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AIR Module

The Ultimate Preamp for Detailed Ambient Recording

Designed in collaboration between George Martin, Geoff Emerick and Rupert Neve, the Air preamp became an essential component of the Air Montserrat consoles. Renowned for its transparency, this analogue technology is enhanced in the AIR Module (compatible with the 1081R rack) with complete digital remote control.

Endless Rotary Encoder
Signal Presence LED
Clip Overload LED
Digital Gain Display
Phantom Power
-20dB PAD
Direct Pass-Through
Phase Invert
Front XLR Connection

AIR Module

The Ultimate Preamp for Detailed Ambient Recording

Designed in collaboration between George Martin, Geoff Emerick and Rupert Neve, the AIR preamp became an essential component of the Air Montserrat consoles. Renowned for its transparency, this analogue technology is enhanced in the AIR module (compatible with the 1081R rack) with complete digital remote control.

Complete Remote Control

The Air Montserrat console pioneered digital control technology; the AIR module builds upon the legacy of the remote preamps from this legendary console. The AIR module can be controlled from an 88R console or a connected Mac/PC. Taking advantage of this system by placing the 1081R rack in the live room keeps mic lines short, improving signal degradation at the crucial sound capture stage.

Toroidal Transformer

The toroidal transformer used in the AIR module was specially chosen by Geoff Emerick as it provided a very low noise floor and wide bandwidth. This transformer helps to produce the stunning level of detail that made the AIR preamps famous, essential for ambient recordings.

Class A/B Design

This efficient preamp uses class A/B circuitry to produce its high output with no crossover distortion.

Digital Gain Control

The endless stepped gain encoder applies preamp gain in 5dB steps. This system ensures ultimate accuracy when applying gain to a rack of preamps, either from the front of the unit or remotely from a connected Mac, PC or 88R console.

Digital Display

The exact gain levels displayed on the front-mounted digital readout, with independent signal presence and clip LEDs, provide an effective at-a-glance readout of settings, ideal for large tracking sessions.

Clarity & Detail

The Air Montserrat console preamps were famous for their clarity and detail. The AIR module remote preamp uses the same technology and design to create a low noise floor and wide bandwidth, making it ideal for ambient recordings.

Smart Switching

The phantom power, -20dB pad, and phase invert can be accessed from the front panel or locked out and controlled entirely from the remote control software.

Direct Pass-Through

The DIR button activates a relay that completely bypasses the preamp circuitry and connects the front panel XLR to the rear panel Varicon output. This feature allows for seamless integration by giving access to a console patch bay or recording system inputs without disconnecting the rack.

More Information and Support

Audio Performance

  • Input Impedance: 1.2k Ohm, @1kHz
  • Gain: +20 to +70 in 5dB steps
  • Distortion: not more than 0.025% for 20dBm output from 20Hz to 20kHz @ 60dB gain
  • Noise: (22Hz to 22kHz bandwidth) EIN better than -125dB @ 60dB gain
  • Microphone Maximum Input Level with ‘pad’ in: +24dB
  • Max Output: +26dBu into 600 Ohms
  • Output impedance: 50 Ohms +/-5%@1kHz, balanced

Rack Specification (fully populated)

  • Power: < 40w, 100-240v auto sensing, 47-63Hz, 1.6A Anti Surge Fuse.
  • Mechanical: 4U x 19″  260mm deep.
  • Audio Connections: 12 balanced circuits on a 56-way panel mounted female Varicon.
  • Control Connections: 2 x 9 Pin D Type ‘Male’ input and ‘Female’ output, RS485 format (adaptors required for serial RS232).

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