Wolff Audio W1 500 Series Console Microphone Preamplifier

Console sound. Single channel focus. Pure analog control.
The Wolff Audio W1 is not inspired by our consoles — it is our console microphone preamp, precision-engineered into a single-channel 500-series module.

Designed by legendary engineer Paul Wolff, the W1 delivers the exact transformer topology, gain structure, and relay-controlled signal path found in Wolff Audio’s flagship large-format recording consoles — now in a compact format that fits any 500-series rack.

No compromises. No scaled-down circuitry. Just true console architecture made accessible.


True Console DNA in a 500-Series Format
At the heart of the W1 is the same analog signal path trusted in world-class studios:
• Custom Cinemag input and output transformers
• Fully relay-controlled signal switching
• Socketed op-amp design for easy customization
• Dual-stage gain architecture for precision control

Every critical function — gain, pad, phantom power, and line switching — is relay controlled to maintain signal integrity and long-term reliability.

The result is unmistakable: depth, punch, harmonic richness, and authority that only true console circuitry delivers.


Massive Headroom. Zero-Compromise Tone.
The W1 operates at significantly lower baseline gain than conventional microphone preamps — a design choice that dramatically increases usable headroom while preserving transformer loading and impedance relationships.

In zero-gain mode:
• Transformer is padded 10 dB
• Op-amp runs at unity
• Overall level sits roughly 20 dB lower than typical mic pres

This means you can capture extremely loud sources without external pads — and without sacrificing tone.

Put a dynamic mic inches from a snare drum. Track aggressive guitar cabinets. Record powerful vocalists at full intensity.

The sound stays big, controlled, and musical.


Drive the Tone. Control the Output.
The W1’s dual-stage architecture gives engineers complete command of gain staging.
• Gain selectable in 10 dB steps up to 50 dB
• Additional ±6 dB trim control
• Dedicated output fader positioned between gain stages
• Maximum gain of approximately 56 dB

This design allows you to drive the input transformers and preamp circuitry for character — while independently controlling output level to your converters. No impedance issues. No unwanted overload. No compromises. Just pure tonal control.


Studio-Grade Metering and Monitoring
Borrowed directly from Wolff console design, the W1 features intelligent LED metering that provides clear, usable feedback during tracking.
• Dual reference display: –20 dB and +4 dB
• Intelligent release behavior
• Clip indication
• Output dimming during phantom power switching

You always know exactly what the preamp is doing — at a glance.


Built for Engineers Who Expect More
The W1 is designed for professionals who want real console performance without dedicating space to a large-format desk.

Tracking. Overdubbing. Re-amping. Precision capture of any source.

If you want transformer depth, massive headroom, and total gain-stage control — this is the preamp that delivers it.

Front Panel Features
• Neutrik combo XLR / ¼″ mic and instrument input
• Relay-controlled 20 dB pad
• Relay-controlled 48V phantom power
• Polarity reverse
• Gain trim control
• Dedicated output fader
• Console-grade LED metering

Key Features
• Single-channel mic and instrument preamplifier, single 500 Series slot
• Circuit origin: the mic pre from Wolff Audio flagship consoles.
• Custom Cinemag input and output transformers, console-spec
• Socketed discrete op-amp
• Fully relay-controlled signal path — gain, pad, phantom, line switching
• Gain in 10 dB steps to 50 dB, ±6 dB trim, approximately 56 dB maximum
• Dedicated output fader between the two gain stages
• Neutrik combo input — XLR mic / unbalanced ¼″ (TS) instrument
• Relay-controlled 20 dB pad and +48V phantom
• Polarity reverse
• Console-derived LED metering — dual reference at –20 dB and +4 dB, intelligent release, clip indication, output dims during phantom switching