Benchmark MPA1

The Benchmark MPA1 Microphone Preamplifier - Pure Benchmark transparency and ultra low noise performance.
The MPA1 is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier designed and manufactured by Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. The MPA1 is meticulously designed to Benchmark standards of transparency, ultra-low distortion, and ultra-low noise performance - making the MPA1 a perfect choice for stereo pairs, ribbon mics, and any other application where purity is the goal.
Pristine Input Stage

The input stage of the MPA1 is designed with high-voltage headroom (+29 dBu) and single-stage gain control to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. The MPA1 maintains superb noise performance across the entire gain range (74 dB) by utilizing precision-matched, low-noise, transistor quad-arrays. A servo-controlled circuit minimizes DC-offset and maximizes headroom.
Complete Low Frequency Response

The MPA1 exhibits exceptional low-frequency performance with a clever dual-capacitor AC-coupling design. This dual-capacitor design defeats the limitations of single-capacitor AC-coupling designs, achieving an exceptionally low corner-frequency with excellent subsonic phase-accuracy.
Innovative Stepped-Resistor Gain Control

The gain control of the MPA1 is completely unique. The gain is controlled via a 38-position, switched resistor ladder, set up in a continuously rotating orientation via relay control. This gain control circuit offers 2 dB per step, 0-74 dB of gain without attenuation, and inter-channel gain precision of +/- 0.03 dB. A make-beforebreak scheme creates a silent switching circuit.
Elegant Phantom Power Protection

The transistor stage is protected from phantom power surges with an ultra-fast, multi-stage protection circuit. This circuit utilizes the high-speed capabilities of low-capacitance Schotky diodes and the high-current capabilities of TVS diodes to absorb the phantom power surges caused by shorts and plugging/unplugging microphones with +48V on. This circuit is pre-biased so that it is isolated from the circuit in normal operation and activated when a surge occurs.


Benchmark MPA1 2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier Features:

• 38-position discrete linear gain switching (2dB / step)
• Automatic gain-range switching with LED range-indicators
• 0-74dB total gain range
• Switchable 40Hz high-pass filter (relay controlled - no audio through switches)
• Switchable polarity invert (relay controlled - no audio through switches)
• Independently switchable +48V phantom power
• HPA2 - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier
• 4-segment, precision LED meters (calibration-free)
• Recessed phantom switch to prevent accidental switching
• Phantom-power disable jumper for dedicated ribbon mic operation
• Phantom-protection circuitry prevents damage from phantom-power surges
• Internal, toroidal linear power supply
• High-quality gold Neutrik connectors
• Maximum input: +29 dBu
• Maximum output: +29 dBu
• Ultra-low noise/distortion: (THD+N @ 22dB Gain 10Hz-20kHz = 0.00045%)
• RF-immunity over a wide bandwidth (500kHz)
• Designed, built, and tested in Syracuse, New York, USA