Inward Connections - Magnum 500 Pre

[tapehiss]

500 Series microphone preamp with VF600 all-discrete amp block and direct input.

Looks pretty cool. I wonder if this is replacing their current 500 preamp?

[vandi]

I'm surprised there isn't more info on this yet.

[_Ludovico]

Originally Posted by vandi

I'm surprised there isn't more info on this yet.

Nothing much on their other pre as well. Strange!

[vandi]

I'm going to assume based on the fact that Vintage King now has only "demo" units left of the MPD500 that the Magnum is replacing it.

[rll]

Any new info???

[vandi]

Perhaps Vintage King will chime in with some additional information?

[vandi]

hmmmmm, nada?

[Soldier777c]

Just got one in earlier today. thumbsup

[vandi]

Have you used it yet? How is it? What would you compare it to?

[rll]

he's just going to taunt us for awhile........

[Soldier777c]

I haven't had a chance to track with it yet. I just threw it in the lunch box to make sure it was passing signal properly. I'll check it out tomorrow and chime back in.

[Blueyedsoul]

???? Any thoughts ? I've been looking at either adding one of these or the R. N. 517 to my box.

[pan60]

looks nice i have one in here to check out but i am keeping my thoughts top secret for now, other then to say it is another very nice, welcomed addition to the 500 format!

[rll]

got a pair coming, I'll report back as soon as we have some time with them

[Blueyedsoul]

Can't wait!!!! I'm Jonsing for some perspective.

[vandi]

still no feedback, eh?

[pan60]

a very nice pre: )

[Vathan]

Just noticed on vintage king that they're are new versions of the StepEQ and EQP2. They're called the Nitro and Impulse.

Seems Inward is getting rid of the SPA690 amp blocks and replacing them with the VF600.

The good news is that the StepEQs I bought last month are now officially vintage, and therefore sound better!

Seriously though, any comments on the difference in sound between the amp blocks?

[riffmachine]

Originally Posted by Vathan

Just noticed on vintage king that they're are new versions of the StepEQ and EQP2. They're called the Nitro and Impulse.

Seems Inward is getting rid of the SPA690 amp blocks and replacing them with the VF600.

The good news is that the StepEQs I bought last month are now officially vintage, and therefore sound better!

Seriously though, any comments on the difference in sound between the amp blocks?

I was talking to my guy at VK about that. They had the new units up last week and then took them down. He said that it was a bit premature to have them up yet, so they removed them. They're back up though hugh? Cool. Apparently Steve redesigned the amp blocks to get more size and color out of the units. Apparently, people have been liking the older units but he kept getting feedback about users desiring more color. This is all second hand info from my sales person at VK mind you. Still, I'm very excited, because while I love my VC5's and STep EQ's, I would love a tad more color and size. I was told the units will react the same way still however. I'll be contacting Steve Firlotte soon and asking about upgrading to the VF600's. - paul

[Vathan]

Originally Posted by riffmachine

I was talking to my guy at VK about that. They had the new units up last week and then took them down. He said that it was a bit premature to have them up yet, so they removed them. They're back up though hugh? Cool. Apparently Steve redesigned the amp blocks to get more size and color out of the units. Apparently, people have been liking the older units but he kept getting feedback about users desiring more color. This is all second hand info from my sales person at VK mind you. Still, I'm very excited, because while I love my VC5's and STep EQ's, I would love a tad more color and size. I was told the units will react the same way still however. I'll be contacting Steve Firlotte soon and asking about upgrading to the VF600's. - paul

Interesting. Let me know or post here if Steve says it can be easily switched to the VF600s on the StepEQ.

I'd definitely love the idea of being able to get a different sound out of them, as long as I can go back if I want to.

[riffmachine]

Originally Posted by Vathan

Interesting. Let me know or post here if Steve says it can be easily switched to the VF600s on the StepEQ.

I'd definitely love the idea of being able to get a different sound out of them, as long as I can go back if I want to.

I'll definitely do the Step EQ's first, and if I like them I'll do the VC5's. I don't think it's necessarily an easy switch. A $100 fee was mentioned, but I haven't talked to Steve yet. Once I know what the deal is, I'll chime back in. - paul

[superwack]

FYI there is also THE BRUTE (opto limiter) and THE VOGAD (vca) on VK now too...

[riffmachine]

Originally Posted by superwack

FYI there is also THE BRUTE (opto limiter) and THE VOGAD (vca) on VK now too...

Yes, I'm under the impression that the VOGAD is essentially the VC500 but with the new amp blocks. The controls, layout, and faceplate are the same but with a different name. It's the same with the Impulse and Nitro which share the same controls, layout, and faceplate as the Step EQ and EQP2. Maybe Steve or someone who has more details on the units will chime in about the differences other than the new amp blocks. - paul

[softwareguy]

I'm really curious about the new amp blocks. This is a major commitment on the part of Inward. They are re-branding all of their products based on the new electronics that they are putting into them, so they must be very confident that the new amp blocks will be seen as distinctly different and more desirable.

[riffmachine]

Originally Posted by softwareguy

I'm really curious about the new amp blocks. This is a major commitment on the part of Inward. They are re-branding all of their products based on the new electronics that they are putting into them, so they must be very confident that the new amp blocks will be seen as distinctly different and more desirable.

Agreed, it's got me excited as well. I like smooth HiFi sheen the Step Eq and VC500 have, but more color and size is welcome. I'm gone over the weekend but I'll send Steve an email and inqire about the new amp blocks and converting old units on Monday. - paul

[riffmachine]

So, I got a hold of Steve. Apparently, the new blocks were designed to be a direct plug-in replacement, so it seems it should be a very easy conversion that I can do myself. The blocks cost between $65-$85 (might be subject to change). One note, he did mention that he doesn't recommend repeated plugging/unplugging of the blocks because the the gold sockets will eventually wear out. I imagine that a swap or two shouldn't hurt though. I'll be ordering 4 of them, and I'll let you guys know my impressions after they arrive and I've had a chance to mess with them. - paul

[radiospace]

Originally Posted by riffmachine

So, I got a hold of Steve. Apparently, the new blocks were designed to be a direct plug-in replacement, so it seems it should be a very easy conversion that I can do myself. The blocks are approximately $85 (might be subject to change). One note, he did mention that he doesn't recommend repeated plugging/unplugging of the blocks because the the gold sockets will eventually wear out. I imagine that a swap or two shouldn't hurt though. I'll be ordering 4 of them, and I'll let you guys know my impressions after they arrive and I've had a chance to mess with them. - paul

Good, I'm looking forward to your impressions. I've used the pre and both compressors with the old design so interested in how they've changed.

[riffmachine]

Some more info. Steve let me know that the STep EQ and VC500 both have 3 amp blocks per unit. So, that requires 6 new amp blocks to do up 2 units. I'll probably just outfit 2 units instead of all 4 now. At first at least. I'm not sure if I want to do the Step or VC500's yet. We'll see. They are out of VF-600 amp blocks at the moment, but will be getting more by the end of the week, and I'll hopefully be able to order them shortly thereafter. If I find out anymore info, I'll post it. - paul

[riffmachine]

Got 6 amp blocks on the way for my Step EQ's. I'll be getting them next week sometime. Maybe next weekend I'll post some before and after clips. - paul

[Blueyedsoul]

So........ any detailed tidbits about the pre itself? Sound, color, likeness???