TYPE III MP4
4-channel discrete transformer-balanced dual-gain microphone preamp
EXPECTED EARLY 2027Subscribe to be notified
Estimated ship date:
The Type III MP4 brings four channels of our MP500 microphone preamp design to a standalone rack unit with an outboard power supply. Each channel features dual gain stages, transformer balanced input and output, and two SAAS DOA60 discrete op amps. Operating at ±24 V, just like the original Sphere Eclipse Type III console, the MP4 delivers the classic Sphere character with expanded headroom and versatile gain control.
EXPECTED EARLY TO MID 2027
The Type III MP4 is a four channel microphone preamp based on the preamps in Russian Recording’s vintage Sphere Eclipse Type III analog recording console. It brings the same dual gain stage architecture as our MP500 to a standalone rack format, with an outboard power supply and ±24 V operation, matching the original console’s operating voltage and providing greater headroom than the 500 Series format.
Each channel uses newly manufactured Reichenbach 7341 microphone input and 7393 output transformers, made in the same factory using the same drawings and materials as the transformers in vintage Sphere consoles. Two SAAS designed DOA60 discrete op amps per channel handle input and output gain independently, preserving the character and dimensionality of the full Sphere signal path.
The DOA60 was inspired by the sound of the original SPA60 amplifiers used in vintage Sphere consoles. It uses thoughtfully chosen modern components to improve consistency, specs, and stability while retaining the detail, imaging, and sonic character that made the original amplifiers so special.
Each channel provides 12 input gain settings on a Grayhill rotary switch, a 20 dB input pad, selectable input impedances of 300Ω or 1.5kΩ, and fully variable output level. A selectable 20 dB output boost adds gain at the second amplifier stage. These controls let the engineer shape how each gain stage is driven while accommodating everything from quiet ribbon microphones to loud sources.
Expected early to mid 2027.
| Year | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Model | Type III MP4 |
| Manufacturer | Soviet American Audio Systems |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| PSU Model | SAAS +/-24 PSU |
| Amplifier Type | FET |
| Power Requirement | External PSU |
