ARTISTIC SERIES

Artistic MicPre SE

Your Most Affordable Upgrade

The Artistic microphone preamplifier is the first member of the Fredenstein Value Line of 500 series compatible products. The Artistic Pre SE features top of the line performance at a very affordable price. Key component to achieve this performance level is our fully discrete gain stage and DI input. As all Fredenstein products, it is not a copy of an older design, but a completely new circuitry manufactured in SMT technology.

A 2M Ohms high impedance direct input is located on the front-panel, it accepts balanced and unbalanced signals, the rear microphone input is automatically disconnected when a plug is inserted in the DI connector.
The features include a maximum gain of 65 dB, a 20 dB Pad, switchable polarity, low-cut filter, and Phantom-Power support. Our new eight LED Peak-Meter with a 50 dB range gives the user a precise reading of the operating conditions.
As all Fredenstein products, the Artistic Pre is designed by a German-American team and manufactured in Taiwan.

  • 500 Series module
  • Discrete operational amplifier OPA2
  • High impedance 2 MOhm instrument input
  • Switchable 48V phantom power
  • -20dB Pad
  • Low Cut at 120Hz
  • Gain control GAIN from 20dB to 65 dB
  • LED Display for output peak level (+20 dB) and signal
  • LED Display for output level (>-30 dB)
  • LED Display for colour function
  • POL switch to invert the phase
  • Design: 500 Series module
Download Manual

Artistic MicPre Plus

The Mic Preamp With The Color Knob

The Artistic MicPre Plus features a revolutionary tube type distortion circuit. The variable color control allows to adjust this feature from very subtle to extremely pronounced . In addition, the Color feature is also level dependent in the same way tube gear behaves. Variable color enables a myriad of new creative possibilities and prevents cold and stale sounds. Turning the Color knob all the way counter clockwise, the Color LED turns off and the Color circuit is completely disabled.

Another key component to achieve best performance levels is the OPA2 discrete audio operational amplifier. As all Fredenstein products, it is not a copy of an older design, but a proprietary design manufactured in SMT technology. Matched and integrated dual input transistors guarantee vastly improved specifications compared to older designs. The OPA2, following the tradition of well known manufactures, is socketed and can be exchanged without tools. The industry standard pin-out makes it compatible with many manufactures. The sound is further defined by the American-made steel-core output transformer, which is known for its smooth vintage sound without being dark or just “mid-rangy”.

A 2 MOhms high impedance direct input is located on the front-panel, it accepts balanced and unbalanced signals, the rear microphone input is automatically disconnected when a plug is inserted in the DI connector. The Artistic MicPre Plus features a maximum gain of 65 dB, a 20 dB Pad, switchable polarity, selectable input impedance, and Phantom-Power support. The output level is indicated with a SIG and a +20dB LED.

  • 500 Series module
  • Discrete operational amplifier OPA2
  • High impedance 2 MOhm instrument input
  • Switchable input impedance from 1500 Ohm to 300 Ohm
  • Switchable 48V phantom power
  • -20dB Pad
  • Colour function can be added to the original signal
  • Gain control GAIN from 20dB to 65 dB
  • LED Display for output peak level (+20 dB) and signal
  • LED Display for output level (>-30 dB)
  • LED Display for colour function
  • POL switch to invert the phase
  • Design: 500 Series module
Download Manual

Artistic EQ

Equilize To Happiness

The Fredenstein Artistic EQ, a three band equalizer for 500 series racks, provides best-in-class audio performance and flexibility. Open sounding, easy to use, and with our Color technology; the Artistic EQ can handle any program material in live and studio applications.

The centerpiece of the Artististic EQ is the OPA2 discrete audio operational amplifier. As all Fredenstein products, it is not a copy of an older design, but a proprietary design manufactured in SMT technology. Matched and integrated dual input transistors guarantee vastly improved specifications compared to older designs. The OPA2, following the tradition of well known manufactures, is socketed and can be exchanged without tools.

