a difficult time selling gearslutz on a transformer-less monolythic op amp 500 preamp @ $500. Get it closer to $300-$400 and I think they'd fly off the shelves.

Take a swing by GroupDIY to see the quality of Matt's work. Just the Grayhill switch, front panel, and WIMA caps alone on that board are expensive as all hell. Not to mention that quality PCB manufacturing in quantities less than 1000 per run is also not cheap.

If I was a betting man I'd say the cost to build one channel is at least $250. If the front panels were done in house and everything else was done in China you'd definitely see a lower price, but I'd rather pay the few extra bucks for a quality product.

$500/module seems to be the entry level price for anything in the 500 series format.

[peterc]

Economies of scale...... What a PITA. Boutique companies beware. When I finally found a metal shop to do the work, they did not want to do small quantities. Just costs more at the end of the day, & yer delivery gets pushed out in favour of the big orders.

Back to the preamp! I have nursed this design for a number of years & it really has turned out beautifully. Works really well on drums (I have sold a bunch of 8 channel units locally that get used as "drumpacks"), perc, acoustics, vox, piano, sax...

The way I have developed the power supply arrangement gives the design a lot of punch & dynamics, it has headroom for days. Well balanced sound to the unit.

There seemed to be a need for a clean pre in the lunchbox format, that was our main motivation for developing this design. Most of the 500 series pre's have iron in the path, & as much as we all like those harmonically enriched tones, clean is good sometimes!

Zappa said talking about music is like dancing about architecture so I'll shut up now, suffice to say it is a really cool sounding preamp.

Peter

[matta]

TRA, thanks for your kind words and thoughts, glad you like my work.

Since we are artists as much as scientists (or is that architects) I decided to throw these clips up that I recorded with a prototype 'Green Pre' (the early stages of the Mint Julep).

It wasn't/isn't supposed to be a 'scientific test', merely a 'me strumming away on my acoustic enjoying the afternoon over a hot cuppa Earl Grey Tea' kind of thing.

One clip is the on board pre amp on a Digidesign 002R, the other 'Green Pre' Prototype... both were tracked into PT with no additional processing (EQ/Compression), though I think I may have normalized them (it was a while ago and I'm not in front of my DAW to check).

Bear in mind it was done with $200 Chinese OEM LDC... I'm sure the difference it would make with a KM84 or 'pick your favourite acoustic' mic would be even more startling.

002R – Acoustic Guitar
Green Pre – Acoustic Guitar

We plan to get them out to folks for further BETA testing and hope reviewers will share their thoughts as well and post a few A/B clips in time.

Cheers

Matt

[TRA]

Sweet....this is based around the Green Pre? I need to get myself a lunchbox after I finish building my 312 pres.

[matta]

Originally Posted by TRA

Sweet....this is based around the Green Pre? I need to get myself a lunchbox after I finish building my 312 pres.

Indeed, Peter's Green Pre design. The Mint Julep has been but adapted from that with new layout/design and other tweaks... it is no exaggeration to say from inception from the original Mark 1 Green Pre to the current Mint Julep there were some 20 something revisions to get it JUST right (the 'Green Pre' Peter has been selling commercially is REV14).

Cheers

Matt

[matta]

Hi Mike,

No offense, but this really was a thread for our new product, not selling your services or pre? Forgive me if I think it might be a little out of place.

As a gesture of good faith if anyone wants to take up Mike on his pre you can find his website @ JM-130 Mic Pre | JMK Audio, Birmingham, Alabama (according to Google)

From what I understand it ISN'T a 500 series pre, requires an optional power supply and doesn't include a low cut filter, not sure if it has a polarity switch and uses a pot, while a good one, not a stepped attenuator like ours... and is transformer coupled with a DOA... in essence very different from the product that we are offering.

RE parts costs our are inherently more expensive being in Africa and having to import most of them. For example we pay full USA retail price for the Grayhills (Digikey), then are subjected to import taxes and VAT which total up to and extra 25% of the USA price.

So when we take our ALL our imported parts costs, we have to add a further 25% and then still add in labour and expect to make a profit (by your math above you make +- 44% of your single channel pre, well between labour/profits... we should be so lucky!).

