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SONIC EXCELLENCE
The Avalon V55 DI-RE-MIC Preamplifer is an ultra-high performance professional dual channel preamplifier, DI and RE-amper. Created for maximum versatility, the V55's sonic signature - 'Deep and Controlled Bass, Musical Mid-range and enhanced Vocal Projection' combine with a unique set of user features including, 100% discrete Pure Class A amplification, Avalon's unique 'passive' TONE-BANK™, professional VU meter with dual peak LED's, multiple outputs including an instrument level transformer isolated Re-amp. Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance, the V55 is ideal for ribbon, dynamic and condenser microphones, bass guitar, acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and very low output passive pickups.
The state-of-the-art DI input stage provides a very-high inpedance, 'zero-load' effect on sensitive pickups and keyboards, while maintaining massive input headroom to +36dB before overload.
MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN
The V55 includes a very high quality input transformer (same as the Avalon VT-737sp) with dual microphone input impedance loading for perfect mic/cable matching, high-cut switch for eliminating unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, headphone monitor amp and DC coupled, 100% Class A output amplifiers for defined bass control. A buffered 'thru' output for zero-instrument-load tuners or power amp inputs, internal toroid power transformer with discrete high-voltage power supplies for low noise and sealed silver relays for transparent signal routing.
The K&K Pure XLR Preamp matches up perfectly with the K&K Pure Western, and the result is microphone-like clarity, with tons of headroom and the most natural sound you can get. Now the truth is, not everyone with a K&K Pure Western needs a preamp. 'The Avalon V55 is a dual channel, Pure Class A Microphone Preamplifier, DI Instrument preamp and features transformer isolated outputs for RE-AMPING. The V55 will capture every magical performance and continues Avalon's passion and commitment to SONIC EXCELLENCE while delivering deep and controlled bass, musical midrange for enhanced vocal. K&K have always favored sound quality over power consumption in their external preamp line, but with the Pure XLR Mach 2 Preamp they went even further and developed this 18 volt system. If the benefits of the 18 volt system wasn't enough, K&K added a few more things that players have asked for. I´m using the K&K Pure Mini and the K&K XLR Preamp with both of my acoustic guitars, Been wondering which tuner would be the best choice with this setup? For one reason or the other the easily-available true bypass tuners´switches (Korg PitchBlack, TC Polytune) have a really loud POP when using them with this setup.
Guitar Tricks Forum >Gear Reviews >K & k sound ultra pure mini's
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Joined: 03/14/15
Posts: 74
This is my review of the K & K Sound Ultra Pure Mini acoustic guitar pickups. Over my 2 1/2 years of playing guitar, I have learned one thing. Everything is subjective, to the player and listener. So with that in mind, I will begin.
I wanted to be able to plug in my two Martin guitars. One is 000-15M and the other is an HD28 VTS. I have a less expensive Yamaha FX700-SC which already had a UST (under saddle transducer) and a mounted preamp on the guitar.
There are a great number of options. There are UST's, simple sound hole pickups, clip on pickups, ect. With my Martin Guitars, I really wanted the guitars to look stock as possible, and still be able to just grab the guitar and plug in. That desire narrowed the field considerably.
UST's definitely require a preamp. Which would require cutting into the side of the guitar, and the sound is certainly not as high quality as many other options. I was very impressed with the sound and clarity of the L R Baggs anthem. In my humble opinion, it may be the very best available, at this time. But, it required some modification and you could easily see the sound hole pickup, even though it is more discreetly mounted on the side.
I decided on the K & K Sound Ultra Pure Mini's. This allowed me to mount the pickups inside the guitar discreetly, and I bought the K & K XLR preamp that I could use on both guitars. It was a cost effective system that I do not regret. The drawback to using one preamp for both guitars, is that it does require dialing in the preamp for each guitar, whenever you change. Reallyit is not necessary to have the preamp, especially if you have a powerful amp. But it does add more punch, and really allows you to dial in the nearly exact sound that is emitted from your individual guitar. The XLR preamp also has a phase button that better synchronizes the signal from the guitar to eliminate what I call phase clutter. But that clutter, doesn't always sound bad.