The sound is further defined by the American-made steel-core output transformer, which is known for its smooth vintage sound without being dark or just “mid-rangy”. The low and high frequency filters can be switched between Bell or Shelf . The gain range for each filter is +- 14 dB. To facilitate sound comparisons, a true “hard” bypass is available when EQ IN is not engaged.

  • 1-channel, 3-band 500 Series equalizer
  • Switchable Color circuit adds vintage-flavored tubelike harmonic content
  • LF and HF bands switchable between Shelf and Bell curves
  • Hard bypass for quick comparison of dry and equalized signals
  • US-made steel-core output transformer for big, clear, punchy sound
  • Proprietary OPA2 op-amp for vintage tone with state-of-the-art performance
Download Manual

Artistic Comp Plus

Need Punch?

The Artistic Compressor is a single channel FET compressor with multi-channel link capability in the 500 series form factor.

Familiar controls include; rotary controls for Input Gain, Release Time, Compression Ratio, Make-up Gain and Wet-Dry Mixing (parallel compression). Like many vintage compressors there is no Threshold control. Instead, one uses the Input Gain knob to increase the gain until the appropriate amount of compression is achieved. This tends to feel more natural and musical, but perhaps less nerdy and precise. The Attack Time can be set in three steps with a toggle switch, and the side-chain low cut filter offers 2 frequencies. There is also one toggle switch for Bypass and another for Link. The LED bar-graph meter indicates the gain reduction in the range of 1dB to 16dB.

It's punchy and detailed sound is generated by three major components:

1) Fredenstein's proprietary Reverse-Mancini FET architecture
2) Our advanced OPA2 discrete Audio Operational Amplifier
3) The American made vintage style steel core output transformer

The Artistic Compressor shares some of the well understood sonic characterisics of famous FET compressors but brings some extra refinements, such as, virtually no interaction between the Attack, Release and Threshold controls. The Mix knob also brings some extra versatility to the FET compressor architecture and gives the option of keeping some transients while lifting up the quiet bits.

The Artistic Compressor can be an aggressive brick wall, become bouncy for dance tracks, or just enhance sweetly, smoothly and subtly, depending on how you want to set it. This is a rather versatile dynamics processor, built with surprisingly high quality parts for the price.

  • Classic FET compression, updated for the modern studio
  • Fredenstein's proprietary OPA2 op-amp and Reverse-Mancini FET architecture
  • High-quality, US-made steel-core transformer
  • Input, Release, Ratio, Make-up Gain, and Wet/Dry Mix rotary controls
  • 3-position switches for Attack Time and the side-chain highpass filter
  • Toggle switches for Bypass and Link
Download Manual

Artistic Leveler

Smoooooth Compression

The Artistic Leveler is a single channel opto compressor. If used in Fredenstein Bento 6 or Bento 10 racks, an external side-chain input is available through the Aux input connector, which is a very rare (maybe unique) feature for a 500 series comp. It allows an alternative sound to control the gain which can be used for a number of creative techniques made popular in EDM and rap.

The Leveler features rotary controls for Input Gain, Release Time, Compression Ratio (2:1 to 7.5:1), Make-up Gain and Wet-Dry Mixing (parallel compression). The Artistic Leveler is particulary sweet at low ratios and seems to enhance whatever it is fed. The Attack Time can be set in three steps, and the side-chain low cut filter offers two settings. There is also one toggle switch for Bypass and another for Link. The LED bar-graph meter indicates the gain reduction in the range of 1dB to 16dB.

Like many opto compressors, the Artistic Leveler features a fixed threshold. The compression depth is controlled by changing the Input Gain. And like the Artistic Compressor, the signal path features the discrete Fredenstein OPA2 and American transformer for some classic tone and solid drive capability. One might characterize the opto compressors as generally smooth and gentle compared to FET compressors that can be fast and aggresive, however the control range on each opens a lot of doors and each is quite versatile.

