[DISCONTINUED] Earthworks 1021 1-Channel Microphone Preamp

The ZDT Zero Distortion Preamplifier™ series from Earthworks is based on discrete circuitry designed by David Blackmer, establishing a new standard of sonic excellence in electronics. This exacting new standard provides frequency response from 1Hz to 200kHz +0.5dB, a rise time of 0.27 microseconds and distortion of less than 1 part per million (0.0001%), eliminating all possibility of sonic degradation. These preamps are so fast, so clean and so transparent that you don’t even know they are there. It is like plugging your microphone into a “piece of wire with gain”. You will hear clarity and detail with the ZDT preamps that is not available in any other preamp at any price.

Earthworks 1021 Features

• Zero Distortion – less than one part per million
• High output level +30dBu
• Very low output impedance will drive long lines without interference or signal loss
• True 48 volt phantom, polarity reverse & clip indicator
• Separate XLR & 1/4” Phone (t-r-s) outputs, each with its own gain/level controls
• 1/4” phone connector output will drive balanced or unbalanced inputs
• Full differential (balanced) from XLR in to XLR out – no internal conversion to single-ended
• All discrete components; Class A amplification (no ICs in the signal path)
• Greater transparency with minimum signal path and minimum features

• 1021 Single Channel Microphone Preamp1

• Frequency Response 2Hz-100kHz + 0.1dB, 1Hz-200kHz + 0.5dB
• Impulse Response 1% settling time - 1.4 µs square wave rise time - 0.27µs
• Distortion XLR stepped output < 0.0001% Variable output 0.001%
• Enoise (input) 1.6nV/Hz1/2 typical spectral density @20dB gain, .86nV/Hz1/2 @40dB gain; .6nV/Hz1/2 @60dB
• Translation of Enoise to EIN -132dBv@20dB gain, -140dBV@40dB gain, -143dB@ 60dB gain (20Hz to 20kHz, A weighted) Typical current noise spectral density @ input 1.5pA/Hz1/2
• Slew Rate 22V/µs
• DC offset servo balanced to +1 mV typical
• Power Requirement 120V AC (100V, 240V available), standard IEC connector (supplied), internal 250mA 250V spare fuse included.
• Input XLR balanced, transformerless input (pin 2 +) one per channel
• Input Impedance 10K ohm with phantom power on, 100K ohm with phantom power off
• Outputs XLR (differential, Pin 2+) per channel from stepped gain control, 1/4 inch t-r-s (tip+, ring ref) from variable gain control, balanced, single ended
• Product Dimensions1/2 rack space
• Weight4 lbs