Designed in collaboration between George Martin, Geoff Emerick and Rupert Neve, the AIR preamp became an essential component of the Air Montserrat consoles. Renowned for its transparency, this analogue technology is enhanced in the AIR module (compatible with the 1081R rack) with complete digital remote control.
Complete Remote Control
The Air Montserrat console pioneered digital control technology; the AIR module builds upon the legacy of the remote preamps from this legendary console. The AIR module can be controlled from an 88R console or a connected Mac/PC. Taking advantage of this system by placing the 1081R rack in the live room keeps mic lines short, improving signal degradation at the crucial sound capture stage.
Toroidal Transformers
The toroidal transformer used in the AIR module was specially chosen by Geoff Emerick as it provided a very low noise floor and wide bandwidth. This transformer helps to produce the stunning level of detail that made the AIR preamps famous, essential for ambient recordings.
Class A/B design
This efficient preamp uses class A/B circuitry to produce its high output with no crossover distortion.
Digital Gain Control
The endless stepped gain encoder applies preamp gain in 5dB steps. This system ensures ultimate accuracy when applying gain to a rack of preamps, either from the front of the unit or remotely from a connected Mac, PC or 88R console.
Digital Display
The exact gain levels displayed on the front-mounted digital readout, with independent signal presence and clip LEDs, provide an effective at-a-glance readout of settings, ideal for large tracking sessions.
Clarity & Detail
The Air Montserrat console preamps were famous for their clarity and detail. The AIR module remote preamp uses the same technology and design to create a low noise floor and wide bandwidth, making it ideal for ambient recordings.
Smart Switching
The phantom power, -20dB pad, and phase invert can be accessed from the front panel or locked out and controlled entirely from the remote control software.
Direct Pass-Through
The DIR button activates a relay that completely bypasses the preamp circuitry and connects the front panel XLR to the rear panel Varicon output. This feature allows for seamless integration by giving access to a console patch bay or recording system inputs without disconnecting the rack.
