Siemens V276a mic preamp

Siemens V276a mic preamp

History:
The V276a is a real classic - developed in the 60’s, the 276a is the direct successor of the famous V76 tube mic preamp from the 1950´s and the earlier V276 which used a different output amp circuit and transformer. The Siemens Sitral Modules are the first series of transistorized amps built for the german broadcast. Today the Siemens V276 and V276a is one of the most sought after vintage analog mic preamps.  

Design:
The Siemens V276a was build as a 100% discrete design. The better „silicium-planar“ transsitors were used for the first time, since earlier transistor designs using germanium transistors could not satisfy the IRT. The V276a has nice and huge Haufe transformers in the in- and outputs of the audio signal path. It´s output transformer and some electronic parts differ from the first V276, but the sound is very similar. The transformers are part of the reason why this amp sounds so good. The V276a has even more gain than the V76 and other later design from Neumann, TAB, Lawo, etc. The gain is controlled with an 11-step rotary switch and a 10dB add-on via potentiometer. This leads to a maximum gain of 86dB. The whole design is very high quality and the specs correspond to the request of the  "ARD-Pflichtenheft" and the IRT.

Sound:
Besides its great specs with high gain, low noise and a low thd level, the V276a is a great sounding amp. Like most of the vintage designs with huge transformers inside, it adds a little coloration to the signal. Not too much, but it definatly adds character. The V276a gives the signal a nice overall smoothness, and it tightens up low-end frequencies somehow. We have sold this amp to many clients worldwide who have all been very impressed by the tone of this little mic preamp. Like most of the other vintage german broadcast amps of this era (Lawo V976, ANT Telefunken V676 and V672, TBG 601e, etc.) the V276a are in no way inferior to a vintage Neve, API or SSL preamp. But (still) much cheaper. 86 dB  is more than enough gain. Even for the most sensitive ribbon mics.

Features:

• Transformer balanced inputs and outputs
• All discrete circuitry
• Up to 86 dB gain with rotary switch and potentiometer for fine trim
• Selectable high pass filter at 40Hz / 80Hz and 140 Hz
• Needs a 31-pin connector and 24DC psu (plus 48V DC for phantompower)