Sonic World THE BRICK User manual

SonicWorld
The Brick
Twin Gain V672 Class-A Mic
Preamp
Quickstart Guide

The Sonic World “Brick” is a Class-A, mono, transistor mic preamp in the tradition of
legendary classic tube and transistor pieces by Telefunken, TAB and Siemens.
Our goal was to create an ultra-compact front end with astonishing performance to allow the
amplification of any microphone or instrument with incredible headroom.
"The Brick" is built on a modified vintage Telefunken V672 amplifier card from an age when the
design of audio equipment was not determined by affordability.
In those days, Telefunken used only top quality components, such as extremely high
dimensioned input and output transformers. Through its discrete, Class-A transistor design,
"The Brick" produces an extremely fat, detailed and "expensive" sound.
“The Brick” has a maximum amplification of +64 dB. The two gain resistors on the front panel
work reciprocally. Gain 1 regulates the amplifier attenuation, Gain 2 regulates negative
feedback (volume) The unique “twin gain” design grants a wide variety of sonic possibilities
and allows “Brick” to operate without a PAD to process high input levels that would impair its
sonic charcter.
A good starting position is to turn Gain 1 all the way up and use Gain 2 depending on the
required level of amplification.
The integrated, discrete transistor FET-DI provides a vivid sound that perfectly matches the
sonic characteristics of the “Brick”.
It uses two completely separate, symmetrical outputs that operate independently of each
other: Output 1 (1/4”) and Output 2 (XLR). This would, for example, make it possible to
record to a DAW while monitoring through an analog device without any delay.
We replaced all of the original electrolytic capacitors with new, low-ESR Nichicon and
Panasonic condensers. All of the interference-prone Tantal capacitors were replaced as well.
The chassis is made of a visually appealing blend of aluminum and stainless steel. The front
panel consists of polished stainless steel, cover, bottom and back are made of brushed
stainless steel.
The “Brick” uses 24 V AC. A high-quality 24V AC quality power supply is included. It connects to
the rear coax jack.

Back panel connectors
Neutrik XLR and 1/4" input jacks
Two completely separate outputs
Output 1 (symmetrical 1/4” jack) and
Output 2 (XLR) enable simultaneous recording
to a DAW in addition to analog monitoring without any delay
AC input jack for 24V power supply (included)
Connectors for external 24
and 48V power supply.
DI - switch for input source.
Microphone or, when pushed in,
DI through 1/4" input jack.
48V - when activated +48V phantom power to XLR input