The Warm Audio Jude-MP is a single-channel, dual-discrete Class-A microphone preamp inspired by the original Sound Techniques A-Range recording consoles. Developed with Sound Techniques and based on Geoff Frost’s original circuit design, it delivers the forward, harmonically detailed console character associated with landmark London recordings of the 1960s and 1970s.
With a custom CineMag input transformer, high-purity nickel CineMag output transformer, nine-position Z-Match impedance control and up to 76 dB of gain, Jude-MP gives engineers a highly musical front end for vocals, drums, acoustic instruments, electric guitar, bass and line-level sources. A dedicated front-panel instrument input also makes it a serious DI for guitar and bass recording.
Key features
Authentic recreation of the Sound Techniques A-Range console microphone-preamp circuit
Developed in official collaboration with Sound Techniques
Single-channel, dual-discrete 3035 Class-A amplifier design
Custom CineMag input transformer with selectable impedance settings
Custom high-purity nickel CineMag output transformer
Nine-position Z-Match control for microphone loading and tonal adjustment
Variable microphone input impedance: 60 Ω, 200 Ω and 1.5 kΩUp to 76 dB of gain, depending on Z-Match setting and source impedance
Dedicated microphone, line-level and high-impedance instrument inputs48 V phantom power, polarity inversion and VU meterXLR and TRS line outputs
Premium Nichicon and WIMA capacitors1U, 19-inch rackmount chassis
The Jude-MP’s defining control is its nine-step Z-Match network. Rather than acting as a simple conventional gain control, it changes the relationship between microphone impedance and the input transformer/preamp circuit, influencing gain structure, loading and tonal response—particularly relevant with dynamic and ribbon microphones.
The Sound Techniques characterThe original Sound Techniques A-Range consoles were central to the sound of several influential London recording rooms. Warm Audio’s Jude series is not a loose “British-style” interpretation: it was developed directly with Sound Techniques and uses the original A-Range preamp circuit designed by Geoff Frost.That heritage gives Jude-MP a different position from a 1073-style preamp.
Where a classic 73-type design is often chosen for thick transformer weight, broad midrange authority and familiar British-console colour, Jude-MP targets a more open, present and detailed console voice with an unusually interactive input-impedance stage. It is a strong choice when a source needs articulation, dimensionality and controlled harmonic character without relying on EQ or compression at the recording stage.
Z-Match: match microphone and preampZ-Match is the operational centre of Jude-MP. It provides nine selectable positions across three microphone input impedance ranges—60 Ω, 200 Ω and 1.5 kΩ—allowing the engineer to deliberately change the electrical loading presented to the microphone.This is useful because microphone/preamp impedance interaction can affect output level, transient behaviour, tonal balance and perceived openness. Higher-impedance settings generally preserve a more open, less loaded presentation, while lower settings can reduce output and introduce a more controlled, weightier or denser response depending on the microphone.Use Z-Match as a creative front-end tool:
Start with a higher impedance setting for condenser microphones and sources requiring maximum openness.Experiment with mid settings to balance detail, body and gain structure.Try lower impedance positions with dynamic and ribbon microphones when you want a more deliberate load, altered tonal density or different gain behaviour.
Compare settings at matched output levels rather than judging only by loudness.ApplicationsVocalsUse Jude-MP to capture vocal detail, presence and harmonic dimension before the signal reaches your converter. The variable Z-Match control makes it particularly useful when matching the preamp character to different condenser, dynamic or ribbon microphones.Drums and percussionIts fast Class-A topology, substantial available gain and transformer-balanced signal path suit close mics, room mics, overheads and percussion. Use impedance settings to fine-tune attack, body and upper-mid articulation.Acoustic instrumentsRecord acoustic guitar, strings, piano or hand percussion with a detailed analogue front end.
The Z-Match control helps adapt the preamp’s interaction to the microphone and recording context rather than committing to one fixed impedance behaviour.Electric guitar and bassConnect directly to the high-impedance instrument input for a high-quality DI signal that can be recorded cleanly, processed with amps and pedals, or paired with a simultaneously miked cabinet.
Line-level sourcesUse Jude-MP’s line input to add console character and transformer colour to synths, samplers, drum machines and playback sources.
Who is it for?
Warm Audio Jude-MP is especially relevant for:
Recording engineers building a characterful analogue front end
Producers who want a high-end single-channel vocal and instrument preamp
Studios using dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones that benefit from impedance options
Guitarists and bassists who need a serious DI stage rather than a basic interface input
Hybrid studios combining a premium analogue input chain with modern converters and DAW workflows
Users looking for a genuine alternative to conventional 73-style or tube-preamp colours
What is included?Warm Audio Jude-MP microphone preampExternal power supply or mains cable, depending on regional product versionDocumentationConfirm the exact box contents for your distributor territory before publishing this section.
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