{"product_id":"spl-goldmike-mk2-185046","title":"Goldmike MK2","description":"\u003ch3\u003eFrom the GoldMike 9844 to the GoldMike mk2: A Performance-Oriented Evolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollowing the legacy of the GoldMike 9844, the \u003cstrong\u003eGoldMike mk2\u003c\/strong\u003e carries forward the concept that made the original model successful: a \u003cstrong\u003ehybrid microphone preamp\u003c\/strong\u003e capable of delivering a true analog signature while remaining versatile for everyday use. The major difference lies in the evolution of the transistor stage, now based on a \u003cstrong\u003ediscrete Class A architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e (without integrated circuits), and the tube stage which becomes \u003cstrong\u003eadjustable\u003c\/strong\u003e to switch from very faithful capture to more pronounced coloration. The result: a preamp designed to meet demands usually associated with much more expensive equipment, while remaining simple to use in the studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA Microphone Preamp for Demanding Recordings, from Home Studio to Pro Studio\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe GoldMike mk2 is aimed at sound engineers, musicians, and creators who want a \u003cstrong\u003estudio microphone preamplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e capable of adapting to many transducers and recording contexts. Its hybrid architecture, both quiet and generous, makes it particularly comfortable when it comes to \u003cstrong\u003ecleanly raising gain\u003c\/strong\u003e on delicate sources, including \u003cstrong\u003eribbon microphones\u003c\/strong\u003e with very low output levels. For vocals, acoustic instruments, percussion, or keyboards, it allows choosing between transparency, controlled presence, and analog grain, while maintaining excellent clarity in the mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eControlled Analog Coloration: Transients, Grain, and Presence Serving the Mix\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDiscrete Class A Transistor Stage: Speed and Stability\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe new transistor stage adopts a \u003cstrong\u003ediscrete Class A design\u003c\/strong\u003e: the circuit consists of individually optimized components for their role, and does not use integrated circuits. This approach aims for a more solid and spacious reproduction, with a frequency response that remains consistent regardless of gain. Its \u003cstrong\u003every high slew rate\u003c\/strong\u003e (over 200 V per microsecond) helps to cleanly amplify the briefest details and high frequencies, preserving the transients that give realism to recordings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother key point: for filtering DC voltage components, a \u003cstrong\u003eservo circuit\u003c\/strong\u003e avoids the use of coupling capacitors. This limits unwanted high-pass effects that could weaken the low end as gain increases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAdjustable Tube Stage: From \"Clean\" to Musical Saturation\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere the previous version offered a more fixed approach, the GoldMike mk2 introduces a tube stage with \u003cstrong\u003eselectable amplification\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the standard \u003cstrong\u003e+6 dB\u003c\/strong\u003e mode, the tube remains in a \"clean\" zone to mainly preserve the airiness and openness typical of tubes. The \u003cstrong\u003e+12 dB\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e+18 dB\u003c\/strong\u003e positions allow for more colored behavior, with increased saturation and limiting on high levels, shaping character even before mixing processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe tubes used are \u003cstrong\u003eSovtek 12AX7 LPS\u003c\/strong\u003e, selected after technical tests and listening comparisons, aiming for a good signal-to-noise ratio and a wide, clear sound image.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTube Amp: A True Palette of Textures, Without Changing Your Gain\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eTube Amp\u003c\/strong\u003e circuit acts directly on the tube behavior: the higher the input level, the more pronounced the saturation. When used subtly or moderately, distortions remain barely audible while the limiting effect already appears, which can add density and stability to peaks. For this working logic, the \u003cstrong\u003e+12 dB\u003c\/strong\u003e position is particularly relevant to avoid excessively pushing the gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e+18 dB\u003c\/strong\u003e, saturation becomes clearly audible and distortions increase on high levels. The strength of the system is its handling: the intensity of the processing is controlled by the \u003cstrong\u003egain potentiometer\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the \u003cstrong\u003eoutput level of the tube stage is automatically lowered\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain an unchanged overall amplification. You can thus explore tube colors without losing your level references.