60%

Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp

Share On:

Original price was: $144.06.Current price is: $86.43.

Category:
Meta:
Number of Channels : 1
Preamp Type : Microphone Preamp
Number of Inputs : 1
Model : V.A.S.
Brand : Fredenstein

I bought this unit more than a year ago and I let it sit for most of that time as I was able to use other mic preamplifiers. A few weeks ago I pressed into service as an audiophile told me that he really loved his unit. Updated (Oct 1, 2024)images: Please check the 2 additional photos. One shows the item with the -20 dB pad engaged (you can tell by the LEDs of the Level meter) and one without. I had a condenser mic that required +48V phantom power plugged into the XLR IN on the back of the pre. When using this (I have a condenser mic), I noticed that it produces a “scratching” sound, causing really bad distortion which is unpleasant. I decided to open up the unit, to see whether there were any loose wires, but didn’t detect any. Then I thought I would very gingerly apply DeOxit to the “Gain” and “Output” knobs(pots) as I thought that the contact surfaces inside the pots might have gotten oxidized after the unit was just sitting on my desk. It seemed that DeOxit helped, or at least I thought so until the scratching sound returned. The problem can’t be the XLR and TRS cables that I used (both made by Mogami). Perhaps the issue is temperature related (thermal issue). The unit looks almost mint, cosmetically, as I am very careful with electronics. See the several pictures that I have provided. The unit appears to work well – when the scratching sound doesn’t appear – but the cause of the glitch is still unclear. It could be that the unit works for a day without the glitch. It is hit or miss. Someone who is willing to spend a little time with the unit will likely be able to get it all sorted out. I just don’t have the time to devote to any more trouble-shooting. I acquired this unit from an overseas company brand-new about 1.5 years ago (it is still under 3 warranty available from that company). They told me to send it to them, but it is way too much hassle as I would have had to ship it overseas that I decided to sell the unit. Original packaging (unit is double-boxed, just the way it was shipped to me) and inserts, power cord, including User Manual are included in this sale.

Related products