We shared the price will be UNDER $500, I'm hoping to shoot at $450, which is still $225.00 less than what I believe is the lowest cost 500 series commercial pre that I'm aware of, the Purple Audio Biz/Pants, which are indeed transformer coupled and use DOA's, but that is reflected in the price and also we are going for a completely DIFFERENT sound.

Pan60 has contacted me RE a review and we will indeed be servicing him with one to tear apart and give an independent view point, I love his reviews and can't wait for his feedback.

Regards

Matt

[jdunn]

Comparisons to completely different products aside.... I don't think it's too unreasonable in the year 2008 to ask $500 for a mic pre module that appears to be well designed and by all accounts sounds very good. The guy who built my speakers told me the rule of thumb is to multiply your parts cost by 5 and that's your list price. Who decided that these guys can only charge twice what the parts cost?

Do you think they don't have to eat and pay rent/mortgage and car insurance like the rest of us? It looks like they enjoy designing mic pres, but come on. The time and effort it takes to develop, market and deliver a product is worth more than just twice the cost of parts, so let's get real here people. Why don't we stop whining about the price and features of every new piece of gear before it's even hit the market.

[edit] Sorry TAVD, I'm not directing that entire rant at you. I see that you did say "please don't take this the wrong way", etc... It's just that I'm a little tired of people on this site who think it's their place to tell manufacturers what to do. [end edit]

Oh, and the pre looks really nice guys! I still don't have a 500 frame, but I think you'll do very well with these. I like the clean layout, and the highpass filter is a good feature.

[bdubya]

Yeah, this one looks cool, and unique. I wish more of the 500-series preamps had a hi-pass filter. Its also cool to see the Green Pre blossom into this format. both matta and peter c have posted alot of awesome, useful information on diy over on prodigy professional, you can tell they're both way into it, which is always a good sign. No, i have no affiliation, just psyched to see this happen.

[LeeStoker]

I mean you no disrespect and good luck on your product but how many frickin after market preamps do we need! The market is so saturated with preamps. Ok done. Love you.

[gm5k]

Originally Posted by LeeStoker

I mean you no disrespect and good luck on your product but how many frickin after market preamps do we need! The market is so saturated with preamps. Ok done. Love you.

no disrespect, eh? coulda fooled me. take it to the moan zone

nice looking preamp, Matt. congratulations!

[jdunn]

Originally Posted by LeeStoker

I mean you no disrespect and good luck on your product but how many frickin after market preamps do we need! The market is so saturated with preamps. Ok done. Love you.

I think it will sit nicely in the current market. To me, this preamp looks like a pleasure to work with. A single knob with 6dB steps like GML makes it fast to get your levels and tones with a minimum of fussing. There is no multiple transformer option or color switch, and you won't be tweaking for hours trying to find the perfect level. I find this somewhat refreshing. It allows you to concentrate on the music instead of the gear. I mean, slutty gear is great, but when you're in the heat of a session, it's best to just get the job done.

I think the large number of preamps on the market is a good thing. More choices make for a happy gearslut!

[matta]

Jdunn,

Thanks for the support and fair comments, much appreciated.

Bdubya,

Thanks for the kudos. Yip, Peter and I involved over at PP and it is great joy to see guys get into DIY electronics, once you strip away the jargon it is a blast and throughly addictive! Not to mention a great way to learn how to maintaining your gear on a day to day basis. We just both love electronics and making music

Peter is also the moderator over at Dan Richards Studio Forum guiding the 'Studio Tech & Design' section and you see me pop up time to time over at the TapeOp board as well.

I mean you no disrespect and good luck on your product but how many frickin after market preamps do we need! The market is so saturated with preamps. Ok done. Love you.

LeeStoker,

I hear you, but options are good. While there may be MANY different pres I doubt many of them sound the same. In our case it was a matter of seeing the gap in the market place and since years have gone into this pre it made sense as there currently isn't a single trans formless 500 series pre that I am aware in the market place.

Our 2nd product is an EQ that we have been working on with 'British' flavour as well, but that is a LONG way off being ready for consumer ready... we are not limiting ourselves to just another pre amp.

Gm5k, thanks for compliments and kind words.

