SE Pre1

mic pre-amp

$1,579.00 + tax

CA

SE Mic Pre

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Prices do not include applicable taxes, shipping or duties.

$1,579.00 + tax

What's in the Box

Description

Discrete Class A microphone Preamp

(racking and power supply options available)

 

Designed and hand-constructed by long-time record producer Phillip Victor Bova and friends ~ these pres use discrete class A transistor circuitry hand-selected precision-matched components, hand-wired and assembled to deliver an incredibly punchy and open sound quality.

 

  • discrete class A transistor circuitry
  • hand-selected precision-matched components
  • hand-wired and assembled
  • unclip-able input (even by extreme mic signals) – requires no input pad
  • 26 dBu output capable of driving a 600 ohm load or greater (this covers everything from vintage gear to the latest digital audio workstations)
  • 48 volt switch-able phantom power w/ jewel light indicator
  • Vishay™ gain pot
  • gold plated XLR balanced I / O connectors
  • very low self noise
  • separate DC connector cable from each SE-Pre1 module to power supply
  • unique exotic wood (purple heart or oak) front panel detailing w/ vintage-style knob and switch

 

  • 2 modules (CDN $1358.) can be;
    • mounted horizontally in 19″ 2 RU metal or plexi rackmount panel ~ sold separately at CDN $89./
    • housed ~ along with the SE-PS2 power supply and cables ~ in an aluminum carrying case with high density die cut foam insert ~ sold separately at CDN $139.
  • 8 modules (CDN $5432.) can be;
    • racked in a 19″ 4 RU metal rackmount panel ~ sold separately at CDN $189./
    • racked in an aluminium w/ laminate rack road case with wood and metal rails and removable front and back panels (as shown above) ~ sold separately at CDN $489./

Specifications

single channel stand alone or rackmount-able module
dimensions: 4"d x 2"w x 3 rack units high
(front panel = 2 1/4"wide x 5 1/8" high)
weight: 2.7 lbs
maximum gain: 50dB (can be customized)
phantom power: +48V DC (switch-able w/ indicator)
EIN: 0.27 uV rms in 20kHz bandwidth with 200 ohm source
dynamic range: > 90dB (no weighting)
frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz (+ / - 0.5 dB)
input impedance: 2000 ohms
output impedance: 100 ohms
maximum input level: +15dBu
maximum output level: +26dBu
CMRR: >90dB
total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.1% (typical)
transistors: hand-selected / precision matched
power requirements: SE-PS® external power supply

Miscellaneous

  • every sage module is FULLY tested, 'burned-in' and signed by the 'builder' prior to shipment
  • the SE-Pre1™ carries a generous 3 year warranty
  • all units require an external power supply
  • our SE-PS2™ external power supply (capable of powering up to 2 SE-Pre1s) is housed and sold separately
  • our SE-PS8™ external power supply (capable of powering up to 8 SE-Pre1s) is housed and sold separately
  • for those so inclined - we can provide basic guidelines for building your own / - 24 V power supply - or having one built for you

Audio Samples

Ultimately, of course all that matters is the sound … a listen’s worth a thousand words.

Here are some samples of various instruments recorded exclusively through SE-Pre1™ mic preamps.

All of these samples were recorded digitally, completely flat and dry with absolutely no eq, compression, or effects processors of any kind. You can download these samples and import them into your digital workstation. This will allow you to hear them as we intended. Listen, and enjoy!

pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

A positive and productive relationship

Since the very beginning, sage has been one of the best companies and some of the best people in audio. Thank you ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

Safely packed for travel

On the plane…. SE-1’s safely packed in their new pelican case, just so I can go anywhere with them!!! Will report in ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

I couldnt stop gushing about the pre’s at this years TapeOp conference. I was on one of the main “big” panels this ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

I carry them with me even when i am working in a neve room

I cant say it enough: Sage electronics SE-1 mic pre. So amazing. I cant believe they go for as little money as ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

Favorite new mic pre

as posted to http://homerecording.com/bbs ~ June 18, 2005 “The seventh circle stuff is ALL really good it seems. I have tried the ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

Great sonic signature

Totally amazing amounts of headroom, super great sonic “signature,” and crazy good build quality. They look fun, too. Customer service is some ...
SE-PRE1
Joel Hamilton
Studio G, Brooklyn, NY

My 'go-to' kick and snare pre

I have been absolutely loving the Bova Ball, and i really, really love the Sage electronics mic pre. They have become my ...
pre amp
Tony Bongiovi
Bongiovi Entertainment

