Home / SPL AUDIO GoldMike Mk2 Premium Dual-Channel Hybrid Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier
Product Overview
The Definitive Hybrid Masterpiece with "Big Iron" Lundahl Geometry
The SPL GoldMike Mk2 Premium represents the absolute pinnacle of hybrid pre-amplification, taking the revered sonic architecture of the standard edition and elevating it with audiophile-grade hardware balancing. Designed for elite tracking studios, broadcast hubs, and mastering-grade vocal booths, this 2U rackmount component eliminates the cold, flat character of typical digital recordings.
By integrating world-class Lundahl transformers directly at the microphone input stage, the Premium version offers an organic, dimensional weight that instantly positions vocals and acoustic instruments perfectly within a mix. Backed by an authentic high-voltage vacuum tube matrix running on a dedicated +250V rail, it blends immaculate transient speed with rich, harmonic saturation.
Product Description
Premium Lundahl Transformer Front End:
The definitive hallmark of the Premium model is the inclusion of factory-installed Lundahl input transformers. This high-precision magnetic coupling replaces the standard electronic balancing circuits, introducing an immediate, classic character. The transformers provide a completely passive, noise-free level boost, relieving stress from the solid-state gain blocks. Sonically, this creates a beautifully rounded, punchy low-end foundation, fills out the lower-mid frequencies, and polishes the top end into a silky, expensive-sounding glaze.
Discrete Class-A Solid-State with +250V Tube Rails:
The internal layout utilizes a carefully split amplification scheme. Initial transient capture is managed by a discrete Class-A solid-state transistor matrix built with matched components to guarantee hyper-fast slew rates and open, neutral dynamics. The signal is then fed directly into a dual-triode vacuum tube stage running on an incredible +250V anode supply rail. Running the tube at this authentic high voltage eliminates the muddy, dark artifacts of standard "starved-plate" circuits, providing massive linear headroom and rich, golden harmonic depth.
Three-Stage "Flair" Tube Presence Controls:
The front panel features independent Flair switches for both channels. This specialized analog circuitry allows you to dial in the amount of tube contribution to the gain path across three specific tiers (+6 dB, +12 dB, and +18 dB). Elevating the Flair setting introduces progressive levels of pleasant even-order harmonics, instantly opening up vocal presence, expanding the stereo depth of acoustic guitars, and adding breath and airiness without any top-end harshness.
Hardware Peak Limiters and Dual Insert Routing Loops:
Fast Analog Peak Limiters: Each channel features a dedicated hardware protection limiter designed with microsecond activation speeds. This catches unpredictable transient spikes before they reach your digital converter, mimicking smooth tape compression while maintaining a safe recording ceiling.
Rear Hardware Inserts: Outfitted with dedicated Insert Send and Return loops per channel, the GoldMike Mk2 Premium allows you to patch outboard hardware compressors or EQs cleanly into the signal chain immediately following the preamplifier stage.
Key Features
FACTORY-INSTALLED LUNDAHL TRANSFORMERS: Premium Lundahl input transformers add unmatched analog weight, low-end punch, and a silky high-frequency glaze.
TRUE HYBRID CLASS-A / TUBE DESIGN: Blends an ultra-clean, discrete Class-A solid-state front end with a rich secondary vacuum tube stage.
+250V HIGH-VOLTAGE ANODE RAILS: High-voltage tube operational design ensures exceptional linear headroom and authentic harmonic drive free from mud or self-noise.
3-STAGE FLAIR PRESENCE MATRIX: Front-panel selector modifies tube contribution (+6 dB, +12 dB, +18 dB) to inject customized analog sparkle and breath.
INTEGRATED ANALOG HARDWARE LIMITERS: Ultra-fast brick-wall protection limiters safeguard your digital conversion path while adding subtle analog glue.
DISCRETE 1 M$\Omega$ INSTRUMENT DIs: Front-panel high-impedance inputs optimize tracking for active/passive instruments with zero loading tone loss.
