{"title":"Acme Audio","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"acme-audio-mtp-66-motown-tube-preamplifier-and-di","title":"Acme Audio MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamplifier and DI","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcme Audio MTP-66 Motown Tube Preamplifier and DI\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single-channel tube preamp rebuilt from the original 1966 engineering drawings. Its ancestor was the five-channel Motown input box that guitars and bass ran through in Detroit from 1966 to 1972.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstrument straight into the tubes, no amplifier\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of miking an amp in a booth, bass goes directly into a tube path feeding a Cinemag output transformer. There is no baffling to arrange and no bleed to fight, and the signal arrives with density and compression that a clean direct box does not provide. A quarter-inch through output sends the instrument to an amplifier in parallel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrive set at two points in the chain\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original had no input or output control. The MTP-66 has both, so you can push the tubes hard and pull level back at the output, or work cleanly: that is what sets the amount of drive and natural compression. The microphone section is built on a fixed-gain pentode with an Acme Audio\/Triad transformer and a 15 dB pad. The unit does not provide phantom power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecreation of the Motown input box from the 1966 schematics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll-tube signal path with hand-selected tubes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCinemag output transformer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicrophone section with fixed-gain pentode and Acme Audio\/Triad transformer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndependent input and output controls, absent from the original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuarter-inch instrument through output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom VU meter in a rugged steel enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: tube microphone preamp and DI, single channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain: 36 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTubes: EF86, two 12AT7, 6V6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput transformer: Cinemag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicrophone input transformer: Acme Audio\/Triad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInputs: 1\/4\" Hi-Z, XLR microphone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutputs: XLR main, 1\/4\" instrument through\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicrophone input pad: 15 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhantom power: not provided\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: 115\/230 V, 50\/60 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 11.5 lbs (approx. 5.2 kg)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ACME","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54554195558737,"sku":"58198","price":2399.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AcmeAudioMTP-66MotownTubePreamplifierandDI1.jpg?v=1786971662"},{"product_id":"acme-audio-opticom-xla-3-mkii","title":"Acme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKII","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcme Audio Opticom XLA-3 MKII\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single-channel all-tube optical limiter built on the Teletronix LA-2A idea but with three compression curves instead of one. The circuit is point-to-point wired inside a 16-gauge solid steel chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree compression curves instead of one speed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core limitation of a classic opto is its single fixed time constant: either it suits the material or it does not. The XLA-3 offers Normal, Fast and Slow modes driven by a triple optoelectronic circuit with CdSe photocells. In Slow mode transients pass through largely intact; in Fast the unit starts behaving closer to a FET design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTone set by how hard you drive the input\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cinemag input transformer and the tube gain stage respond to level: run it politely and the path stays clean, push it and saturation and density arrive, pulling a vocal in front of the rest of the mix. A 15 dB pad lets you choose the operating point regardless of source level. Gain reduction reaches 29 dB and make-up gain 34 dB, so the unit covers both gentle levelling and aggressive drum bus compression. A stereo link connector pairs two units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle-channel optical limiter with an all-tube circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTriple optoelectronic circuit using CdSe photocells\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal, Fast and Slow modes plus an Amp mode with no dynamics reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCinemag input transformer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitchable 15 dB input pad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand-wired two-stage bypass and stereo link connector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16-gauge steel chassis, point-to-point wiring, Bakelite knobs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: tube optical limiter, single channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetection: triple optoelectronic circuit, CdSe photocells\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModes: Normal, Fast, Slow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +\/- 1.4 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum gain reduction: 29 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake-up gain: 34 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput pad: 15 dB, switchable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput transformer: Cinemag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnectors: Neutrik XLR input and output, stereo link\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetering: full-sized backlit panel meters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTube sockets: Micalex\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: 115\/230 V AC via IEC inlet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ACME","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54554195591505,"sku":"27615","price":2999.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AcmeAudioOpticomXLA-3MKII.jpg?v=1786971635"},{"product_id":"acme-audio-motown-d-i-wb-3","title":"Acme Audio MOTOWN D.I. WB-3","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcme Audio MOTOWN D.I. WB-3\u003c\/strong\u003e recreates the direct box designed at Motown in the early 1960s. James Jamerson, Dennis Coffey and Bob Babbitt ran their parts through this circuit, and those parts defined how bass sounds in soul music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLow end without magnetic saturation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost passive direct boxes start saturating the transformer core when a bass hits them hard, and the low end turns muddy. The WB-3 transformer is built by the same company that wound the original, brought back into production after nearly thirty-five years. The result is even, open low end even with hot passive pickups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColoration as the point, not the flaw\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WB-3 is not transparent and was never meant to be: it adds its own recognisable coloration, which became an ingredient of the Detroit sound. A