Music's Golden Age

Your pres have the same sound that preamps did in the mid 60s … during music’s golden age when console manufacturers spent ...
SE-PRE1
Joel Hamilton
Studio G, Brooklyn, NY

Mic pre is 'unclippable'

Just about to get my “bova ball” finally. I am really looking forward to that microphone. Check it out on the Sage ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

A positive and productive relationship

Since the very beginning, sage has been one of the best companies and some of the best people in audio. Thank you ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

Safely packed for travel

On the plane…. SE-1’s safely packed in their new pelican case, just so I can go anywhere with them!!! Will report in ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

I couldnt stop gushing about the pre’s at this years TapeOp conference. I was on one of the main “big” panels this ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

I carry them with me even when i am working in a neve room

I cant say it enough: Sage electronics SE-1 mic pre. So amazing. I cant believe they go for as little money as ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

Favorite new mic pre

as posted to http://homerecording.com/bbs ~ June 18, 2005 “The seventh circle stuff is ALL really good it seems. I have tried the ...
pre amp
Joel Hamilton
Studio G

Great sonic signature

Totally amazing amounts of headroom, super great sonic “signature,” and crazy good build quality. They look fun, too. Customer service is some ...
SE-PRE1
Joel Hamilton
Studio G, Brooklyn, NY

My 'go-to' kick and snare pre

I have been absolutely loving the Bova Ball, and i really, really love the Sage electronics mic pre. They have become my ...
pre amp
Tony Bongiovi
Bongiovi Entertainment

Music's Golden Age

Your pres have the same sound that preamps did in the mid 60s … during music’s golden age when console manufacturers spent ...
SE-PRE1
Joel Hamilton
Studio G, Brooklyn, NY

Mic pre is 'unclippable'