  • Classic Opto compression, updated for the modern studio use
  • Fredenstein's proprietary OPA2 op-amp and Reverse-Mancini Opto architecture
  • High-quality, US-made steel-core transformer
  • Input, Release, Ratio, Make-up Gain, and Wet/Dry Mix rotary controls
  • 3-position switches for Attack Time and the side-chain highpass filter
  • Toggle switches for Bypass and Link
Download Manual

Hyperlifter - 1

Professional Microphone Activator

The Fredenstein Hyperlifter 1 is a professional microphone activator providing you with superior recording results. The variable gain feature increases the flexibility of the Hyperlifter 1. The gain can be switched in 6 dB steps from +6 to +48 dB. In addition, the input impedance of the Hyperlifter 1 can be optimized in 8 steps for the passive microphone of your choice.

  • single-channel in-line level amplifier for ribbon and dynamic microphones
  • amplification of the microphone signal by up to +48 dB
  • adjustable in steps of 6 dB via rotary switch
  • Constructed of the highest grade components
  • variable impedance selectable from 150 Ohm to 6.6 kOhm
  • power supply via +48V phantom powe
  • 1x Mic Input XLR, 1x Output XLR
Download Manual

RAM DI

Re-Amping On A Next Level

The Fredenstein ramDI is a stand-alone re-amping device.  It consists of a DI circuit along with a re-amp circuit which allows this unit to function bi-directionally unlike most re-amping solutions which require multiple devices.  The gain control and impedance selection are features that helps control the tone of your guitar sounds.

A key feature of the ramDI is that it offers direct monitoring of the guitar input straight through to the amp. This means you can record the DI signal along with the amp sound without introducing any latency.

  • An audiophile DI and streamlined re-amping system in a single box
  • Great for getting dry tracks (guitar, bass, keys) into your session and sending them out to an amplifier
  • Front instrument-level ins and outs with independent level controls
  • Back line-level XLR ins and outs with easy-to-follow labeling
  • Quality built from audiophile components
Download Manual

V.A.S. MicPre

The Stand-Alone Unit

The V.A.S. MicPre is a convenient desk-top mic preamp combined with a high quality headphone amp.  An unbalanced insert for compressors and EQ is also provided.

V.A.S stands for Vintage Analog Sound. We use the powerful discrete Fredenstein OPA2 and an American steel core output transformer to achieve that familiar color. It has been described as smooth without being dark, harsh or just “mid-rangy”. The V.A.S. MicPre is also very quiet which may be a departure from some old designs.

The features include an Input Gain control (15-65 dB), Output Level Control, a 20 dB Pad, switchable polarity, selectable input impedance, switchable Low-Cut filter, and Phantom-Power support. Metering is provided with a 50 dB range, 8 LED Peak display. The combination of Input Gain and Output Gain controls allows you to creatively add some “drive” to the sound by turning the Input up and the Output down, or you can keep it clean and clear.

The balanced input and the balanced output are available on XLR and TRS connectors.  With the optional rack mount kit, two V.A.S. devices can be mounted together to form a 19 inch 1U enclosure. For easy touring and recording around the world, the V.A.S. MicPre has a built-in universal power supply ranging from 90Vac to 240Vac, 50-60 Hz, as well as being solid and well built using quality components. The V.A.S. MicPre has proven to be very reliable indeed.

supply ranging from 90Vac to 240Vac, 50 -60 Hz.

As all Fredenstein products, the V.A.S. MicPre is designed by a German-American team and manufactured in Taiwan.

  • Single-channel microphone preamplifier with DI input for electric instruments
  • Clear, vibrant, balanced sound from OPA2 discrete op-amp and steel-core output transformer
  • Insert point allows you to integrate external processors like compressors, EQs, de-essers and effects
  • Impedance switch lowers the input impedance for use with some dynamic/ribbon mics
  • 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Pad switch activates a 20dB attenuator at the input stage (does not affect the DI input)
  • Low-cut switch activates a filter centered at 60Hz to remove low-end mud and rumble
  • Output Level control allows you to achieve saturated sounds by increasing input gain while reducing output level
  • Front-panel headphone output with volume control for convenient signal monitoring
  • Perfect for desktop use, can also be mounted in the Fredenstein V.A.S. Rackmount Kit
  • Universal power supply: 90VAC–240VAC, 50Hz–60Hz
Download Manual