variable attenuator handles high-level sources and lets you decide how much of that character reaches the path. The enclosure is steel and considerably tougher than the aluminium boxes the originals used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecreation of the 1960s Motown direct box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransformer built by the original manufacturer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo magnetic saturation in the low frequencies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVariable attenuator for high-level sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe recognisable coloration heard on Motown records\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRugged custom-made steel enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePassive design, no power required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: passive direct box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign: recreation of the original Motown WB-3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransformer: original reproduction from the initial manufacturer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttenuation: variable, for high-level input\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharacter: free of low-frequency magnetic saturation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnclosure: custom-made steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: not required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannels: 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ACME","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54554195624273,"sku":"41161","price":559.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AcmeAudioMOTOWND.I.WB-31.jpg?v=1786971651"},{"product_id":"acme-audio-opticom-xla500","title":"Acme Audio Opticom XLA500","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcme Audio Opticom XLA500\u003c\/strong\u003e moves the XLA-3 limiter topology into a two-slot 500 series module. The circuit stays tube-based and optical, with the triple optoelectronic detector and Cinemag transformers on both input and output.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree response speeds in one module\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlow mode behaves like a classic opto: a gentle attack onset passes the initial transient, so a snare keeps its hit while its level is being controlled. Fast clamps down far harder and covers ground where a FET compressor would normally be the answer. Normal sits between the two and handles most vocals on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClean to dirty without changing units\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA class A gain stage and Cinemag transformers add saturation progressively as input level rises. In practice one module covers gentle vocal control, added weight on bass, and a heavily crushed drum track, without reaching for a second piece of hardware. The module occupies two slots in a 500 series rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXLA-3 limiter topology in 500 series format\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTriple optoelectronic circuit combining three compression curves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNormal, Fast and Slow modes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass A gain stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCinemag input and output transformers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTonal range from clean to saturated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccupies two 500 series slots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: tube optical limiter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: 500 series module, two slots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetection: triple optoelectronic circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModes: Normal, Fast, Slow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain stage: class A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput transformer: Cinemag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput transformer: Cinemag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannels: 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: from the 500 series rack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ACME","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54554195919185,"sku":"60750","price":1099.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AcmeAudioOpticomXLA500.jpg?v=1786971626"},{"product_id":"acme-audio-motown-eq","title":"Acme Audio Motown EQ","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcme Audio Motown EQ\u003c\/strong\u003e recreates the seven-band graphic equalizer designed by Motown Records chief engineer Mike McLean. Only forty-eight originals were ever built. Acme Audio spent several weeks taking one apart under McLean's own guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStepped control instead of faders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than sliders the unit uses rotary switches, and each band tops out at 8 dB. That sounds modest until you put it on bass or a horn section: the passive inductor circuit shapes the band gently and without phase artefacts, so 3 dB here does more than 6 dB on a typical digital equalizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePeriod-correct parts, not close approximations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInductors are wound by Mesanovic on MPP cores, the input transformer is an AMI A24, the output transformer is custom made, and the output stage is built around an Opamp Labs 425 amplifier. Values and tolerances follow the original rather than modern equivalents with similar figures on paper. The power supply sits outside the chassis, which lowers the noise floor. Response reaches from 10 Hz to 30 kHz within 1 dB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeven-band passive graphic equalizer on rotary switches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecreation of Mike McLean's design for Motown Records\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMesanovic inductors on MPP cores\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAMI A24 input transformer and custom output transformer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpamp Labs 425 output amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternal power supply for a lower noise floor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 inch, 2U aluminium rack chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: passive graphic equalizer, seven bands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequencies: 50 Hz, 130 Hz, 320 Hz, 800 Hz, 2 kHz, 5 kHz, 12.5 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRange: +\/- 8 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 10 Hz - 30 kHz, +\/- 1 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum level: 29 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput transformer: AMI A24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput transformer: custom made by Mesanovic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput amplifier: Opamp Labs 425\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnectors: XLR input and output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannels: 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: 19 inch rackmount, 2U, aluminium chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePower: external power supply included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ACME","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54554195951953,"sku":"60751","price":6999.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AcmeAudioMotownEQ1.jpg?v=1786971616"}],"url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/fr\/collections\/acme-audio.oembed","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}