Grace Design M201 MK2

A redesign focused on transparency and dynamics within the Grace Design range

The M201MK2 carries the DNA of Grace Design: faithful, fast, and uncolored reproduction, designed to respect timbres and micro-dynamics. This MK2 version is not just a cosmetic update: the signal path has been refined to provide a more "open" sensation, with more air, while increasing usable dynamics. The improved signal-to-noise ratio notably relies on a new power supply, for quieter recordings and a darker noise floor.

A 2-channel preamp for demanding recording (studio, live, broadcast)

The Grace Design M201MK2 is aimed at sound engineers, producers, and musicians seeking a high-end mic preamp to capture the source as it is: vocals, acoustic instruments, piano, overheads, stereo pairs, ambient recordings, or amp miking via microphone. With its two perfectly matched channels, it is particularly relevant for stereo setups where left/right coherence is crucial, while remaining very comfortable for premium mono recording.

Key Features: precision, headroom, and gain modes

Controlled gain and perfectly matched channels

The M201MK2 offers an extended gain range, with precise 2 dB steps for fine and repeatable adjustment. The gain matching between CH1 and CH2 is extremely tight across the entire range, a major advantage for stereo pairs and multi-mic recording techniques.

Ribbon Mode and adapted impedances

For ribbon microphones, the Ribbon Mode increases the gain range and modifies the input impedance to preserve level, transient response, and detail without unnecessary noise. The impedance also varies depending on pad usage, helping to optimize mic/preamp matching according to source and level.

Wide headroom before saturation

With a high maximum output level and clearly defined peak LED thresholds, the M201MK2 handles dynamic sources while staying clean. The result: a clear, deep, and stable capture, ready to be converted or processed, without artifacts or harshness.

Technical specifications

Number of channels

2

Rack unit

1

@ 20dB gain +/- 3dB 150 ohm source	3.2Hz-530kHz	Default Mode	18-64dB, 2dB steps
@ 20dB gain +/- 0.2dB 150 ohm source	14.8Hz-109kHz	Ribbon Mode	28-74dB, 2dB steps
@ 40dB gain +/- 3dB 150 ohm source	3.2Hz-500kHz	Gain matching CH1-CH2 over full gain range	<0.10dB
@ 40dB gain +/- 0.2dB 150 ohm source	15.4Hz-103kHz	Phase deviation @40dB gain 40 ohm source 75Hz-45kHz	<3deg
@ 20dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz	<.0008%	Crosstalk any channel @40dB gain 1kHz	-140dB
@ 40dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz	<.0009%	Crosstalk any channel @40dB gain 10kHz	-130dB
@ 60dB gain +20dBu out, 1kHz	<.0070%	CMRR @60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 1kHz	>85dB
SMPTE/DIN 1:1 (50Hz, 7kHz)	<.0007%	CMRR @60dB gain, 3.5Vcm, 10kHz	>75dB
SMPTE/DIN 4:1 (50Hz, 7kHz)	<.009%	Phantom power voltage +48V	+/- 1.0V
@60dB gain 50 ohm source 22-22kHz	-130dB	6.8k ohm resistor match tolerance	+/- 0.1%
@60dB gain 50 ohm source A weighting	-133dB	Maximum output level 1kHz, 100K ohm load	+28dBu
@60dB gain 150 ohm source 22-22kHz	-127dB	Peak LED green threshold	-16dBu Out
@60dB gain 150 ohm source A weighting	-127.5dB	Peak LED red threshold	+16dBu Out
@40dB gain 50 ohm source 22-22kHz	-127dB	Nominal input	8100 ohm
@40dB gain 50 ohm source A weighting	-130dB	Input Ribbon Mode	20K ohm
@40dB gain 150 ohm source 22-22kHz	-125dB	Input pad engaged	1.3K ohm
@40dB gain 150 ohm source A weighting	-128dB	Output	150 ohm
@20dB gain 50 ohm source 22-22kHz	-117dB	Weight	2.1kg
@20dB gain 50 ohm source A weighting	-120dB	Height	43mm
@20dB gain 150 ohm source 22-22kHz	-117dB	Width	483mm
@20dB gain 150 ohm source A weighting	-119dB	Depth	274mm