BAE 312B Signature Series Microphone Pre-Amplifier

BAE 312B Signature Series Microphone Pre-Amplifier

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BAE-312B-500
$860.00
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BAE 312B Signature Series Microphone Pre-Amplifier

500-series compatible mic pre/DI with one of the most popular vintage sounds available: the API™ 312

The BAE 312B 500 Series Mic Pre / DI carries the same excellent dynamic range, frequency response and noise performance the BAE 312 series is known for, but with 9dB lower gain, making it perfect for drums or other loud instruments. BAE achieves this newly introduced and modified gain structure by utilizing a lower gain Jensen input transformer, designed to compliment louder sources before needing to implement the pad.

The 312A's higher gain structure occasionally required the pad to be used frequently with louder sources, such as a hot microphone on drums. The 312B uses an alternative Jensen transformer putting it at 7dB's of lower gain to accommodate louder sources without losing the dynamic characteristics of the 312A. This allows engineers the option of owning the 312A as a pre-amp geared toward higher gain and the 312B for toward lower gain.

The 312B, just like the 312A, features the Avedis® 1122 Discrete Op-Amp and input and output Jensen transformers which use direct-coupled circuitry with no capacitors in the signal path. The input impedance of the 312B is designed to remain consistent, even after the pad is engaged, providing a steady load to the microphone. The characteristics of the 312B offer excellent dynamic range, frequency response, high headroom, and excellent noise performance for a punchy sound which works well with many microphones.

The 312B is available as a single 500 Series module and as a fully loaded six space lunchbox. It includes a custom pull-on switch tailored to accentuate higher frequencies, a DI for instruments, a Phase Reverse switch, 48V for phantom power, and a PAD switch.

BAE 312A 500-Series Mic Preamp/DI features:

  • Made using Avedis® 1122 opamps
  • Supplied with Jensen input and output transformers.
  • Remote power supply with four-foot cable capable of four times the current needed by the preamps for optimum sound quality.
  • Switches have gold contacts for long life.
  • XLR connectors on the back for mic input and output and phone jack in front for direct input.
  • High impedance direct input for guitar and synthesizer.
  • Separate front panel switches for phantom power.


Back in the ’70s there were two major players in console manufacture (three if you count Electrodyne, which disappeared early-on due to mismanagement). The Neve name inspired awe among engineers and musicians alike, and had emerged as the primary force in console making to be reckoned with. Much like John Cougar Mellencamp was signed as the American answer to David Bowie, Saul Walker’s Automated Processes Inc. (API) consoles were the American answer to Mr. Rupert Neve’s eponymous consoles. Both desks defined the sound of rock and roll in their own way, with preamps of elegant simplicity that provided the power and punch that rock and roll would continue to thrive on to this day.

Who’s Using BAE:

"BAE has been an integral part of my record making for many, many years now. I have owned the mic pre's, EQ's, and racks for years. The dedication to costumer service is something one can count on. With the advent of the Avedis 1122 OpAmp, the classic 2520 opamp was brought forward into the future. Mark has also made a point at looking back at certain designs and his attention to detail shows in the new products that he is working on. I am very happy to announce and toast Mark's (Loughman) new ownership in the company. I forecast excellent things to come. — Ross Hogarth, Grammy-winning producer-engineer

"During the recording of many of the Steven Slate Drums sessions, we used lots of BAE mic pres and equalizers. They made it easy to get some of the best drum sounds I've ever heard." — Steven Slate Drums

“What all 312a users say about clarity and punch is absolutely true. They are very versatile pre amps and aside from the obvious with guitars, drums, and vocals, I really enjoy using these pre's with bass and synth sequences.” Ilan Rubin (NIN, Paramore, Lostprophets)

“I love my BAE mic pre-amp. It makes my tracks sound lovelier!” — Jane Wiedlin, The Go-Go's

“I was just screwing around with my BAE 1084 when it hit me, wonder what my Space Bass would sound like in this. I plugged it in and the sound was so pure and natural I thought I was on stage in the ‘Mothership.’ This thing sings with tone, punch, and straight-up good, solid sound that will stand out in a mix with loud drums and guitars.” – Bootsy Collins

“Two thumbs way up! In my opinion, the BAE 1073 and 1084 modules sound every bit as good as the original Neve modules I have used my whole career (we've had blind fold audio "shoot out" tests in my vintage Neve room and there is absolutely no difference). Nothing comes as close to my original Neve EQ/mic preamps as BAE products. And in my opinion, BAE products surpass all the competition in build quality; from the point-to-point wiring, to the audio traces on their cards, original St Ives (Carnhill) transformers, nickel plating, impeccable craftsmanship, and wow! —no old dirty switches and pots. (Did I mention they plugged right in to my vintage Neve 8014 frame from 1970 flawlessly!) Plus, Mark and the staff over at BAE are totally professional and a pleasure to deal with.” — Andy Kravitz, drummer, producer, engineer

Discography: (Imogen Heap, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Simon Townshend, Robbie Krieger, Urge Overkill, Lizzy Grant, The Cheeters, Cypress Hill, James Taylor, Los Lobos, Soloman Burke, Joan Osborne, Taj Mahal, Mark Broussard, Norwood Fisher, Shawn Colvin, Hundred Year Flood, and Sting)

About BAE (British Audio Engineering)

Answering to a higher authority (maintaining the legacy of Mr. Rupert Neve), BAE puts nothing but the very best and their very best into every unit they built. Under the guidance of president/CEO Mark Loughman and Neve guru, Avedis Kifedjian, BAE uses the only highest quality components from the original suppliers, such as Carnhill (formerly St. Ives) and Jensen. All BAE products use discrete electronics and are completely hand-built and wired point-to point (no circuit boards). For more information about BAE, check out RSPE’s Designer’s Perspective feature and get a first-hand look at the inner workings of BAE.

Add the classic API punch to your 500-series rack with BAE’s 312B. Check out RSPE’s Rack Revolution custom 500-series module builder and get started now, or call or chat with an RSPE representative today.

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