Z&H Designs Releases HO Series All Discrete Mic Preamps

Z&H Designs presents the HO Series All Discrete Mic Preamps!

You may have seen them quite often in photos - after going through countless recording sessions with them, we are now ready to release our favourite mic preamps in the studio.

The HO series comes with a 8-channel version HO8 and an 2-channel version HO2. They have excelled in both big-budget orchestra and everyday sessions involving piano, guitar, as well as vocal. HO8 has 24 independent high-voltage opamps inside, while HO2 has 6. They are both powered by the 56V linear PSU. Such luxurious specifications grant HO series a 75dB mic gain while maintaining perfect balance and response.

As a reliable modern premium mic preamp series with ultra-sophisticated analog circuits, HO8 and HO2 are collectible for studios of all sizes.

- All-discrete circuits

- 3 high-voltage opamps per channel

- Up to 75dB mic gain in 5dB steps

- Linear trim-matching in 10dB interval

- Ultra-precise gain-matching between each channel

- Clean & colourisation capable

- 48V, Pad, HPF, and polarity invert for each channel

- DI input & additional permalloy output transformer on HO2

- Neon dB meter & curved anodised panel

Let's build it with full specs

The HO series comes with all-discrete circuits throughout. Compared with traditional IC opamps, our high-voltage 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.

The secret to premium sound

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 HO series native to any acoustic instruments (piano, guitar, strings, snare, overhead, etc.) and vocal.

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

From mint to pepper

The linear trim-matching knob for mic gain takes HO series to both ends of the spectrum. They offer 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.

What's special about HO2 (compared with its 8-channel cousin), is the additional modern-designed permalloy output transformer. When engaged, it will add harmonics to the sound, doubling HO2's landscape of sonic expression.

Utilities that get you covered

Each channel features a stepped gain knob with 5dB increments. In addition to the linear trim-matching knob, a channel also benefits from a 48V switch, a pad switch, a polarity invert button, and a low cut.

On HO2, there is a DI input switch for electronic instruments.

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

Consistency is key

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.

May the power boost the sound

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.

Handcrafted & verified by humans, for humans.

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.

It's a "ZEN" & a "Hit"

"Zen" is our sonic design philosophy for those on the clean side. It is a nourishing vibe that is juicy and satisfying to all ears.

"Hit" as opposed to "Zen" is for those on the "dirty" side. It adds that beautiful analog colour to your sound, delivering a punchy and powerful result.

14-day tryout & satisfaction guarantee

With all the hopes that you would be happy with our product, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return it to us for a full refund. You have 14 days to try out the unit after receiving your item to request a return.

Listen & download samples at Z&H website:

https://zhdesigns.audio/products/ho8...nel-mic-preamp

Available to order soon.