V.A.S. Comp

The Other Stand-Alone Unit

The V.A.S Compressor is single channel FET compressor with Stereo link capability. It incorporates Fredenstein's proprietary Reverse-Mancini FET architecture for increased linearity and noise performance. In addition, the output stage consists of our high performance OPA2 discrete operational amplifier coupled to a high quality American-made steel core transformer. As all Fredenstein products, the OPA2 is not a copy of an older design, but a completely new circuitry manufactured in SMT technology. Matched and integrated dual input transistors guarantee vastly improved specifications compared to older designs. The OPA2, following the tradition of well known manufactures, is socketed and can be exchanged without tools. The industry standard pin-out makes it compatible with many manufactures. To achieve the highest sonic performance, no polarized capacitors, electrolytic or tantalum, are deployed in the signal path.
Overall the V.A.S Comp supports a wide variety of different sounds from smooth and clean to aggressive and smashed. As a truly flexible compressor, if features rotary controls for Input Gain, Attack Time, Release Time , Compression Ratio, Side-Chain Bandwidth (Low-Cut Filter), Make-Up gain, and Wet/Dry mixing (parallel compression) as well as illuminated switches for Bypass, Stereo link, and Side-Chain filter.

Controlling the operation of the V.A.S. Comp is very easy due to its separate Gain-Reduction and Output-Level meters. Gain reduction is indicated with 12 LEDs ranging from 1 to 16 dB and the output-level in the range from -30 dB to +20dB (0 dB = +4 dBu). Other professional features are a hard bypass when powered off and a three second turn-on delay to suppress pops, as well as a remote Bypass function in Stereo link mode. Only one Bypass switch has to be engaged to put both units in Bypass mode for easy stereo confidence checks, with or without compression.
For easy touring and recording around the world, the V.A.S. Comp has a built-in universal power supply ranging from 90Vac to 240Vac, 50 -60 Hz.

As all Fredenstein products, the V.A.S. Comp is designed by a German-American team and manufactured in Taiwan.

  • Single-channel FET compressor with stereo link capability
  • Clear, vibrant, balanced sound from OPA2 discrete op-amp and steel-core output transformer
  • Mix control allows you to blend your source signal for parallel-compression effects
  • Side-chain input with filter allows you to trigger compression from an external signal
  • LED meters display Gain Reduction and Output Level
  • Ratio ranges from 2:1 to 20:1 for everything from subtle smoothing to extreme limiting
  • Attack time ranges from 0.5ms to 50ms
  • Release time ranges from 70ms to 2.5s
  • Hard Bypass completely removes the compressor from your signal chain
  • Perfect for desktop use — can also be mounted in the Fredenstein V.A.S. Rackmount Kit
  • Universal power supply: 90VAC–240VAC, 50Hz–60Hz
Download Manual

Premium Components

FREDENSTEIN OPA2

Our self-designed OPA2 operation amplifier builds the perfect match to the iron transformer (not on the MicPre SE)

EDCORE MADE IN U.S.A

This big piece of iron gives you the right amount of vintage character your sound needs (not on the MicPre SE)

BUILD LIKE A TANK

Fredenstein Professional Audio is a company which creates their own original designs and feels it is their responibility to offer high end audio for an affordable price. We combine excellent sounding analog electronics with andvanced digital technologies to achieve unsurpassed results.

EDCORE MADE IN U.S.A

This big piece of iron gives you the right amount of vintage character your sound needs

FREDENSTEIN OPA2

Our self-designed OPA2 operation amplifier builds the perfect match to the iron transformer

BUILD LIKE A TANK

Fredenstein Professional Audio is a company which creates their own original designs and feels it is their responibility to offer high end audio for an affordable price. We combine excellent sounding analog electronics with andvanced digital technologies to achieve unsurpassed results.

Fredenstein Professional Audio

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