Warm Audio Jude-MP2 – Dual-Channel Sound Techniques A-Range Microphone Preamp
The Warm Audio Jude-MP2 brings two channels of the open, detailed and harmonically rich Sound Techniques A-Range console character to a professional 1U rackmount format. Developed in official collaboration with Sound Techniques and based on the original circuit design by Geoff Frost, Jude-MP2 is not a generic British-style microphone preamp. It is a distinctive console-inspired recording front end designed for musical, articulate and spatially precise capture.
Each channel uses a dual-discrete 3035 Class-A amplifier design with a custom CineMag input transformer and a high-purity nickel CineMag output transformer. The two matched channels are ideal for stereo sources, matched microphone pairs, dual vocal or instrument chains and consistent multi-microphone recording. With up to 76 dB of gain per channel, Jude-MP2 provides substantial gain reserve for condenser microphones, dynamic microphones and many passive ribbon microphones.
The defining sound-shaping tool is independent nine-position Z-Match control on each channel. Z-Match changes the electrical relationship between the microphone, input transformer and preamp. Depending on the connected microphone, source and setting, it can influence gain structure, transient response, tonal balance, density and perceived openness. This allows each channel to be optimised individually for the microphone and recording application.
Three microphone impedance ranges—60 Ohms, 200 Ohms and 1.5 kOhms—provide useful technical and creative flexibility. Higher impedance settings are often a strong starting point when an open, lightly loaded response is required. Mid settings can balance clarity, body and presence, while lower settings may support a denser, more focused or more controlled character with selected dynamic and ribbon microphones.
With two matched channels, Jude-MP2 is especially effective for stereo microphone techniques. Use it for XY, ORTF, AB and Blumlein recording, drum overheads, stereo room microphones, piano, acoustic guitar, strings, percussion, choirs and stereo line-level sources. Independent Z-Match control allows identical settings for a consistent stereo image, or separate adjustment when two different microphones or sources require individual optimisation.
In addition to two XLR microphone inputs, Jude-MP2 provides line inputs for synthesizers, samplers, drum machines and other line-level sources. Two dedicated high-impedance instrument inputs support direct guitar and bass recording, making the unit equally useful for clean DI tracks, amp simulation, reamping and parallel DI-plus-amplifier recording.
Balanced XLR and 6.35 mm TRS line outputs allow professional connection to audio interfaces, external A/D converters, patchbays and analogue outboard. Per-channel 48 V phantom power, polarity inversion and two analogue VU meters support fast, clear gain staging during recording.Warm Audio Jude-MP2 is an excellent choice for studios and engineers who need a characterful dual-channel preamp for stereo capture and demanding individual sources. It offers a different approach from a typical 73-style design: instead of emphasising familiar transformer weight and broad midrange colour, Jude-MP2 delivers an open, focused console voice with adjustable microphone loading through Z-Match control.
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