The bottom line here, is that the Ultra Pure Mini's are great. They allowed me to keep my guitars looking stock and replicate the actual sound of the guitar quite well. They are less expensive, and don't really require a preamp.
This is my review of the K & K Sound Ultra Pure Mini acoustic guitar pickups. Over my 2 1/2 years of playing guitar, I have learned one thing. Everything is subjective, to the player and listener. So with that in mind, I will begin.
I wanted to be able to plug in my two Martin guitars. One is 000-15M and the other is an HD28 VTS. I have a less expensive Yamaha FX700-SC which already had a UST (under saddle transducer) and a mounted preamp on the guitar.
There are a great number of options. There are UST's, simple sound hole pickups, clip on pickups, ect. With my Martin Guitars, I really wanted the guitars to look stock as possible, and still be able to just grab the guitar and plug in. That desire narrowed the field considerably.
UST's definitely require a preamp. Which would require cutting into the side of the guitar, and the sound is certainly not as high quality as many other options. I was very impressed with the sound and clarity of the L R Baggs anthem. In my humble opinion, it may be the very best available, at this time. But, it required some modification and you could easily see the sound hole pickup, even though it is more discreetly mounted on the side.
I decided on the K & K Sound Ultra Pure Mini's. This allowed me to mount the pickups inside the guitar discreetly, and I bought the K & K XLR preamp that I could use on both guitars. It was a cost effective system that I do not regret. The drawback to using one preamp for both guitars, is that it does require dialing in the preamp for each guitar, whenever you change. Reallyit is not necessary to have the preamp, especially if you have a powerful amp. But it does add more punch, and really allows you to dial in the nearly exact sound that is emitted from your individual guitar. The XLR preamp also has a phase button that better synchronizes the signal from the guitar to eliminate what I call phase clutter. But that clutter, doesn't always sound bad.
The bottom line here, is that the Ultra Pure Mini's are great. They allowed me to keep my guitars looking stock and replicate the actual sound of the guitar quite well. They are less expensive, and don't really require a preamp.
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Joined: 09/28/05
Posts: 2954
Hey there kvsealegs,
Thanks for the great review. I agree about the K&K Pure Minis - they are great at amplifying the natural tone of the instrument without the beauty of the instrument being lost in a preamp. They aren't 100% spectacular with a big band on stage due to issues with feedback but in my mind, they are the best sounding acoustic pickup around.
- Monique
Hey there kvsealegs,
Thanks for the great review. I agree about the K&K Pure Minis - they are great at amplifying the natural tone of the instrument without the beauty of the instrument being lost in a preamp. They aren't 100% spectacular with a big band on stage due to issues with feedback but in my mind, they are the best sounding acoustic pickup around.
- Monique
Registered User
Joined: 06/12/12
Posts: 4
I've used the k&k mini western for about ten years. Today, I use a K&K Fantastick under the saddle coupled with a Sunrise soundhole pickup. I use a stereo jack into a K&K stereo preamp. This set-up gives me great, natural sound. I like the k&k preamp because it provides an excellent impedance match to the pickup. That being said, I have had good luck into other acoustic preamps (I have a Sunrise SB1 and a Pickup the World), into my Acoustisonic Junior. If I want to go directly into a board, I need to ensure that the jack has at least 1 meg ohm resistance.
I've used the k&k mini western for about ten years. Today, I use a K&K Fantastick under the saddle coupled with a Sunrise soundhole pickup. I use a stereo jack into a K&K stereo preamp. This set-up gives me great, natural sound. I like the k&k preamp because it provides an excellent impedance match to the pickup. That being said, I have had good luck into other acoustic preamps (I have a Sunrise SB1 and a Pickup the World), into my Acoustisonic Junior. If I want to go directly into a board, I need to ensure that the jack has at least 1 meg ohm resistance.