SYNOPSIS: The Avedis MA5 preamp is a 500 series chassis with  a very prominent Neve 1073 influence. Each unit is hand built  with custom designed and wound Jensen output transformers.  The MA5 works as a graceful and elegant pre, or as a device that  takes charge by sheer brute force, either as the sole pre for a  project, or in tandem with other higher end devices. Now that I  have a pair of MA5s, I can hear what the hype has been all  about. This is a superior product, to be sure.

 

WHAT IT IS: The Avedis MA5 (as of this writing, available with a  black or red face – I chose red) is a 500 series VPR compliant  single slot preamp. The primary gain knob has several preset  positions, with a ‘fine tune’ knob on the bottom to dial in the  EXACT amount of gain you want the device to provide. There are three basic switches on  the front panel: 48V phantom power, phase and the almighty “28K” button that engages a  presence circuit that is not really a treble boost, but more of an overall high end  enhancement. There are no direct inject inputs. The inputs and outputs are accomplished  with balanced XLR connectors.

 

WHAT IT DOES: It would be easier to describe what it doesn’t do, as the MA5 provides a  wide range of sonic choices, based on how hard you push the unit, how much gain is dialed  in, and the position of the 28K switch. Our tested (and previously purchased) units were run  through everything we could find for projects ranging from radio voice interviews for NPR, to  a Tejano project for a major label, to an alternative rock band’s demo. In some cases, the  MAs were direct to our RME convertors. In other cases they went to our Soundtracs console.  Let’s take a look at some real world applications: Note - I waited to prepare this review until I had two units here, for verification. Vocals: The MA5 seems to be the perfect pre for many types of vocals. We used one with an  old EV RE16 dynamic mic for an interview featuring a baritone voiced male speaker that  aired on National Public Radio. The end result was clear, crisp, precise, and the nuances of  the speaker’s original voice came across perfectly on the interview. In the context of tracking  a modern rock singer, the MA5 is a strong, clear, powerful, and focused preamp which  makes, the sometime subtle differences between mics, jump out. The MA5 seems to focus  more on highs and lows without accenting the mids (just as most of the properly working  Neves I have used in the past). We found the MA5 likes tube mics, as well as FETs and  dynamics as much as ribbons.

 

Acoustic Guitars: We hooked a Pearlman TM1 to the MA5, activated the 28K switch, and  started to track a 60s Martin Dreadnaught… The sound I heard immediately was that of the  Stone’s version of “Wild Horses” – an honest sound with little fuss. Comparing the same  guitar/guitarist/mic with other pres in the stable (heh…) we found that the sounds produced  by the Avedis unit did not compete with, but seems to complement everything. Using an  older RE16 into the Avedis yielded less pleasing results than a Pacifica or P1, but this (as  with all things) is a purely subjective call.

 

Electric Guitars: This is an area in which the MA5 really shines. The Avedis units take very  well to screaming Marshall cabs, as well as delicate jazz passages thru a JBL D130 and a  Musicman… Again, the MA5 showed no real preference to ribbon, dynamic, or condenser  mics, each performing equally well, but drastically different. On a recent project, while recording a couple of tracks for the local band Down Yesterday  (each guitarist with a humbucker stuffed guitar into either a Marshall or Laney head and a 4- 12 cab) we were able to get completely complimentary sounds by simply switching the 28K  button off. As it turned out, we used a Cascade Fathead on each cabinet, with no additional  EQ necessary in tracking or in post… Superlative versatility and sound. The MA5 also really  adds some clarity when recording hotrod tele-style players (ala Albert Lee or Brent Mason)  by adding enough focus and clarity to add punch while still maintaining glass-like distinctions  and harmonics.

 

Drums: The ever-sensitive subject of drums. We tried the Avedis units on kick and snare,  with either Soundtracs board or A Designs, covering the rest… Again, killer sounds and  complimentary to the overall sonics. Then, we used the MA5 pair as overheads/cymbal mics  and the ADesigns/API/Soundtracs stuff handing drum duties, and there was a difference. A  huge difference? In our opinion, no, but a difference nonetheless. Hand percussions and  assorted noisemakers all came through with flying colors, as well.