Germanium transistors were the latest technology in the early 1960s, but
rapid technological evolution meant they disappeared in a few short years.
This is a shame, because they offered a unique sound that was not like the
modern silicon transistor sound or the vintage tube sound.
Speaking of sound, we’ve been asked to post samples. Two audio samples of a singer
When companies in the west stopped making germanium alloy transistors, Soviet
plants kept manufacturing them until the 1990s and they developed these transistors to a much higher level of refinement than anything made in the days when GE and RCA were making them. We take advantage of the best germanium transistors made, along with the best of all the other components that go into our products, because we can.
The Model 511 Germanium Preamplifier is a reasonably quiet microphone preamp with plenty of gain, but with a sound all its own that you will instantly
recognize. What’s more, the preamplifier front end actually sounds good when overloaded; rather than an ugly buzzy overload sound, it gives a dense and mellow overload. This allows it to be used for aggressive limiting on everything from vocals to horns.
Other companies make germanium microphone preamplifiers, but ours is quieter
and better and because it’s in a 500-series module, it’s less expensive and more convenient. It’s only got two controls: a gain knob and a phantom power
switch, because those are the only ones you really need.
Just like our equalizers, it’s the best of old and new. It’s a new design made with modern versions of a classic old technology, built by hand with traditional methods and solid design. It’s designed as a tool for daily use in the studio and designed to last a long time in regular use.
It’s the germanium preamp of the future. And it’s here today at your dealer
for $529.00.
Get the Gear!
For this or any other Kludge Audio product, please contact your local professional recording products dealer, purchase from our reverb.com page, or contact us directly.