The Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Black is a high end single channel 500 series microphone preamplifier designed for engineers who demand clarity, tone shaping flexibility and uncompromising build quality. Built around a custom discrete op amp, it delivers maximum fidelity, powerful transient response and the signature Shadow Hills sound.
Design and Build Quality
The Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Copper brings the depth and authority of the original GAMA preamp into the compact API 500 format. At its core is a hand built discrete op amp that provides exceptional clarity, precision and musical warmth across the entire frequency range.
The input stage uses a transformer balanced circuit with an authentic Jensen input transformer for extremely low noise and pristine signal retention. Every element of the construction reflects Shadow Hills’ premium standards, including engraved metalwork, custom machined knobs, a 24 position Swiss made gain attenuator and an engraved serial plate.
Transformer Switching and Tonal Versatility
A key feature of the Mono GAMA series is its switchable output transformer section. Shadow Hills recreated their favourite classic transformers to offer three unique tonal paths called Nickel, Discrete and Steel. Each path adds its own sonic personality.
Nickel offers an open top end and smooth high frequency response. Discrete provides a clean, detailed and natural tone with forward mids. Steel delivers a bold low end with harmonic weight and punch. All three options can be auditioned instantly without repatching, making quick tone decisions effortless.
The Mono GAMA Copper introduces a fourth tone option called Stack, which blends the Nickel and Steel transformers for a combined character.
Comprehensive Features
The Mono GAMA includes all essential professional preamp functions, such as phantom power, phase reverse and a 20 dB pad. It also features a dedicated DI input with its own pad and phase reverse controls, ensuring perfect compatibility with instruments and line level sources. This makes the unit suitable for everything from intimate vocals to powerful guitars while maintaining consistent sonic quality.
Optimised for modern studios, the Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Black and Copper models deliver exceptional tone shaping power, premium build quality and the flexibility required for high end recording workflows.```
