Daking Mic Pre II

Two channel Daking preamp featuring 2X Jensen transformer mic inputs, ¼ in DI, 70dB gain, LED meter, variable HP filter (20 to 200Hz), Discrete Class A circuitry, and outboard power supply. 1U.

The Daking Mic Pre II combines two of Daking’s celebrated stand-alone Mic Pre One units in a single rack space form factor for a surprisingly affordable price. Like the Mic Pre One, the Mic Pre EQ, and the Mic Pre IV, the Daking Mic Pre II circuitry is based on a classic console design of the ’80s with some upgrades: Variable High Pass Filters on each channel, Jensen input transformers, class “A” amplification, extremely high headroom (+24) and a single-sided 48V power supply.

The Mic Pre II’s high pass filter is continuously variable from 10-200Hz, and drops at 12dB per octave. It seems to have a magical ability to clean up the muck while making what remains sound even better. It is extremely helpful to DAW users who inadvertently record subsonics that muddy up tracks and mixes.

Daking Mic Pre II Features:

• 70dB of gain
• switchable polarity
• 20 segment combo VU and “peak hold” LED meter
• 20dB pad with constant reflected impedance
• switchable phantom power
• direct 1/4″ instrument inputs on the front panel
• balanced XLR and 1/4″ outputs.

Who’s using Daking?

“…. Over the last few years I’ve used Daking mic pres and compressors on recording for artists such as Carole King, Tracy Bonham, Jane Siberry, Hanson, Michelle Branch, Rufus Wainright, Cafe Tacuba, Julieta Venegas, Juanes and many others…” — Joe Chiccarelli

"If you're looking for that vintage sound of a Trident A Range, and you want to add warmth to the digital recording chain, look no further: the Daking mic preamps add a distinctive sonic character that really make your recordings come alive!" — Butch Vig

About Daking Audio:

Geoff Daking started his career as a drummer for the band, The Blues Magoos, who toured with The Who in the ’60s. With two hits under his belt, Daking transitioned to the other side of the glass and engineered records for artists such as Eric Clapton, Hall & Oates, Rod Stewart, Meatloaf, Steve Stills, Cat Stevens, Kenny Loggins, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, James Brown, Luther Vandross, and many more. Since the ’70s, Daking has built over 20 studios, including facilities for Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, and most recently, a multi-million-dollar facility for Big3 Entertainment.

Back in 1993, audio engineers quickly realized that the new recording equipment didn’t sound nearly as good as the older gear. Geoff Daking decided to do something about it. He approached Phil Wagner at Trident (whose A-Range console designed by Malcolm Toft and Barry Porter is still considered to be the best sounding console for rock & roll) and told Wagner that if Trident produced their preamps and EQs in rackmount form, people would buy them. In turn, Wagner suggested that Daking do it, since Trident had no interest in producing such units. Proving his perceptions correct, Geoff Daking bought the original Trident schematics, borrowed a racked Trident preamp from Lenny Kravitz for reference, and the rest is history.

Using only the finest, best-sounding components, Geoff Daking’s design philosophy is based on the concept of “get home early.” That is to say, Daking products are not loaded down with unnecessary, complex features—just what you need to get the job done right and quickly. Daking Audio makes very musical, solid, high-quality equipment that is very easy to use and cost effective. It’s equally important to recognize that there’s nothing like recording equipment built by someone who not only understands how the electronics work to make the most musical sound, but also has used it to record some of the greatest artists the world has known—and that defines Daking Audio.