BALANCED OUTBOARD INSERT PATHS: Dedicated rear-panel insert loops make it seamless to patch in external analog hardware before the final output stage.
BACKLIT VU METERS WITH CONTROLLER PADS: Mechanical vintage VU meters provide clear tracking overview with a switchable level reduction pad for hot signals.
Technical Specifications
Line / Insert Connections
Feature
Specification
I/O Interfaces
XLR (Balanced) & 1/4" Jack (Unbalanced)
Input Balance Style
Lundahl Transformer-Balanced
Maximum Input Gain
23 dBu
Input Impedance
10 dBu
Maximum Output Gain (Balanced)
26.8 dBu
Maximum Output Gain (Unbalanced)
21.5 dBu
Output Impedance
50 $\Omega$
Common Mode Rejection (1 kHz, 0 dBu)
> 82 dB (Enhanced by Premium Transformers)
Frequency Range (-3 dB)
10 Hz – 90 kHz
THD + N (0 dBu, Line Unity, Tube +6 dB)
0.04 % (10 Hz – 22 kHz Spectrum)
Noise (A-weighted, 600 $\Omega$)
-88.5 dBu
Dynamic Range
110 dB
Microphone Preamplifier Stage
Feature
Specification
Maximum Input Gain (Mic)
7 dBu (+13 dBu with Passive Step-up Active)
Maximum Input Gain (Mic with PAD)
28 dBu
Input Impedance (Mic)
2.8 k$\Omega$
CMRR (1 kHz)
> 80 dB
Frequency Range (Tube Gain +6 dB, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 93 kHz
Frequency Range (Tube Gain +12 dB, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 61 kHz
Frequency Range (Tube Gain +18 dB, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 34 kHz
THD + N (1 kHz, 30 dBu Gain)
0.016 %
Noise (A-weighted, 150 $\Omega$, 30 dB Gain)
-91.2 dBu
E.I.N. (Equivalent Input Noise)
-128 dBu
Dynamic Range
110 dB
Instrument Preamplifier Stage
Feature
Specification
Maximum Input Gain (Instrument)
7 dBu
Maximum Input Gain (Instrument with PAD)
14 dBu
Input Impedance (Instrument)
1 M$\Omega$
Frequency Range (Tube Gain +6 dB, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 68 kHz
Frequency Range (Tube Gain +12 dB, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 51 kHz
Frequency Range (Tube Gain +18 dB, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 35 kHz
THD + N (Tube Gain +6 dB, 10 Hz – 22 kHz)
0.05 %
Noise (A-weighted)
-95.5 dBu
Dynamic Range
105 dB
Power & Hardware Footprint
Feature
Specification
Power Supply Architecture
Internal Linear Power Supply with Toroidal Transformer
Operating Voltage (Analog Audio)
$\pm$18 V
Operating Voltage (Relays & LEDs)
+12 V
Tube Anode Voltage
+250 V
Tube Heating Voltage
+12.6 V
Phantom Power Supply
+48 V
Mains Voltage (Selectable)
230 V AC / 50 Hz | 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Fuses
T 315 mA (for 230 V) | T 630 mA (for 115 V)
Power Consumption
Max. 25 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
482 x 88 x 210 mm (19 x 3.46 x 8.23 inches)
Unit Weight
4.35 kg (9.59 lbs with transformer modifications)
Shipping Weight (Incl. Packaging)
6.75 kg (14.88 lbs)
Reference Ground Level
0 dBu = 0.775V (Specifications subject to change without notice)
What’s Included in the Box
1 x SPL AUDIO GoldMike Mk2 Premium Dual-Channel Hybrid Preamplifier Unit
1 x Standard AC Power Connectivity Cable (IEC)
1 x Set of Adhesive Rubber Desktop Surface Isolation Feet
1 x Official SPL Studio Series Manual & Premium Lundahl Gain Staging Guide Description