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFlair: Naturally Enhancing Presence\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe GoldMike mk2 integrates the \u003cstrong\u003eFlair\u003c\/strong\u003e mode, a sound optimization circuit inspired by the GoldMike 9844. Rather than functioning like a classic equalizer, Flair relies on the combination of coil filters and tubes to \u003cstrong\u003eenhance presence\u003c\/strong\u003e naturally and discreetly. On vocals and acoustic instruments, the signal gains detail and intelligibility, with a sensation of better \"forward placement\" in the mix, which can reduce the need for further adjustments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe treated band is wide (from \u003cstrong\u003e1.5 to 20 kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e around \u003cstrong\u003e6 kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e) and the boost is selectable: \u003cstrong\u003eHigh\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eMed\u003c\/strong\u003e, with an \u003cstrong\u003eOff\u003c\/strong\u003e position to disable the circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDiode Peak Limiter: Protect Without Crushing\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe peak limiter uses \u003cstrong\u003ediodes\u003c\/strong\u003e whose characteristic provides an analog saturation effect capable of elegantly and discreetly attenuating peaks. Thanks to its \u003cstrong\u003every high reaction speed\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is particularly effective at treating only peaks, making it a relevant protection before an analog-to-digital converter, even on very brief transients. It is especially useful on percussion instruments rich in peaks, while remaining usable on signals closer to a sine wave such as vocals and keyboards. To strongly increase the perceived volume of a signal, a conventional compressor or limiter will still be more suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eLimiting effect that can serve as a creative alternative to a diode limiter (with increasing harmonic distortion as saturation increases)\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e@media(max-width:632px){table[data-wb-spec]{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(0,1fr)}table[data-wb-spec] colgroup{display:none}table[data-wb-spec] tbody,table[data-wb-spec] tr{display:contents}table[data-wb-spec] td{display:block;overflow-wrap:anywhere;grid-row:var(--wb-l);background-color:var(--wb-lb)}table[data-wb-spec] td[data-r]{grid-row:var(--wb-r);background-color:var(--wb-rb)}table[data-wb-spec] td[colspan=\"2\"]{grid-column:1\/-1}table[data-wb-spec] td:empty{display:none}}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003ctable data-wb-spec style=\"width:100%;table-layout:fixed\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:1;--wb-r:2;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eValve\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRack unit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ctable data-wb-spec style=\"width:100%;table-layout:fixed\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003ccol style=\"width:25%\"\u003e\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:1;--wb-r:8;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHybrid microphone preamplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003etransistor and tube stages\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTube Amp circuit saturation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003edependent on the input level\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:2;--wb-r:9;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransistor stage architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003ediscrete Class A, with no integrated circuits\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTube Amp circuit intensity control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eGain potentiometer\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:3;--wb-r:10;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlew rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003emore than 200 V per microsecond\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTube stage output level compensation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eautomatic, with overall gain unchanged\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:4;--wb-r:11;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDC voltage component filtering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eservo circuit, with no coupling capacitor\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound optimization circuit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eFlair, combining coil filters and tubes\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:5;--wb-r:12;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable tube stage gain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e+6 dB (standard), +12 dB, +18 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcessed band\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003e1.5 to 20 kHz around 6 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-l:6;--wb-r:13;--wb-lb:transparent;--wb-rb:var(--wb-neutral-50)\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e+12 and +18 dB modes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003emore pronounced saturation and limiting depending on the input level\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelectable boost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eHigh (2.5 dB), Med (1.5 dB), Off\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr style=\"background-color:transparent;--wb-l:7;--wb-r:14;--wb-lb:var(--wb-neutral-50);--wb-rb:transparent\"\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTubes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eSovtek 12AX7 LPS, selected following technical tests and listening comparisons\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeak limiter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd data-r style=\"text-align:left;font-weight:var(--font-body-weight-bolder)\"\u003eusing diodes, with an analog saturation effect\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"SPL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54361459982611,"sku":"185046","price":1699.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/0872\/6803\/files\/31e1a21dd99f23f1d76b9174da17b8f95ab3ce22_SPL_SPLGMK2.jpg?v=1793382202","url":"https:\/\/woodbrass.shop\/products\/spl-goldmike-mk2-185046","provider":"Woodbrass.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}