DiademTone DT12 "Toxic" 500 Series Mic Pre

Diadem Tone DT-12 500 Series Mic Preamp

The mic preamp is the first thing your signal meets, and it shapes everything that follows. The DT-12 is a single-channel 500-series microphone preamp built the old-school way. It has transformers on both input and output, and a fully discrete amplifier with hand-matched transistors. Diadem Tone describes it as a classic circuit with modern improvements, designed for a musical, characterful tone.

A specially engineered input transformer sits at the front of the circuit, followed by discrete transistor gain stages and an output transformer. There are no integrated-circuit op-amps in the gain path. It's the same design approach used in classic recording console preamps, in a compact module you can slot into any standard 500-series rack.

Push it

Many budget preamps use integrated-circuit op-amps and no transformers. They can measure cleanly but often lack character. A transformer-coupled, discrete design behaves differently. The transformers add weight and a subtle, pleasing saturation, and the discrete transistor stages add depth and punch. Push the gain harder and the DT-12 adds more colour. Keep it moderate and it stays solid and clear. This is the character that made classic console preamps the sound of so many records.

Why the 500-Series Format

The 500-series format lets you build a rack of modules to suit how you work. Mix and match preamps, EQs and compressors from different makers in one chassis. Start with one DT-12, then add more as your recording grows. A rack of several DT-12s gives you matched, transformer-coloured channels for tracking a full drum kit or band.

What to Use It On

• Vocals – a full, forward vocal sound with transformer weight, using condenser or dynamic mics.
• Drums – punchy kick, snare and toms, with transformer saturation for extra impact when driven.
• Guitar cabinets – solid, midrange-rich guitar tones that sit easily in a mix.
• Bass, keys and synths – plug straight into the front-panel DI input and record through the same discrete, transformer-coupled path.
• Acoustic instruments – natural body and detail on acoustic guitar, piano and strings.

If you're recording through an audio interface's built-in preamps, a dedicated discrete preamp is one of the biggest upgrades you can make. The DT-12 gives your recordings the depth and character of a transformer-coupled console channel, one 500-series slot at a time.

Front Panel

• DI input – front-panel 1/4″ instrument input
• DI switch – selects the instrument input
• Ø switch – polarity invert
• 48V switch – phantom power for condenser microphones
• Gain – sets the preamp gain

Specifications