Just about to get my “bova ball” finally. I am really looking forward to that microphone. Check it out on the Sage ...
pre amp
Epic
Jeff Botta
 – June 11, 2015 “oh, and when you get back, give me a listen to what y’all did. I really dig the sage...
pre amp
Proud to use them
Matt Labozza
Studio G Brooklyn
 – June 11, 2015 “Surely! Amazing pre’s, as always – and proud to use them. We’ll send you something as soon as we...
pre amp
The strongest link in my system
George and Britta
go studio / Déja Vu
 – March 23, 2013 I am still positive that they are the strongest link in my whole recording system.
pre amp
Everyone is very happy!
Benoit
www.studioklaxon.com
 – November 24, 2011 Hello Janet! SE-Pre 1 173333 arrived just on time for it’s first session. Musicians are very happy, producer is...
pre amp
I love it!
Ray Canapini
redcable
 – November 24, 2011 I love it! thank you so much
pre amp
Handle transients in a really nice way
Jon van Wingerden
Audio Valley Recording Studio
 – November 24, 2011 we have some pretty sweet gear including 2 api 7600 ch strips, a manley voxbox, a gt vipre, one...
pre amp
A joy to use
David Dudley
Dave’s Drums
I’d like to thank you and Phil for the use of the pre-amps this past weekend. They were a joy to use...
pre amp
Transformerless sound
Wynn Gogol
The Workshop Recording Studio
“The Sage SE – Pre1 has that beautiful, open, “transformerless” sound in spades. It’s a very quiet pre, which is nice with...
pre amp
Tried it on a whim and loved it
Terry Manning
Compass Point, then Bahamas
– June 7, 2007 Oh, and by the way, on a whim, just to try it out, on the final vocal track...
pre amp
The most luscious sounding preamps my mics have ever had the pleasure of being run through!!!
Daryl Rabidoux
Strangeways Recording, Providence RI
First off, amazing work you guys are doing. I just picked up a pair of SE pres from a studio that was...
pre amp
Your equipment rules!!!!!
Michael Angeloff
Michael Angeloff Music ~ Hemet, CA
ps- your equipment rules!!!!!
pre amp
The best pre I have heard for kick and snare
Francois Lalonde
Studio Piccolo, Montreal, Quebec
Hey Janet And Phil I just wanted to say holy f$#Ck sh^(*&T the preamp really shines on drums really the best pre...
pre amp
Imperceptible noise level
Paul Martin
Carpinteria, CA
… Anyway, thought you’d like to know. I was tracking until about 3am last night, and the sound was just beautiful. It’s...
pre amp
I am pretty much speechless
Patrick Brennan
Brooklyn, NY
i am pretty much speechless — we tried the pre out last night on an old tune — just a couple hours...
pre amp
I’ll admit it I’m drooling
Steve Wagner
CyberAudio
Hello Phil. Thanks for the info. Okay, I’ll admit it I’m drooling. I went over the spec sheet and our Electronics tech...
pre amp
Close mics were full and clear
Kyle B. Imam
Seattle, WA
… over the weekend i had some time to really dig in with the new pres. i first used them while tracking...
pre amp
WOW!
Michael Hynes
Four Faces Media
Its Michael Hynes here with my initial impression of your mic-pre’s (WOW). I am very pleased with the sound of my Sadowsky...
pre amp
Hot off the press
George Turcotte
Earthwerks Studio
Can I send you some cash in advance to ensure, (or should I say ENSURE) I’m first in line for a DI...
pre amp
How nice!
Derek Wycoff
Naked Gods
“How nice! If these preamps are as sweet as you guys then we’ll have no problems! Cheers”
pre amp
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jonathan Anderson
Buenos Vista Audio
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!!! you guys are way too nice. much appreciated. my pres will be very happy in their new home ?...
pre amp
Epic
Jeff Botta
 – June 11, 2015 “oh, and when you get back, give me a listen to what y’all did. I really dig the sage...
pre amp
Proud to use them
Matt Labozza
Studio G Brooklyn
 – June 11, 2015 “Surely! Amazing pre’s, as always – and proud to use them. We’ll send you something as soon as we...
pre amp
The strongest link in my system
George and Britta
go studio / Déja Vu
 – March 23, 2013 I am still positive that they are the strongest link in my whole recording system.
pre amp
Everyone is very happy!
Benoit
www.studioklaxon.com
 – November 24, 2011 Hello Janet! SE-Pre 1 173333 arrived just on time for it’s first session. Musicians are very happy, producer is...
pre amp
I love it!
Ray Canapini
redcable
 – November 24, 2011 I love it! thank you so much
pre amp
Handle transients in a really nice way
Jon van Wingerden
Audio Valley Recording Studio
 – November 24, 2011 we have some pretty sweet gear including 2 api 7600 ch strips, a manley voxbox, a gt vipre, one...
pre amp
A joy to use
David Dudley
Dave’s Drums
I’d like to thank you and Phil for the use of the pre-amps this past weekend. They were a joy to use...
pre amp
Transformerless sound
Wynn Gogol
The Workshop Recording Studio
“The Sage SE – Pre1 has that beautiful, open, “transformerless” sound in spades. It’s a very quiet pre, which is nice with...
pre amp
Tried it on a whim and loved it
Terry Manning
Compass Point, then Bahamas
– June 7, 2007 Oh, and by the way, on a whim, just to try it out, on the final vocal track...
pre amp
The most luscious sounding preamps my mics have ever had the pleasure of being run through!!!
Daryl Rabidoux
Strangeways Recording, Providence RI
First off, amazing work you guys are doing. I just picked up a pair of SE pres from a studio that was...
pre amp
Your equipment rules!!!!!
Michael Angeloff
Michael Angeloff Music ~ Hemet, CA
ps- your equipment rules!!!!!
pre amp
The best pre I have heard for kick and snare
Francois Lalonde
Studio Piccolo, Montreal, Quebec
Hey Janet And Phil I just wanted to say holy f$#Ck sh^(*&T the preamp really shines on drums really the best pre...
pre amp
Imperceptible noise level
Paul Martin
Carpinteria, CA
… Anyway, thought you’d like to know. I was tracking until about 3am last night, and the sound was just beautiful. It’s...
pre amp
I am pretty much speechless
Patrick Brennan
Brooklyn, NY
i am pretty much speechless — we tried the pre out last night on an old tune — just a couple hours...
pre amp
I’ll admit it I’m drooling
Steve Wagner
CyberAudio
Hello Phil. Thanks for the info. Okay, I’ll admit it I’m drooling. I went over the spec sheet and our Electronics tech...
pre amp
Close mics were full and clear
Kyle B. Imam
Seattle, WA
… over the weekend i had some time to really dig in with the new pres. i first used them while tracking...
pre amp
WOW!
Michael Hynes
Four Faces Media
Its Michael Hynes here with my initial impression of your mic-pre’s (WOW). I am very pleased with the sound of my Sadowsky...
pre amp
Hot off the press
George Turcotte
Earthwerks Studio
Can I send you some cash in advance to ensure, (or should I say ENSURE) I’m first in line for a DI...
pre amp
How nice!
Derek Wycoff
Naked Gods
“How nice! If these preamps are as sweet as you guys then we’ll have no problems! Cheers”
pre amp
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jonathan Anderson
Buenos Vista Audio
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU!!! you guys are way too nice. much appreciated. my pres will be very happy in their new home ?...