GC Audio Inherit Rack Hot-Swappable Modular Microphone Preamp System

GC Audio Inherit Rack Overview

Why buy one preamp when you can fit multiple preamps, from tube to discrete, in one 19" rack device with the Inherit Modular Microphone Preamp System from GC Audio, an innovative customizable preamp with hot-swappable preamp cartridges. Not only does this allow you to test multiple preamp configurations faster than ever before, you can do it all without compromising space or utilizing multiple racks.

Seven unique voltages are available from the unit's three premium toroidal wire transformers, supporting a wide array of circuitry and sound characters. Both the case and cartridges are heavily shielded for excellent protection from EMI. The internal analog circuitry is digitally controlled, allowing for each cartridge to maintain its unique and unaltered sound. Along with preamp and output gain controls, the front panel provides buttons for phase inversion, +48V phantom power, an 80 or 100 Hz high-pass filter, and an attenuation pad whose value depends on the loaded cartridge. 3-pin XLR connectors are available in the rear, while the front panel sports a 500 kilohm 1/4" input for Hi-Z instruments like guitars and electric pianos. The Inherit system includes an IEC power cable.

Why Choose Inherit Over a Lunchbox?

Unlike other modular formats, Inherit allows for the implementation of high-voltage or high-current multiple-voltage preamplification technologies. In addition, the absence of space constraints and a best possible EMC environment allows less compromise in electronic designs, resulting in outstanding audio quality.

The Inherit system therefore gives you access to complex preamps (such as true tube preamplifiers or complex discrete design) that are impossible to get on a lunchbox. This new design also allows you to quickly test various preamplification technologies without a patchbay.

Technical Highlights

The gain control knob utilizes a 12-step Grayhill commutator, with gain values depending on the cartridge inside the Inherit rack. The output pot is a fully linear control.

A VU meter is also provided with 10 LED segments and a factory calibration of 0 dB VU being equal to +4 dBu. With the combination of pre- and post-output level control and the 10-segment VU meter, a very high gain level can be attained without a saturation converter.

Available Cartridges

Though more cartridges will be available soon, some of the currently compatible preamp cartridges for the Inherit system include:

• RE-73: Class-A preamp with balancing and unbalancing performed by an original Carhnill transformer
• RE-98: Class-A differential preamp with ultra-low noise discrete components and balancing from a Lundahl transformer
• RE-VR: Unbalanced by an original TF10014 rebuilt transformer, while preamplification and balancing are via an ultra-low noise op-amp
• RE-4K: Jensen 115 transformer for unbalancing, while preamplification and balancing is provided by an ultra-low noise op-amp
• Tube Heat: True tube high-voltage preamp, unbalanced and balanced by a dedicated transformer, and no discrete componenets in the signal path
• RE-15: Class-A differential preamp, balanced and unbalanced by an ultra-low noise op-amp
• Graham Langley Signature: Designed with Graham Langley to be the best possible discrete preamp, loaded with his unique signature sound
• Gyraf Audio Signature: Designed with Jakob Erland to be the best possible tube preamp, loaded with his unique signature sound