close
filter_list

Grace Design M101

Register here and stay informed about the next restock

Description

Essential Information About the Grace Design m101 Microphone Preamplifier

  • Ultra-natural and detailed sound thanks to a transformerless, symmetrical trans-impedance architecture designed for studio transparency.
  • Very wide gain range to adapt to both vocals and discreet, demanding sources, with output TRIM to fine-tune the level.
  • Built-in "ribbon mic" mode that protects your ribbons (phantom power disabled) and optimizes input impedance.
  • Comprehensive connectivity and easy daily use: XLR mic input, front-panel Hi-Z instrument input, and three line outputs.

Grace Design m101: The "studio precision" approach in a compact format

True to Grace Design's tradition of quality, the m101 carries the brand's DNA: amplification that is fast, musical, and extremely controlled, designed to respect the source rather than color it. Its transformerless symmetrical trans-impedance circuit aims for extended bandwidth, high dynamic reserve, and clean reproduction, capable of highlighting both a high-end condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone used up close.

Within the lineup, the m101 positions itself as a highly qualitative mono microphone preamplifier, designed for sound engineers, demanding home studio users, and musicians who want a "ready-to-mix" recording: precise, stable, and noise-free. The unit is housed behind a black anodized metal front panel with laser-etched lettering, and each essential function features its own LED indicator for immediate monitoring, even in a dark booth.

A microphone preamp for serious recording: vocals, acoustic instruments, reamping, and DI

The Grace Design m101 is aimed at those seeking a studio microphone preamp capable of capturing nuance: pick attacks, vocal breaths, snare drum transients, or the harmonic richness of a piano. Its wide gain range and clean operation make it a relevant choice for low-level recordings, low-sensitivity microphones, or recording chains where preserving intact dynamics is essential.

It also features a front-panel Hi-Z input, convenient for plugging in a guitar, bass, or electro-acoustic directly. This is a simple solution for recording a clean DI, laying down a demo, or capturing an instrument signal before processing, while benefiting from the quality of the input stage and the stability of the internal power supply.

Key features: precise gain, secure ribbon mode, and studio connectivity

Trans-impedance architecture and selected components

The signal path uses high-quality metal film resistors (0.5% tolerance) to ensure exemplary consistency and repeatability. Gain adjustment is handled by a 12-position precision rotary switch with gold contacts: ideal for recalling settings, making quick comparisons, or matching levels from session to session. The m101 also integrates a line output stage and a high-performance high-pass filter amplifier, designed to remain transparent while being effective in the field.

Specific "ribbon microphone" mode: designed for safety and performance

The m101 includes a dedicated ribbon microphone mode (also excellent with many dynamic microphones). This mode bypasses the input coupling capacitors, increases input impedance (from 8.1 kOhms to 20 kOhms), and disables 48 V phantom power to avoid any potential risk to ribbon microphones. The result: safer use and an electrical adaptation often beneficial for achieving a more open response and tighter bass depending on the microphone used.

Level management, RF protection, and multiple outputs

The gain range extends up to 75 dB, including an additional 10 dB via the output gain TRIM control. This provides comfortable headroom for handling very weak sources without pushing your chain to its limits. The m101 also benefits from enhanced RF interference suppression, useful in busy environments (computers, lighting, stage, complex electrical installations).

For studio integration, the connectivity is designed to fit all setups: balanced XLR output, balanced 6.35 mm stereo jack output, and unbalanced 6.35 mm mono jack output, plus a XLR microphone input. Switching to the Hi-Z input is handled by a sealed gold-contact relay. Finally, the preamp features an internal universal switching power supply (100 to 240 VAC) designed to remain discreet and noise-free, with no external power adapter to manage.

Technical Specifications

Design and Components

  • Fast and musical trans-impedance amplifier circuit architecture
  • Transformerless symmetrical trans-impedance circuits
  • High-quality metal film resistors (0.5% tolerance) used in the audio signal path
  • New 12-position rotary gain selector with gold contacts
  • Line output stage and high-performance high-pass filter amplifier
  • Enhanced RF interference suppression

Modes, Control, and Indicators

  • New specific mode for ribbon microphones (also excellent for dynamic microphones): bypass of phantom power coupling capacitors via relay, higher input impedance, and phantom power 48 V cannot be activated
  • LED indicators for 48 V phantom power, ribbon microphone mode, and high-pass filter

Gain and Levels

  • Extended gain range: 10 to 75 dB (including an additional 10 dB gain via output TRIM)
  • Gain range (5 dB steps): 10-65 dB (Mic Input), -10 to 45 dB (Hi-Z Input)
  • Output level adjustment: 0 to +10 dB

Connectivity

  • Microphone input via XLR
  • High-impedance Hi-Z input on front panel
  • Three output connectors: balanced XLR, balanced 6.35 mm stereo jack, and unbalanced 6.35 mm mono jack
  • Sealed gold-contact relay for switching to Hi-Z input

Power Supply, Manufacturing, and Warranty

  • Internal universal switching power supply: 100 to 240 VAC (no need for external power adapters)
  • Black anodized front panel with laser-etched lettering
  • Five-year warranty on parts and labor
  • Made in the USA

Measurements (Supplier Information)

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: Not provided
  • Intermodulation Distortion: SMPTE/DIN 4:1 7 kHz/50 Hz: Not provided
  • Input-referred noise: Source 50 ?: Not provided
  • Input-referred noise: Source 150 ?: Not provided
  • Input-referred noise: Source 600 ?: Not provided
  • Phase drift (high-pass filter disabled): Not provided
Brand reference number: m101
Videos
Sales & Advice
thumb_up