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Viper 501
Modular Channel Strip

  • Mic Preamp with 75 dB of gain

  • Back Panel Mic Input Access

  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 55 dB of gain

  • Front Panel Line/Instrument Input

  • LED VU meter for monitoring output level of the Mic Preamp

  • 20 dB pad switch, applies to mic

  • 48v Phantom switchable power

  • Phase Reverse

  • High-Pass Filter at 80Hz (6dB per Octave)

  • Traditional fully discrete circuit design

  • Mic Preamp input transformer – OEP A262

  • Mic Preamp output transformer – Carnhill VTB1148

  • Uses a API-2520-style Op-Amp built directly into the main PCB

  • Powered slot for a module of the API 500-series format with dedicated I/O at the back

  • Built-in front panel Patch Bay with a duplicate of all I/O from the back of the device (except Mic Input)

  • Patch Bay switch toggle switch for routing the output of the Mic Preamp into the input of the 500 module

The First Truly Modular Channel Strip
Mic Pre + API 500 Chassis + Patch Bay

The Viper 501 features a transformer-balanced professional studio preamplifier. The circuit is NOT a clone of any particular device but a hybrid between two classic and renowned topologies - Neve 1073 and API 312.
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Our main op-amp (VAE2520) is based on the popular API2520. But rather than being a standalone interchangeable component like the API2520 our VAE2520 is built directly into the main PCB of the Viper.

Preamplifier

  • Traditional Studio Preamplifiers have one or two potentiometers/switches for controlling the signal level - Input Gain & Output Level. The Viper 501 is equipped with 3 controls for maximum versatility and flexibility.
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  • GAIN - Variable potentiometer that determines the level of the signal going into the VAE2520 op-amp. This control works like a passive input attenuator.
  • HEAT - Stepped rotary switch that controls the amplification of the VAE2520 op-amp (negative feedback).
  • OUT - Stepped rotary switch acting as a passive output attenuator.
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  • By turning up GAN and turning down HEAT the Viper 501 produces a very unsaturated sound. The user gets the sensation of airiness and openness. This setting is perfect for clean recordings.
  • By turning down GAIN and turning up HEAT the Viper 501 produces a slightly different sound - more focused and thick, but less airy and open.
  • By turning up both GAIN and HEAT and turning down OUT to compensate for the extra level, the Viper 501 starts to saturate. The sound becomes much more focused and thickens up from the added harmonic distortion.
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Built in API 500-Series Chassis

The API 500-series is a standardized format for a modular signal processor system consisting of a combination of 500-series modules installed within a 500-series chassis (or rack), with the chassis providing power and audio connections for the individual modules.

Our Viper 501 built-in 1-slot 500-series chassis allows users to plug modules directly into their Viper 501 Channel Strips, eliminating the need for external 500-series chassis and all the extra cabling required by them. 

In contrast to traditional channel strips where the user is "locked" to a specific preamp followed by a specific signal processor (EQ or Compressor), the Viper 501 is a truly modular channel strip. It allows the user to customise their devices by inserting a signal processor of their choosing.
T
he slot for the 500-module has its own dedicated I/O at the back of the Viper allowing for independent use of the Preamplifier and Signal Processor. Therefore each Viper can be configured as a traditional channel strip (preamp + signal processor) or as a dual-mono preamp (if the chosen 500 module is another preamp).
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Built in Patch-Bay

  • The built-in Patch Bay on the front panel of the Viper 501 provides a parallel duplicate of the I/O from the back of the device. This innovative function makes the Viper 501 into a much more flexible and multi-functional tool than traditional channel strips.
  • Home-based project studios often don't invest in external Patch Bays due to their added costs and extra cables. That limits the usability of the gear as it restricts the ability to create complex chains from different devices. Our solution is to equip each future devices from the Viper Series with a built-in Patch Bay.
  • BENEFITS:
  • Better integration of the Viper 501 with other systems.
  • Lower cost - no need to invest in external Patch Bays or extra cables.
  • Lower Noise
  • Improved Reliability
  • Expanded Flexibility
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