Dial In Clean. Drive Out Grit.
Driven by dual discrete opamps and Lundahl iron, the M-501 delivers precision, warmth, and the kind of harmonic grit that hits you right in the mix.
Pure Signal. Bold Character.
At the heart of the M-501 are dual discrete 6-pin socketed opamps and Lundahl input and output transformers, working together to deliver rich harmonic depth, punch, and clarity. With up to 70dB of gain, the preamp handles everything from delicate ribbon mics to synths and hot line sources. A 20dB pad switch gives extra control for high-output signals, and 48V phantom power is switchable for condenser mics. An LED gain indication system ensures precise level setting, while an output attenuation knob allows you to push the opamps and transformers for sonic color—without overdriving what comes next.
Vintage Roots. Modern Control.
The M-501’s EQ section honors Rodec's analog heritage while embracing present-day precision. The High and Low bands are lifted from the iconic 1986 MX-18, now refined with ±15dB of boost/cut for broader musical control. At center stage is an all-new parametric mid band, with a switchable Q for either tight surgical cuts or wide, expressive sweeps—especially powerful when fully boosting and dialing through frequencies. When you want a purist signal path, the entire EQ can be bypassed, keeping your sound direct and true.
Listen and watch
The Rodec M-501 Preamp is a high-performance 500-series module that combines a discrete microphone preamp with a versatile 3-band EQ section.
This video provides an in-depth look at its features and showcases its warm, clear, and musical sound across different audio sources.
Technical Specifications
- Microphone / Line preamplifier
- 500 series format
- Up to 70dB gain
- 48 V phantom power
- Hi-Z switch
- 20 dB attenuation switch
- Phase switch
- Switchable EQ section with narrow or wide Q in the parametric mid-range
- LED gain indicator
- 2 Lundahl transformers
- 2 discrete, switchable 6-pole operational amplifiers with socket. With vintage opamp in the input stage and modern opamp in the output stage.
- Control for output level
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 38 × 133 × 170 mm
- Weight: 0.5 kg
- Color: Charcoal