Millennia Media HV3C Stereo Mic Preamp

Combining a precisely matched octet of discrete bipolar transistors with a laser trimmed DC coupled FET-based output driver stage, the HV-3C (tm) is an entirely "double balanced," extremely wide dynamic range stereo microphone preamplifier intended for demanding acoustic recording. Unlike "textbook" mic preamplifiers, the HV-3C signal path never unbalances or rebalances the original signal — thus maintaining a high degree of signal integrity.

Unlike preamps using vacuum tubes, IC function modules and audio transformers (all of which can lend their own audio coloration) the Millennia HV-3C is precisely optimized towards capturing the subtlest detail of music and ambience. With +23 dBu native input headroom, the HV-3C requires no input pads, attenuators, or switch points as found on common textbook preamp designs - thus avoiding yet another source of sonic degradation. Moreover, with its +32 dBu output headroom, ultra-high dynamic stability and linearity is assured. NOTE: The HV-3C is a recently-updated version of the HV-3B two channel mic preamp, with improved mechanical design and cosmetics, and standard 36 step gain control. HV-3C uses the identical preamps as found in the HV-3D 8-ch units.

HV-3C signal path from input through output is entirely balanced with a minimum amplifier topology. Uncompromising circuit design with meticulous selection and hand-matching of critical components assures consistently transparent audio performance at all dynamic excursions and frequency extensions.

Features

• High speed transformerless design
• 23dB Input & 32dB Output headroom
• No pads (attenuators) required
• Entirely balanced audio path
• Laser trimmed FET-based output
• THD+N less than 5 PPM (.0005%)
• Matched discrete transistor octet front-end
• Optional Bruel & Kjaer (DPA) +130V mic inputs
• Optional 24 bit, 192 kHz "POW-R" A/D converters
• Optional "DC Inputs" - Ideal for ribbon mics
• Precision componentry throughout
• Gold audio connectors & switches
• Standard 36-step gain control (1.5 dB per step)
• Stereo gain matched to .08 dB
• OFC audio wiring, silver teflon power wiring
• Ultra-clean toroid power supply
• Welded 16 gauge steel rack chassis
• Unsurpassed ambience retrieval
• Effortless, lifelike musical performance at ALL dynamic levels

Specifications

• Minimum Gain: 8.5 dB
• Maximum Gain (1.5 dB per step, 36 steps): 60.5 dB (up to 78 dB on request)
• Frequency Response (+0/-3dB): sub 4 Hz to beyond 300 kHz
• Frequency Response, Stereo Deviation: < .04 dB
• Noise @ 60 dB gain, 10Hz-30kHz, Inputs common: -133 dB EIN
• Noise @ 60 dB gain, 10Hz-30kHz, 50 ohm source: -130 dB EIN
• Noise @ 60 dB gain, 10Hz-30kHz, 150 ohm source: -128 dB EIN
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise, 35 dB gain, 10 Hz-20kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu out: < .001%, Typ. < .0005% (< 5 PPM)
• Intermodulation Distortion (50Hz & 7kHz) 35 dB gain, +27 dBu out: < .0009%
• Phase Response 35dB gain, 50Hz-20kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu out: < 2 degrees deviation
• Phase Response, Stereo Deviation 35dB gain, 20Hz-40kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu out: < 1/2 degree deviation
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio 35dB gain, 10Hz-20kHz bandwidth, 100 mV C.M.: >65dB, Typ >85dB
• Slew Rate 35dB gain, +27dBu out: >25 Volts per microsecond
• Maximum Input Level 20Hz-40kHz: +23 dBu
• Maximum Output Level 20Hz-40kHz: +32 dBu
• Interchannel Crosstalk 35 dB gain, 1kHz, +27 dBu all outputs: Better than -120dB (>20 bits)
• Phantom Input Impedance @ 20Hz: 6,700 ohms
• Phantom Input Impedance @ 20kHz: 6,800 ohms
• Output Impedance: 24.3 ohms (x2)
• B&K (DPA) Mic Powering: +130 VDC, max, direct (non-phantom) powered
• Phantom Powering: +48 VDC, +/-2VDC
• Power Consumption, Max: 45 Watts, maximum
• Power Requirements: 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 19" x 12" x 3.5"