Pendulum Audio MDP-1

 "The MDP-1 is a modern two channel vacuum tube Mic/DI preamp designed to be the ultimate way to get your mic or source directly to tape or hard disk. Unlike vintage or hybrid designs, the MDP-1 uses a pure tube, class A high voltage circuit topology with a transformerless output stage to deliver an open, intimate sound with a level of detail that meets the requirements of the most demanding recording applications. Our short signal path design excels in audio performance, delivering extremely wide bandwidth, low noise, and high headroom.

   A key component of the sound of a tube mic preamp is the input transformer. It's here that we let your select how you would like the preamp to sound. The MDP-1 can be ordered with your choice of two low turns-ratio transformers depending on your requirements: a Jensen 13K7A for a full, open sound with plenty of sparkle in the high end and a deep low end - perfect for recording all sources, especially instrumental music; or a custom-wound transformer for a more 'focused' sound, with extra presence and clarity in the midrange - ideal for a vocal sound that easily distinguishes itself in a mix.

   The MDP-1 also has all the things you'd expect in a full-featured mic preamp; phantom power, phase reverse, -20dB input pad, a lo cut filter with 10 frequencies and large, illuminated VU meters.

   The DI signal path is completely transformerless, with a selection of three input load impedances: 10M for piezoelectric acoustic instrument pickups, 1M for magnetic pickups, and 100k with a 20dB pad for line level sources such as keyboards or other -10dBV equipment."

$2700 at Mercenary Audio:

http://www.mercenary.com/mdvactubmicd.html

JDK Audio R22 Dual Channel Compressor

"The JDK Audio R22 dual channel compressor features two channels of API's patented award winning compressor circuit in a rack mount unit with internal power supply. This is the same compressor circuit originally designed into all ATI Paragon mixing consoles. Each channel includes the patented 'THRUST' switch to protect the sensitive high frequency content of the audio signal even under the most vigorous of compression ratios. The perfect companion to your R20 mic-preamp and R24 EQ, the R22 compressor provides comprehensive easy-to-use control of the audio signal with custom VU metering of both output and gain reduction. The two channels can even be linked for use as a stereo compressor with true RMS power summing of the left and right signals."

Features:

• Patented THRUST circuit
• Variable Threshold, Ratio, and Make-up Gain controls
• Switchable metering of output level and gain reduction
• Above threshold LED indication
• Switchable Hard or Soft Knee compression
• Linkable for stereo operation with true RMS power summing

Fully balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs

http://www.mercenary.com/jdkr22.html

Summit Audio MPC-100A Mic Preamp/ Compressor-Limiter

"The Summit Audio MPC-100A Mic Preamp/ Compressor-Limiter is a single channel tube preamp and tube compressor/limiter all in a two-space rackmount unit. It accepts line, microphone, and Hi-Z input signals. The preamplifier provides a warm yet crisp vacuum tube tone. The compressor/limiter section has very fast attack times, making it ideal for optimizing signal prior to entering the digital domain. In addition to having superb sound and a user friendly interface, the MPC-100A has the robust build quality consistent with the Summit Audio family of products."

http://www.summitaudio.com/mpc100a.html

Amtec Phanzen -- Phantom Powered Compressor/Limiter

"The AMTEC PHANZEN is a unique compressor that has been designed to be used in conjunction with any standard microphone preamplifier. The purpose of the preamplifier is to restore the gain lost in the PHANZEN and, furthermore, to power the PHANZEN through phantom-power.

The PHANZEN is a dual channel unit, where each channel is separate, but the control voltages of the both channels can be linked together by the LINK switch for stereo operation (the gain reduction in both channels will be the same, so stereo image will not shift to any side during compression) or for special effects like ducking.

The input of the PHANZEN should be driven by a line-level signal, the output is at micprophone level that is amplified by the mic preamp back to the line-level.

The preamp choice has great influence on the overall sound, so it allows the user to customize the combo's sonic character by selecting of the preamplifier paired with the PHANZEN. The gain of the preamplier should be set somewhere between +30dB and +40dB most of the time."

SPECIFICATIONS

Gain (no compression): -20 to -50dB (in 3dB steps)

Max. Gain Reduction:   over 20dB

Input Impedance:           2kohms

Output Impedance:        200ohms

Frequency Response:    20Hz-25kHz

Phantom-power 

current consumption:     5mA

Ratios:                             2.5:1 (COMP setting)

                                         9:1 (LIM setting)

http://amtecaudio.com/phanzen.html