HO8 All Discrete 8-Channel Mic Preamp

HO8 comes with all-discrete circuits throughout. The entire unit uses 24 high-voltage discrete opamps. Compared with traditional IC opamps, discrete opamps provide unparalleled bandwidth and dynamic range advantages. Take a glance inside, you will find the most precise and advanced build among all mic preamps.

To be qualified for today's production, a mic preamp has to be capable of staying clean no matter how much gain is offered. Inspired by Dr. Massenburg, the Z&H original Zen Core with bipolar transistors preserves the clarity and transparency while maintaining tastefulness. Gaining as much as 75dB, your recording will still sound solid, real, and charming, making HO8 native to any acoustic instruments (piano, guitar, strings, snare, overhead, etc.) and vocal.

You can count on HO8 for a faithful recording, while expecting some pleasant surprises no matter what passes through.

The linear trim-matching knob for mic gain takes HO8 to both ends of the spectrum. They offer a linear gain control in a flexible 10dB interval.

If you feel like adding some spice, turning it from "0" to "Hit" (+5dB) will bring up more character. Depending on what genre you are after, you are a tweak away from beating some of the most expensive preamps in the world.

Each of the 8 channels features a stepped gain knob with 5dB increments. In addition to the linear trim-matching knob, there is also a 48V switch, a pad switch, a 100Hz high pass filter, and a polarity invert button.

With those utilities onboard, HO8 supports bands, orchestra, and choir recordings single-handedly & hassle-free.

To be qualified for high-ticket recording sessions, each HO8 unit has been extensively tested to match all 8 channels in terms of gain & distortion behaviour. They all endure and excel.

The 56V high-voltage linear power supply underpins a solid and spacious sound. This increasingly rare feature has stood the test of time, handling a higher dynamic range, offering more headroom, and reducing noise effectively.

Before it gets shipped, 2 real mixing engineers will test it and sign their names, so will every craftsman who participated in the making. Boutique-grade craftsmanship makes no effort in producing many.