Ingram Engineering's MPA685 dual-channel microphone pre-amp is a large, two-rack space (14-inches deep) unit that's handmade here in the U.S. and features three switchable input impedance choices and up to 76dB of gain. Changing the input impedance presented to a microphone by the pre-amp alters the mic's sound and operation. For the recording engineer, having this ability expands the range of sounds possible from any microphone.

You can order the retro-looking MPA685 in either of two impedance range options. Option 1 has 60, 200 and 600-ohm impedance choices for passive or active mics that sound best working into lower impedances. Option 2 (the unit review here) has 600, 1.5k and 2.5k-ohm choices and is better suited to condenser or ribbon mics that require higher impedances.

Input impedances are selectable using a front panel rotary switch that alters a switched resistor network on the secondary of a custom Sowter mic input transformer. This method "reflects" the impedance change back to the primary and provides the subsequent pre-amplifier section with a constant impedance load for good transient response, low noise, phase coherency and flat frequency response over a wide gain range.

Each channel of the MPA uses two, Ingram-designed J-FET-based Class-A gain block stages while a third module, an electronically balanced output buffer amp, drives a Jensen output transformer. These three encapsulated modules use all-discrete components and the same pin-out and voltages as API's 2520 and Jensen's 990 modules.

A front panel 24-position Goldpoint rotary switch sets the gain of the second gain block to optimize its signal-to-noise, dynamic range and transient response predicated upon the mic's output signal level. The knob's "0" center position is unity and rotating CW adds gain while turning the control CCW attenuates gain. The front panel markings are for reference and do not indicate gain in dB.

There is 65dB of gain adjustment in steps that are coarser (6.5dB) at the low and high gain extremes and finer (2dB steps) in the more used, middle gain range. The MPA also has a regulated +48-volt phantom power on/off switch and a 1-megohm FET-buffered DI 1/4-inch input with loop-through.

For each channel, there are front panel overload LEDs that light when 1-percent THD is reached. Another rotary switch selects the corner frequency for a 6dB/octave high pass filter. Choices include bypass, 70Hz, or 140Hz. Lastly a continuously variable output gain control finely adjust total gain.

Pre-Amps X3

Noise Figure vs. Microphone Impedance

The first test was a quick shoot out to see where the MPA sits as compared to other well-known mic pres. I built a special 4-way mic splitter box for the occasion. It has a Jensen JT-MB-E transformer inside) to route a large-diaphragm condenser mic to both pre's at the same time.

My first A/B/C test compared the MPA to both a GML 8302 and Neve 1272 mic pres. I used a Royer 121 ribbon mic on a Fender Champ amp to record a clean electric guitar performance to Pro Tools HD|9 at 96kHz. The MPA was set to high impedance (2.5k), the +6 gain position with the output full up while the GML and Neve were both set to 50dB.

I found the MPA to have a lot of gain available but at first it sounded, by comparison, "thin." Selecting the Ingram's low-impedance (600-ohms) position and changed that right away. The lower-impedance position required more gain up at the +9 position. Now the MPA sound stood right up and was clear, fat and present-sounding. The GML sounded as expected, very clean and clinical while the Neve was warm, thick and a little dark compared to the others.

For loud crunch sounds, I changed guitar amps but kept the Royer. I was surprise to hear the MPA (still on low impedance) holding up perfectly with gain set down to +1 and sounding big, open, clear and loud. The GML, at 35dB gain, became slightly mid-rangy and "barky," while the Neve, also at 35dB, got "spongier"--softer sounding compared to the clean electric guitar tests. Unlike the GML or Neve pres, the MPA didn't change in sound character at all with the increased input level.

MPA Vocals

I took the MPA685 solo for a vocal session using my MXL Revelation tube mic set to cardioid. In general, compared to my other pre-amps, I found the MPA to be more transparent during peak level moments. One of these moments is just at the point where my loud singer hits his stride right up close to the mic. All pre-amps sound nasty when overloaded but the MPA is more forgiving--it sounds better at those moments.

Switching impedances from high to med to low steps the output level down respectively. Depending on the mic, I found that I had to bump the gain up 2-4 clicks when switching to a lower impedance setting to obtain the same recording level. The sound quality for the same mic is different too; the low impedance setting, along with more mic gain, produces a warmer and a more intimate sound.

Moving to medium seemed to change my singer's mic presence very slightly with a change in the mic's low frequency character. Use the high impedance position and the mic is loaded more like a typical bridging input of a modern mic pre.

Running 5 or more extras clicks of gain and winding back the output level will produce a "hotter" sound by way of a subtle increase in IM and, as pleasant as this sounds sometimes, it is level dependent and inconsistent.

Acoustic Guitar

I tried a stereo recording of a Martin D15 using a Rode NT4 X-Y stereo condenser. The two channels of the MPA matched exactly in level and sound. I swapped the L/R outs of the mic between channels to check this. This time the tonal change between high and low impedance was subtle--just slightly warmer in low but more articulated sounding when using the high impedance position; it just depends on what you're looking for. For the song I was working on, I found the low impedance and about +3 to +5 on the gain rotary with the 70Hz HPF was best.

DI Too

I tried the MPA's DI path and again found loads of gain. The front panel "chicken head" gain knob was now at the -7 position for a stock Fender Jazz bass with passive pickups. The sound was clear and precisely the way this bass sounds under ideal conditions. With this much gain available, guitars with low output piezo electrics pickups would be no problem to amplify with this excellent sounding DI.

Rediscover Your Mic Collection

The MPA685 allows you to rediscover your whole mic collection by way of its three input impedance choices, remarkable dynamic range and its huge reservoir of gain. Add a super-DI path and you have an excellent, professional and worthwhile tool ready for any recording task.