Combining a precisely matched octet of discrete bipolar transistors with a laser trimmed DC coupled FET-based output driver stage, the HV-3C (tm) is an entirely "double balanced," extremely wide dynamic range stereo microphone preamplifier intended for demanding acoustic recording. Unlike "textbook" mic preamplifiers, the HV-3C signal path never unbalances or rebalances the original signal — thus maintaining a high degree of signal integrity. Over 20,000 channels of HV-3 micamps are already in use by a who's-who in critical acoustic recording.

Unlike preamps using vacuum tubes, IC function modules and audio transformers (all of which can lend their own audio coloration) the Millennia HV-3C is precisely optimized towards capturing the subtlest detail of music and ambience. With +23 dBu native input headroom, the HV-3C requires no input pads, attenuators, or switch points as found on common textbook preamp designs - thus avoiding yet another source of sonic degradation. Moreover, with its +32 dBu output headroom, ultra-high dynamic stability and linearity is assured. NOTE: The HV-3C is a recently-updated version of the HV-3B two channel mic preamp, with improved mechanical design and cosmetics, and standard 36 step gain control. HV-3C uses the identical preamps as found in the HV-3D 8-ch units.

TEC Award Nomination:
HV-3C signal path from input through output is entirely balanced with a minimum amplifier topology. Uncompromising circuit design with meticulous selection and hand-matching of critical components assures consistently transparent audio performance at all dynamic excursions and frequency extensions.

Product Highlights:
* HIGH SPEED TRANSFORMERLESS DESIGN
* 23 dB INPUT & 32 dB OUTPUT HEADROOM
* NO PADS (ATTENUATORS) REQUIRED
* ENTIRELY BALANCED AUDIO PATH
* LASER TRIMMED FET-BASED OUTPUT
* THD+N LESS THAN 5 PPM (.0005%)
* MATCHED DISCRETE TRANSISTOR OCTET FRONT-END
* OPTIONAL BRÜEL & KJÆR (DPA) +130V MIC INPUTS
* OPTIONAL 24 BIT, 192 kHz "POW-R" A/D CONVERTERS (HV-3C/24, late 2005)
* OPTIONAL "DC INPUTS" — IDEAL FOR RIBBON MICS
* PRECISION COMPONENTRY THROUGHOUT
* GOLD AUDIO CONNECTORS & SWITCHES
* STANDARD 36-STEP GAIN CONTROL (1.5 dB PER STEP)
* STEREO GAIN MATCHED TO .08 dB
* OFC AUDIO WIRING, SILVER TEFLON POWER WIRING
* ULTRA-CLEAN TOROID POWER SUPPLY
* WELDED 16 GAUGE STEEL RACK CHASSIS
* UNSURPASSED AMBIENCE RETRIEVAL
* EFFORTLESS, LIFELIKE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
AT ALL DYNAMIC LEVELS

Available Options:
* B&K (DPA) +130V mic inputs
* 24-bit 192 kHz A/D "POW-R" converters (est delivery late 2005)
* DC Input Option for ideal performance with dynamic and ribbon microphones

Product Specifications:
MINIMUM GAIN: 8.5 dB
MAXIMUM GAIN (1.5 dB per step, 36 steps): 60.5 dB (up to 78 dB on rqst)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE +0 / -3 dB: sub 4 Hz to beyond 300 kHz
FREQUENCY RESPONSE, STEREO DEVIATION: < .04 dB
NOISE @ 60 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 30 kHz, Inputs common: -133 dB EIN
NOISE @ 60 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 30 kHz, 50 Ohm Source: -130 dB EIN
NOISE @ 60 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 30 kHz, 150 Ohm Source: -128 dB EIN
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION + NOISE, 35 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 20 kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu Out
< .001%, Typ. < .0005% (< 5 PPM)
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION (50 Hz & 7 kHz) 35 dB Gain, +27 dBu Out: < .0009%
PHASE RESPONSE35 dB Gain, 50 Hz - 20 kHz bandwdth, +27 dBu Out: < 2 degrees deviation
PHASE RESPONSE, STEREO DEVIATION 35 dB Gain, 20 Hz - 40 kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu Out
< 1/2 degree deviation
COMMON MODE REJECTION RATIO: 35 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 20 kHz bandwidth, 100 mV C.M. > 65 dB, Typ > 85 dB
SLEW RATE 35 dB Gain, +27 dBu Out: > 25 Volts per microsecond
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL 20 Hz - 40 kHz: +23 dBu*
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL 20 Hz - 40 kHz: +32 dBu
INTERCHANNEL CROSSTALK: 35 dB Gain, 1 kHz, +27 dBu
-All Outputs: Better than -120 dB (> 20 Bits)
PHANTOM INPUT IMPEDANCE @ 20 Hz: 6,700 Ohms
PHANTOM INPUT IMPEDANCE @ 20 kHz: 6,800 Ohms
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 24.3 ohms (x2)
B&K (DPA) MIC POWERING: +130 VDC, max, direct (non-phantom) powered
PHANTOM POWERING: +48 VDC, +/- 2 VDC
POWER CONSUMPTION, MAXIMUM: 45 Watts, Maximum
POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
DIMENSIONS: 19" W x 12" D x 3.5" H

* Approximately equivalent to the output of a B&K 4012 microphone in a 145 dB SPL soundfield.
- Unless stated, all measurements are balanced into 100k ohm load on a calibrated Audio Precision System One.