Wolff Audio W1 – 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier
The Wolff Audio W1 is a high performance 500 series microphone preamplifier that brings the sound and architecture of Wolff’s flagship recording consoles into a compact single channel module. Featuring custom Cinemag transformers, relay controlled switching, and a socketed op amp design, the W1 delivers classic transformer based tone, exceptional headroom, and flexible gain staging for professional recording environments.
Console Inspired Transformer Design
The Wolff Audio W1 microphone preamp uses the same core circuit topology found in Wolff Audio’s large format consoles. Custom Cinemag input and output transformers provide the authentic loading and harmonic character associated with classic analog recording consoles.
This transformer based design delivers rich tonal depth, excellent transient response, and natural musical saturation when driven, making the W1 suitable for a wide range of recording applications including vocals, drums, guitars, and acoustic instruments.
Customisable Op Amp Architecture
A unique feature of the Wolff Audio W1 500 series preamp is its socketed op amp design, allowing engineers to easily swap operational amplifiers to tailor the preamp’s sonic character.
This flexibility allows users to experiment with different op amps to achieve subtle variations in tone, harmonic structure, and response, adapting the preamp to specific recording situations without modifying the circuit board.
Flexible Gain Structure with High Headroom
The W1 offers a versatile gain structure designed for precise control and optimal headroom.
Selectable gain steps up to 50 dB in 10 dB increments
Additional ±6 dB trim control for fine level adjustment
Dedicated output fader placed between gain stages
Maximum gain of approximately 56 dB
In zero gain mode, the input transformer provides a 10 dB pad while the op amp runs at unity gain. This configuration places the preamp roughly 20 dB lower than typical microphone preamps, allowing engineers to capture extremely loud sources without distortion.
This makes the W1 particularly effective for close miking high SPL instruments such as snare drums or guitar cabinets without needing an external pad.
Relay Controlled Signal Path
Critical switching functions in the Wolff Audio W1 preamp are handled by precision relay circuits. This ensures clean operation without audible clicks or signal degradation.
Relay controlled functions include:
20 dB pad
48 V phantom power
Line input switching
Additional controls include polarity reversal for phase alignment and an output dim function that helps prevent overload when feeding converters or downstream equipment.
Console Style LED Metering
The W1 features dual mode LED metering based on Wolff’s console design. The meter displays reference points at -20 dB and +4 dB, providing clear visual feedback during gain staging.
Intelligent release timing and clip indication allow engineers to monitor signal levels accurately while maintaining optimal headroom.
Front Panel Mic and Instrument Input
For convenient connectivity, the front panel includes a Neutrik combo XLR and 1/4 inch input, supporting both microphone and high impedance instrument signals.
This makes the W1 suitable for direct recording of guitars and bass as well as traditional microphone sources in both studio and live recording setups.
A Professional Console Sound in the 500 Series Format
The Wolff Audio W1 500 series microphone preamplifier combines classic transformer tone, flexible gain staging, and modular op amp customization in a compact format. With its console derived circuitry, relay controlled signal path, and precise metering, the W1 delivers professional recording performance while offering engineers full control over their analog signal chain.
- Custom Cinemag input and output transformers
- Socketed op‑amp design for user‑installed op‑amps
- Relay‑controlled 20 dB pad and 48 V phantom power with output dimming
- Gain selectable in 10 dB increments up to 50 dB plus ±6 dB trim
- Dedicated output fader situated between two gain stages
- Maximum gain of approximately 56 dB
- Dual‑mode LED metering showing –20 dB and +4 dB references with clip indication
- Neutrik combo ¼‑inch/XLR mic and instrument input
- Polarity reverse switch
