From Chameleon Labs
Its fundamental design architecture retraces the path of revered, classic pre-amps of the past as well as our popular 7602. Our enhancements start with all-new proprietary microphone and line-level input transformers that feature custom-made nickel laminations and bobbin assemblies—all designed in-house.
The 7603 features EQ stages with four different available adjustments—Variable High Pass, Low Frequency Shelving, Mid Frequency and High Frequency Shelving. Our engineers made a conscious decision to stay with the same, desirable, inductor-based topology that made our 7602 so popular, however we implemented our new discrete Op Amp to drive signal through a new set of custom Chameleon designed and manufactured inductors, providing the musicality we all love to use.
The output stage of the 7603 is unique with respect to its design and performance. It can be described as a variable-gain circuit that simultaneously adjusts both the input and output levels in order to generate a lower noise floor and extraordinary audio performance.
The 7603 pre-amplifier provides a desirable set of user selectable functions designed to make the unit flexible and an integral part of the artistic process, incorporating a full portfolio of traditional features as well as some not commonly seen on other pre-amps.
Microphone input impedance can be selected between 300 and 1200 ohms, providing a method by which a microphone can be more ideally matched to the input stage and making it easier to get the best from lower output microphones such as ribbon-based designs.
We added a low impedance Direct Input on the front panel for plugging in instruments such as guitars that can be run through the line input stage, and added a precision VU meter with custom ballistics for visual monitoring of either the input or output levels.
Designed and built in North America
Inputs -
Microphone (XLR): Transformer balanced input, RF isolated
Line (XLR): Transformer balanced input, RF isolated
Direct In (1/4” TRS): High impedance instrument input
Input Impedance
Microphone: 300Ω or 1200Ω
Line: 10kΩ line bridging from 600Ω or lower source impedance
Direct Input: 100kΩ
Sensitivity
Microphone: From -70dBm to -20dBm in 5 dB steps for 0dBm output
Line: From -30 dBm to +20 dBm in 5 dB steps for 0 dBm output
Noise Specification: Better than -125dBm EIN between -80 and -40 dBm referenced to 600Ω input impedance, SNR 116dB at maximum output
Output Type: Transformer balanced and floating to drive 600 Ω load
Maximum Output: +28dBu into 600Ω load impedance
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz -0.5dB 10Hz - 50kHz -1dB
Power Supply -
100V - 240V (50/60Hz): Switch mode power supply, fully shielded 3 amp peak output capability, quiescent consumption 0.5 Watts
1RU Steel enclosure
Free 3-Year Warranty
Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →
Returns
Try Before You Buy: 48-hour audition. Program details →
You may also like
Browse Single-channel Mic Preamps →
Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.