Midas 502 Microphone Preamplifier (500 Series)

The Midas 502 is a 500 Series microphone preamplifier built on decades of live sound engineering expertise. Midas preamps are trusted by front-of-house engineers worldwide for their transparent, characterful sound and ability to handle extreme levels without distorting. This compact module delivers 80dB of gain, enough to amplify even the quietest ribbon and dynamic microphones to usable levels with headroom to spare.

The 502's signal path centres on the acclaimed MIDAS HERITAGE 3000 four–band fully parametric equaliser, known for its warm and responsive character. Dual concentric controls grant instant access to variable gain and frequency settings without menu diving. High– and lowpass filters derived from the Midas XL4 Live Performance Mixing Console sit at the output stage, alongside a switchable transformer–balanced output that adds colour or transparency depending on your source. Dimensions are 19cm wide, 26.4cm deep, and 8.7cm tall, weighing just 1.1kg.

This preamp suits studio work, live recording rigs, and touring setups where sonic character and reliability matter equally. The overload tolerance makes it forgiving when recording loud sources or running hot without careful gain staging. Whether tracking vocals in a bedroom or capturing drums in a hired room, the 502 delivers the tonal flexibility and headroom that separates professional results from compromised ones.

Features

• 80dB of gain for ultra–quiet microphones and ribbon sources
• MIDAS HERITAGE 3000 four–band fully parametric equaliser
• High– and lowpass filters from XL4 Live Console heritage
• Switchable transformer–balanced output stage
• Dual concentric control knobs for gain and frequency
• Compact 500 Series format: 19cm × 26.4cm × 8.7cm
• Weight 1.1kg for portable studio and live rigs
• Mic and line input capability in one module