“If you are looking for a professional stereo preamp, you should include the SPL GoldMike Mk2 in your list of candidates and test it when you get the chance.”
At the online platform Amazona you can find a review of our dual channel microphone and instrument preamplifier SPL GoldMike Mk2. The complete review (in German) is available online – here we provide you with a summary.
“The most striking advantage of the Mk2 is the variety of controls and the possibility to process line signals. It is this feature that makes the SPL GoldMike Mk2 the ideal preamp for synthesizers, grove boxes and more.”
“The biggest differences between the two GoldMike versions are certainly in the circuit design of the transistor preamp: While the original version relies on inexpensive integrated circuits, SPL relies fully on discrete Class A technology for the Mk2. 12 foil capacitors per channel provide amplification of the microphone signal by up to 67 dB before the signal is fed through the tube stage, whose low-noise tubes are operated at powerful 250 volts. Thus we are dealing with a full-fledged tube output section.”
“With the ‘Tube Amp’ switch the tube stage operates with three selectable different levels (6, 12 or 18 dB), the higher this value is set, the more the tube drives into saturation and distorted and compressed signal parts become more prominent.”
“A further option for shaping the sound of the input signal is offered by the ‘Flair’ circuit, which is intended to provide a natural, unobtrusive presence increase from the coil filters together with the tube circuit, which, according to the manufacturer, is not so achievable with conventional equalizers. With a center frequency of 6 kHz, the range between 1.5 and 20 kHz is optionally increased by 1.5 or 2.5 dB.”
Sound:
“Sonically, the SPL GoldMike Mk2 is certainly impressive. The basic sound is low in noise, rich in detail, dynamic and will thus be an enrichment and sonic improvement for a project studio with budget preamps. It becomes something special through its features for sound shaping such as the ‘Tube Amp’ or ‘Flair’ circuit.”
Conclusion:
“Even nowadays, the SPL GoldMike Mk2 is a true equipment monster: From the switchable insert path to the sound-shaping, analog flair and tube amp circuits to the very good metering by VU meter and status LEDs, the classic released in 2004 offers a lot of comfort and sound variants.”
“Especially the instrument inputs sound outstandingly good, which also qualify the matt gold preamp as a luxurious stereo DI box.”
“The SPL GoldMike Mk2 is absolutely perfect to elevate a project studio that is otherwise equipped with simpler audio interfaces/preamps sonically to a higher level.”
