Brent Averill racks old modules... JLM makes new ones, or at least the ones we are looking at. You're not gonna find the real things at prices like that, no way.
Anyway, here is some info...
Hi Paul
"I see your Neve and API-alikes on your website, and I have some questions. What kind of transformers and/or op-amps are you using in the signal path? "
[Joe ]
I have transformers made for me in batches of 1000 of my own designs. I do not us the brand names you mention. My cheapest transformer used in the TMP-8 is -0.5dB down at 15Hz & 350Khz unloaded. We 10k load it to load the microphone properly which cuts the response to -0.5dB 15Hz to 50kHz and it can take 0dBm in. And that is the worst transformer I use. This may seem above hearing but it is very important. Just ask Rupert Neve. There is much more to transformer specs than flat frequency response but it is hard to go into in short !
As for opamps we make two which are both 990 pin compatible. One like a minimalist neve module which runs on +/-35v. and can output +26dBm in a 600 ohm load unbalanced or if two 990's are used in balance +32dBm in Class A without the 1:2 output transformer that neve used. The other 990 is more of a normal style +/-24v but with greatly improved output drive +24dBm into 600 unbalanced or + 30dBm if two 990's are used in balanced in Class A. Also can swing +/-20v peak into 75 ohm load in Class A/B. We use these as output stage for the Neve 8 packs instead of the transformer output. We Will start Selling these everywhere separately soon at much cheaper than MMedia990's. We do see a big market in the US for these OPAMPS immediately.
We also use hand tested normal opamps with small heatsinks for the TMP-8 Focusrite style Mic pres running from +/-22v rails and a few other tricks to make a extremely pure and minimal Mic pre with 41 detent reverse log pots for the gain controls.
I've asked around about your stuff but so far have not recieved any information on it at all, which can be frustrating, or course.
[Joe ]
We unfortunately do not ship outside of Australia at the moment for several reasons. The fact that 1 of each type of equipment has to be CE , C tick & electrically approved in each country is a huge expense. Then there is servicing a warranty and needing repairers in your country. Plus the fact that since TV & Broadcast in Australia has started buying my equipment we can only just keep up with demand over here. But we are looking to sell in the US. I have been to the USA twice in the last twelve months. And it is funny you mention Mercenary Audio as I was try to get to see them last time I was there but got Blizzarded in New York for a couple of days which was unfortunate! All products are slowly changing over to switch mode power supplies with 110/240v switch on the larger units and auto 90v to 260v switch mode power supplies for small units. The new Neve 8 packs which will be three racks units high will be available in a few months with 110v/240v switch mode. It has been redesigned due to the original 12 position Switch used becoming harder to get and a much better new switch being found.
Also, how does the pricing translate to American Dollars, including shipping? I'm interested in both solid state units.
[Joe ]
The Price almost halves in US Dollars. Yes it is true! 1 Aust Dollar = 0.52 US Dollar.
You may want to seriously consider letting someone on one of the pro forums get a demo unit for a few days. I would suggest Julian Standen, a moderator at recording.org, or perhaps Fletcher at
www.mercenary.com, a moderator at
www.prosoundweb.com/recpit/index.php If your units pass with good words, you stand to sell a ton of them at those prices.
jules@librarystudio.com is Julians address, and Fletchers is
fletcher@mercenary.com
Two respected names amongst the community, although Fletcher can be a little rugged sometimes.
[Joe ]
I will when I feel we are ready and have Australia under control. I have great contacts in the US who I have worked with over here. My gear has always been a word of mouth thing and not about advertising for 20 years which is the way I like it. I am thinking of releasing a Professional Mic Pre Neve kit for the web market with PCB everything and case for cheap as this gets around all the registration problems. Maybe that would be the quick way to start in the US for now. What do you think?
Joe
JLM Audio
Brisbane
Australia
I hope this makes sense as I usually type these messages and don't get a chance to reread them due to the fifty or so emails a day I try to respond to personally!
JLM Audio "Capturing Audio without Electronic Injury"