Wolff Audio W1 Console ST Preamp

Console-grade performance. Single-channel precision. Relay-controlled analog purity.

Designed by legendary engineer Paul Wolff, the W1 brings true console architecture into a compact 500-series format, delivering the same transformer topology, relay-controlled signal path, and gain structure used in Wolff Audio’s large-format consoles.

“At its core, this is the exact mic pre from our console,” said Paul Wolff, Co-Founder and Chief Engineer of Wolff Audio. “Same transformers, same topology, same philosophy. We didn’t scale it down. We simply made it accessible.”

Console DNA in a 500-Series Module

The W1 features custom Cinemag input and output transformers, a socketed op-amp design allowing users to install their preferred op-amp, and a fully relay-controlled signal path for gain, pad, phantom power, and line switching.

Unlike conventional mic pres, the W1 operates at significantly lower baseline gain, allowing engineers to capture extremely loud sources without sacrificing tone or headroom.

“In zero gain mode, the transformer is padded 10 dB and the op-amp runs at unity,” explained Wolff. “That puts the W1 roughly 20 dB lower than most mic pres. You can put an SM57 two inches from a snare and hit it as hard as you want without needing a pad — and you don’t lose the sound.”

The result is a microphone preamp that preserves transformer loading, maintains proper impedance relationships, and delivers a fat, punchy, musical tone even on aggressive sources.

Precision Gain Control and Output Management

Gain is selectable in 10 dB increments up to 50 dB, with an additional ±6 dB trim stage and a dedicated output fader — a design made possible by Wolff’s dual-stage architecture.

“The output fader lives between two gain stages,” said Wolff. “That means you can drive the preamp for tone and still hit your converters safely. No impedance problems. No compromises.”

Maximum gain reaches approximately 56 dB, placing the W1 comfortably in high-gain territory while maintaining stability and clarity.

Studio-Ready Monitoring and Metering

The W1 includes a dual-mode LED indicator derived from Wolff Audio’s console design, showing both –20 dB and +4 dB reference points, with intelligent release timing and clip indication.

Front-panel features include:

• Neutrik Combo ¼-inch/XLR mic and instrument input
• Relay-controlled 20 dB pad
• Relay-controlled 48V phantom power with output dimming
• Polarity reverse
• Gain trim and output fader
• Console-grade LED metering