Regards

Matt

[bram]

Matta:
just to clarify that there once, in the 80s, was a transformerless preamp for the API 500 series, but it is verrrrry rare: The aphex MP-1. As a matter of fact, it's quite the same typology as yours: discrete transistor front end, 5532 on the output.
I have two of them, and started a thread on groupdiy about it:
Prodigy Professional :: View topic - transformers for this rare API500 type Aphex preamp

Interesting, isn't it? No serial numbers, don't know if it was just a prototype. Do you care to comment on apparent similarities and differences between yours and this one, based on the inside pic?

Regards,
Bram

[bdubya]

"Maybe it wasn't your intention to make an inexpensive utility pre but the green pre is usually touted as just that"


. . . still coming off as a jerk . . . hurting your own project's rep . . . projecting insecurity . . . . . . . .... . ..........troll

[matta]

Let me try a different tact since my first post went over so well. It certainly wasn't my intention to dictate prices, I was simply pointing out a hole in the market, i.e. the $300-400 utility pre amp range. Similar pre amps have been propsed but it usually ends up with the consumer wanting it at a certain price and the manufacturer not wanting to cut corners to get it there or not willing to associate their brand with such a product. Obviously, this pre misses that mark, pricing it close to OSA. Maybe it wasn't your intention to make an inexpensive utility pre but the green pre is usually touted as just that. Is there a big desire for a lunch box without loads of color? I'm not sure. I guess you'll find out soon enough. Good luck.

Hi Tom,

Bizzar Audio’s vision/goal is to provide a series of utility designs at a price point that we deem affordable and set a new price point for 500 series modules, that range for us is $400-$500, not $300-$400.

Rightfully so manufacturers, at least boutique ones don’t want to compromise or cut corners. We are no exception. This inherently means the client pays more, but are assured they get a quality product over an OEM offering.

Since we care about longevity of our products we have selected the best components we could, like the mil spec gain switch and not a cheap OEM Chinese option. I can source an Alpha ‘open frame’ Lorlin clone for under $1, which would save us $14+ on the Grayhill in a single part, but we feel it would be to the detriment of the product.

Our goal was to offer a pre in the same battle class as the SSL9000K, Amek CIB and the DAV-BG1, staples in many studios, none of which are currently not offered in a 500 series format.

We are hoping to get closer to $400 than $500 with this product. Metal work is the area we haven’t wrapped up yet as Peter has shared as well as the manufacturing process itself and the retail price will hinge on these 2 areas falling in line our prospective targets.

We feel that there is indeed a need for a ‘colourless’ high gain mic pre in the 500 series. Rightfully so the market will dictate the demand, but based on the e-mails, questions and support shown by industry folks who have been in touch with us, I think, or at least hope, we have a winner.

just to clarify that there once, in the 80s, was a transformerless preamp for the API 500 series, but it is verrrrry rare: The aphex MP-1. As a matter of fact, it's quite the same typology as yours: discrete transistor front end, 5532 on the output. I have two of them, and started a thread on groupdiy about it:
Prodigy Professional :: View topic - transformers for this rare API500 type Aphex preamp

Interesting, isn't it? No serial numbers, don't know if it was just a prototype. Do you care to comment on apparent similarities and differences between yours and this one, based on the inside pic?

Regards,
Bram

Hi Bram,

VERY interesting, I was/am not aware of that design by Aphex. Obviously without looking at the schematic is would be hard to give you a full run down but it does indeed seem to follow a similar path we have ventured down.

A Monolithic design with discrete transistor front end, offering a variable Low Cut filter, +48V and Polarity inversion, and a simple clip indicator. Gain seems to be set with 2 fixed external resistors and attenuated with a pot. We have chosen the more expensive route of offering stepped values set by external resistors for accurate recall and channel settings. They, like us seem to have chosen great quality parts as well. I would be interested to know what it retailed for back in the 80’s.

Regards

Matt

[pan60]

Originally Posted by jdunn

Comparisons to completely different products aside.... I don't think it's too unreasonable in the year 2008 to ask $500 for a mic pre module that appears to be well designed and by all accounts sounds very good. The guy who built my speakers told me the rule of thumb is to multiply your parts cost by 5 and that's your list price. Who decided that these guys can only charge twice what the parts cost?

