The original stereo Deja Vu was designed as a simple yet refined microphone preamp that blends the most beloved characteristics of the "Big 3", arguably the three most famous console headamp designs from the golden era of music from the USA, the UK and Germany. Drawing on the synergy of these core components, engineer Stephen Pettyjohn has further refined the circuit for the modern age, optimizing the signal path and components, leaving no stone left unturned, achieving the analog color we all love without sacrificing any detail or dimension. The resulting preamp has classic bigger-then-life sound stage with a wide saturation sweet spot that can be dialed in perfect on every source giving you instant inspiration and sonic Deja Vu every time you plug in, now in the popular 500 series modular format. 

DejaVu 500 main features:

*USA Made Cinemag 75101 vintage spec input transformer

*High Z/Low Z switch wires input transformer 10:1 or 5:1

*Premium Neumann OM-10 Discrete Opamp made for Ethereal by Silvester Electronics in the Netherlands

*Switch between genuine Cinemag and Carnhill Output transformers for two totally different, complementary preamp flavors with the push of the TRANS button.

*Voice your preamp in real time with the three way Zobel switch, this passive circuit interacts different with either output transformer, resulting in six subtly different preamp voicing, effecting mainly the air band frequency response.

~Zobel 1: Neve values with Orange Drop cap give a natural top end optimized with the Carnhill, TRAN button pressed in.

~Zobel 2: Warm your preamp even more by passively rolling off gently above 16kHz, perfect for shaving zip off bright sources.

~Off: No Zobel network means you hear the output transformer natural high frequency response. This is the standard setting for the Jensen output, TRAN button out.

*Transparently trim the output volume to not peak your converters with a genuine Bournes T-Pad attenuator. This attenuator comes after the output transformer so you can use the gain to drive the output transformer into the perfect level of saturation without peaking your converters. 

*45dB of active gain plus up to 20dB of transformer gain gives a max total of 65 dB of gain, plenty for any source.

*PAD amount adjusted via mini toggle on main PCB between 10 dB and 20dB

*Handcrafted by Stephen Pettyjohn in Albany, Oregon

Synergy: more then the sum of the parts

Analog magic is component synergy. Each component in the signal path imparts something to the sound, and in our design process we have built over 50 of these preamp circuits experimenting with different components to find the ones we think have the magic in the context of our simple but effective preamp topology. Every part is considered from the discrete opamps interaction with different transformers to any capacitor interacting with the sound down to the resistors being used in the signal path. There are many 500 series preamps on the market but few that go to the nth degree to deliver mojo and detail, setting the Deja Vu apart from the mass produced preamps in big box stores or budget friendly outlets. We source only the highest quality parts from the most respected manufactures like genuine Cinemag and Carnhill Transformers, highest quality Discrete Opamps and resistors from PRP & Dale, and pots from Bourns. 

Audiophile details:

*No Capacitor in audio path

*USA Made PRP resistors in audio path

*Gold Plated PCB with oversized traces

*OHNO premium audiophile wire used in audio path

*Silver and Gold Plated switches

TRANSFORMER OPTIONS

The Deja Vu is offered in several core configurations but for those looking to forge their own sonic identity there are many component options you can select when ordering to customize your Deja Vu 500. If you have a stash of vintage transformers and discrete opamps like me you can even order the kit without certain parts to implement your own. Email us for custom pricing for withholding core components.

Currently we offer one different option for each transformer. While we think the stock offering offers the best, most well rounded preamp, we also understand some studios are looking to fill different sonic holes. Maybe you have a good selection of neve or api preamps already, then you possibly don't want a Carnhill or Jensen respectively.

Input Transformer Options

Stock: Cinemag 75101

Option 1: Cinemag "Heider" RE 0887 Input transformer

The RE-0887 "Heider" transformer is very popular however on most sources its not my preference. Sonically, it is splitting hairs with the stock 75101, with just a hair more perceivable energy in the upper mids making this ideal for those looking for more modern/punchy preamp at the risk of being a touch brighter on some sources.  If you are looking to achieve a more classic API tones, this is the one you want. Add:$25

Output Transformer 1

Stock: Cinemag RE-123. This is the original spec of the Jensen JT-123 that is now very hard to source due to issues at Jensen. I will offer the Jensen again if it becomes attainable.

Output Transfromer 2

Stock: Carnhill VTB1148 Gapped

Option 1: Cinemag  Add $25

Honestly, both of these output transformers are awesome and give a huge rich sound. The Carnhill gives the classic Neve smiley face profile, with bigger then life sound. Huge lows and sparkly highs, plus it is thick punchy when saturated. However, I understand not every needs another "Carnhill" in their world so at the risk of it being option fatigue I'm offering a lovely Cinemag option. The Cinemag transformer is the same size as the Carnhill, they are huge, and sonically it has a little less scooped mid feel with excellent lowend and a nice natural top end as well. More American sounding for sure. My recommendation is unless you know you don't need/want a Carnhill don't worry about this option. The carnhill/neve sound is an staple in studios for a reason and for me it's particularly amazing on drums.