The Electrodyne 501 is a
two-stage, discrete transistor, transformer-coupled preamp with active
DI based primarily on the modules found in the classic 1608 console.
Each amp stage is individually optimized for peak performance using
detailed Electrodyne factory engineering notes and select high
performance components identical to the originals. In fact, the 501’s
transformers are made by Electrodyne’s original supplier to exacting
factory specifications.
The new preamp’s active DI circuit presents an almost immeasurable load
(over six megohms!) to sensitive musical instrument outputs allowing
incredibly accurate capture of the instrument’s true tone. Furthermore,
the output of the DI circuit is designed to directly connect and
interact with the mic input transformer to permit an extremely broad
spectrum of tonal options.
The faceplate of the Electrodyne 501 features a large rotary gain
control offering up to 68dB of gain – adjustable over 50dB in 2dB steps
with two ranges via a 20dB pad switch – and a smaller output level pot
infinitely adjustable from 0 (off) to +6dB over unity. Additional
switches for impedance selection (50 or 200 ohms), phase reverse, +48V
phantom power and DI (with 1/4" input jack) are also present, as well as
a clip LED that monitors all three amp stages and illuminates when any
stage is 3dB from clipping.
Specifications
Maximum Gain: 68db. Adjustable over 50db in 2db steps with two ranges using 20db pad.
Output level control: Infinitely adjustable from 0 (off) to +6db over unity.
Maximum output: +30db at less than 0.8%thd. (+29.5db at 0.06%thd)
Frequency response: +/- 0.25db, 10hz to 60khz.
Signal to noise: -80db typ, -60db at absolute maximum gain.
Clip indicator: Monitors all three amp stages and illuminates when any stage is 3db from clip.
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"When we first heard it, we both freaked out. It sounded fantastic, providing the perfect blend of attack and size. The headroom was amazing, having no problem handling the sound pressure – even when it wasn’t padded – and still maintaining all the detail in the top end. I loved it. It sounded like an API with a pair of balls.
Normally, I had another preamp that I preferred to use in my snare chain, but when we tried out the 501, it absolutely shredded my previous favorite. So the 501 immediately became my new ‘go-to’ module and I’ve used a pair of them on snare top and bottom for almost everything since then.
The fact that the 501 is both a preamp and level control is really cool. You can overdrive the front end and back it off, or crack it wide open and find the sweet spot. Ken Hirsch also showed me that the Hi-Z switch for impedance works on the XLR input in addition to the normal 1/4-inch input, which is pretty rad. That little discovery opens up the possibility for an extra built-in sound right there.
There are so many flavors of outboard mic pres on the market now, but some things you need and some things you don’t. The Electrodyne 501 was one of those things that I plugged in and thought ‘I already have 104 mic pres, not including my SSL, but I really do need to have two of these.’ They’re that damn good."
Joe Barresi
Producer/Mixer/Engineer Joe Barresi's credits include Queens of the Stone Age, Hole, Weezer, Kyuss, Tools and Regina Spektor
"I used this on DI bass and was very impressed by the clarity and punch of the unit."
Rik Simpson
Rik Simpson is a UK based Producer/Mixer/Writer/Engineer/Programmer whose credits include Coldplay, Stoner, Kasabian, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Athlete, Jamelia, Morning Runner, Portishead and Lamb.