Do you think they don't have to eat and pay rent/mortgage and car insurance like the rest of us? It looks like they enjoy designing mic pres, but come on. The time and effort it takes to develop, market and deliver a product is worth more than just twice the cost of parts, so let's get real here people. Why don't we stop whining about the price and features of every new piece of gear before it's even hit the market.

[edit] Sorry TAVD, I'm not directing that entire rant at you. I see that you did say "please don't take this the wrong way", etc... It's just that I'm a little tired of people on this site who think it's their place to tell manufacturers what to do. [end edit]

Oh, and the pre looks really nice guys! I still don't have a 500 frame, but I think you'll do very well with these. I like the clean layout, and the highpass filter is a good feature.

so nicely put: )~

[pan60]

Originally Posted by gm5k

no disrespect, eh? coulda fooled me. take it to the moan zone

nice looking preamp, Matt. congratulations!

me two!

Originally Posted by jdunn

I think it will sit nicely in the current market. To me, this preamp looks like a pleasure to work with. A single knob with 6dB steps like GML makes it fast to get your levels and tones with a minimum of fussing. There is no multiple transformer option or color switch, and you won't be tweaking for hours trying to find the perfect level. I find this somewhat refreshing. It allows you to concentrate on the music instead of the gear. I mean, slutty gear is great, but when you're in the heat of a session, it's best to just get the job done.

I think the large number of preamps on the market is a good thing. More choices make for a happy gearslut!

i agree i think their is room and a place in the 500 form market for this type of pre!

[pan60]

Originally Posted by bram

Matta:
it is verrrrry rare: The aphex MP-1.

also labeled B&B weren't they?
i am still looking to find one just to have: )~

[LeeStoker]

Sorry I feel more positive today.

[bit mangler]

Originally Posted by matta

and not a cheap OEM Chinese option.

Matt,
Are the switches US made??

[matta]

Originally Posted by bit mangler

Matt,
Are the switches US made??

The Grayhill Gain switch is US made.

The 3 illuminated push button switches are made in China by Wellbuying, the same folks who make the switches for the Purple Audio.

I'm not aware of anyone in the USA or Europe who could mould them. There are a few companies who are OEM'ing them i.e branding them under their own US name, but are having them made in China. Going direct to the source has saved us more than $1 a switch, the build quality is great and all contacts are silver to deter rust/tarnishing.

By the way you can't make it out in the photos but all the switches are illuminated green when active, making it easy to see the state of your channel settings.

Cheers

Matt

[TAVD]

Matt, are there any plans to offer this in kit form?

[matta]

Originally Posted by TAVD

Matt, are there any plans to offer this in kit form?

Hi Tom,

There are no plans to offer the Mint Julep as a kit.

Peter and I have a transformer coupled inductor based 500 series EQ inspired by the API 553 EQ with 2-3 selectable bands per FREQ that will be available as a kit, but we need to keep the distinction between the commercial Bizzar line from the DIY options.

After all this discussion about an 'entry level' sub $300-$00 pre we have also discussed the possibility of doing a lower cost mic pre with a similar monolithic design but without a low cut filter, no meter circuit and using a Lorlin in place of the Grayhill and possibly move to SMD components.... these compromises will allow us to build an entry level mic pre for the 500 series in the $300+ range. If we do it it will not replace the Mint Julep, rather compliment it.... and right now that is a BIG if... our priority is to get the the MJ to market.

We are still going to try our BEST to get the MJ to market for +$400.

Regards

Matt

[TAVD]

Sounds nice. Thanks.

BTW, looking forward to those EQ's.

[jdunn]

The only thing I'd possibly change on the Mint Julep is to make the three switches different colors, like red, yellow and green perhaps. This would make it especially easy to see the status of each module at a glance, especially if you had a whole rack of them. I understand that the green lighted buttons go along with the Mint Julep concept though, so I can see why you've designed it with all green lights. Also I don't know if they make those switches in different colors.

[pan60]

got one in the secret pan60 lab

[matta]

Originally Posted by pan60

got one in the secret pan60 lab

However did that get there

Glad it arrived safe and sound and look forward to your thoughts.

Cheers

Matt