Big Bear Audio MP1 User manual

MP1 and MP1+ User Manual

Signal Flow
In Use
The MP1 has been designed to be as malleable as possible during your session. The balanced inputs
can accept both mic and line levels, this means that you can be as creative as you like with the
Colour modules. By driving the Colour slightly you will achieve low a THD harmonic content, adding
subtle tones and compressions. By driving the Colour modules hard and then attenuating the output
you can really push the modules into harder saturation. And of course you can achieve everything in
between these two states.
Mic Line
The Input Gain control applies to Mic, Line and DI input. On the MP1 this ranges from +5dB to +65dB
on a continuous potentiometer. On the MP1+ the Elma Switch has 21 positions in gradual steps from
0dB to +60dB.
Instrument Input
The Instrument Input TRS on the front of the module has an active impedance topology, this
essentially means that the input impedance is almost infinite. The benefits of this topology mean
that the user can record with anything up to a piezo mic (for a double bass for example) however if
left unconnected to an instrument may cause considerable unwanted noise in your system.
Changing Colour Modules
Before removing the MP1 make sure all power has been turned off to your 500 series rack. To pull
out the MP1 hold on to the gain knob and pull gently on the unit. To change a Colour module first it
is advisable to ground yourself on something, some ground connected metal in your studio for
example, this will prevent any damage caused to sensitive parts that may be present in the modules.

To remove the modules tuck your fingers underneath either end of the module and lightly pull the
module out. To replace a module line up with header pins and the feet with the sockets in on the
MP1 and slightly push down on the module until you hear a click.
When first engaging the Colour switch on the MP1 there may be a small amount of DC present, it is a
good idea to engage a new Colour module with your master fader down just in case a DC spike
makes its way to your monitors.
VU Meter
The VU meter, although very accurate is intended for a visual guide. We have created a meter which
lies somewhere between peak and average, this will allow the user to accurately monitor levels and
also determine if there are serious transient clipping on your recording.
Noise
The MP1 has been engineered to have the lowest noise possible for an electronic input mic pre.
However the power supply makes a huge difference not only to the noise floor but the sound of the
MP1. The noise floor remains at -128dB EIN with any available commercial 500 series power supply,
there will however be issues with very cheap switch mode power supplies; The very poorly made
500 series power supplies will have SMPSs that create demonstrable harmonics in the audio band,
which are significantly audible when using any mic preamplifier. We strongly recommend linear
power supplies over switch mode, for many reasons not just including noise - please do get in touch
if you have any queries about this.
We fully appreciate that not all customers can afford linear 500 series power supplies, this generally
should not be an issue as the switching frequency noise is only present in the audio band of the
poorer supplies (5KHz-9KHz) when only 1-2 modules are loaded in the supply. This is due to the
switching frequency automatically moving higher as move current is drawn.
For more information on this we have written a blog post on this subject which you may find helpful.
Due to the MP1’s thicker than usual front panel it is supplied with both Metric M3 and Imperial 4-40
extra long mounting screws, please make sure you select the right type for your power supply.

MP1 Specification
Gain: 66dB
Mic and Line Input Impedance: 4.8K
Instrument Input Impedance: >2M
THD Mic/Line: 0.001%
THD Instrument: 0.04%
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 80KHz +/- 0.1dB @0dB Gain
Equivalent Input Noise: Better than -128dB
Signal to Noise Ration: Better than -95dB
MP1+ Specification
Gain: 60dB
Mic and Line Input Impedance: 4.8K
Instrument Input Impedance: >2M
THD Mic/Line: 0.01%
THD Instrument: 0.04%
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 50KHz +/- 0.5dB @0dB Gain
Equivalent Input Noise: Better than -128dB
Signal to Noise Ration: Better than -100dB
Product Warranty
Big Bear Audio warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year from date of purchase, and agrees to remedy any defect identified within such
one year period by, at our option, repairing or replacing the product.
This warranty, and any other express or implied warranty, does not apply to any product which has
been improperly installed, subjected to usage for which the product was not designed, misused or
abused, damaged during shipping, damaged by any dry cell battery, or which has been altered or
modified in any way. This warranty is extended to the original end user purchaser only. A purchase
receipt or other satisfactory proof of date of original purchase is required before any warranty
service will be performed.
THIS EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO
THE EXTENT ALLOWED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IN NO EVENT SHALL Big Bear Audio BE LIABLE FOR
ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS
PRODUCT.
Some countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages or limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

Warranty
If you suspect a defect in this product, please call us at [phone] or email us at
[email protected] to discuss the suggested defect (it is possible that a suspected defect
could be due to improper usage) and to obtain a returns number. It shall be your responsibility to
pay for shipping the product to us, and, if the product is determined to be defective, our
responsibility to pay for shipping the product back to you.