Shadow Hills Industries Mono Gama Hammer Forged Noir - 500 Series Mic Pre

500 Series Microphone Preamplifier with 4 Output Transformers - Noir

• Same circuitry as the original Mono GAMA, with an expanded output switching matrix
• New fourth “Stack” position for more weight, saturation, and harmonic density
• Four output options selectable via a knob: Nickel, Steel, Discrete, and Stack
• Revised set of output transformers with greater headroom and tighter low frequencies
• Original Jensen input transformer and discrete Class A amplification stage
• Gain control with a 24-position Swiss-made stepped attenuator
• DI input, phantom power, phase inversion, and 20 dB pad
• Noir finish with a hammered black front panel and engraved screen prints

The Shadow Hills Industries Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Noir is the modern evolution of the Mono GAMA microphone preamp in 500 Series format. Shadow Hills, the American brand known to mix and mastering engineers for its Mastering Compressor, has kept the architecture of the original model intact while expanding its tonal capabilities: the result is a preamp that preserves the Mono GAMA’s sonic identity while offering more character, more headroom, and even more authoritative low-frequency handling.

Shadow Hills Mono GAMA: The Original Circuit, Expanded

Jensen Transformer and Discrete Class A

As in the original Mono GAMA, the signal path begins with a balanced transformer input featuring an original Jensen transformer, followed by a discrete Class A amplification stage designed by Shadow Hills. At the heart of the circuit is a custom discrete op-amp, designed to deliver grandeur, fidelity, punch, and depth across the entire spectrum, without that veil that flattens the most detail-rich sources.

Precision Gain Control

Gain is adjusted using a 24-position Swiss-made stepped attenuator, accompanied by an output level trim and impedance selection. In a recording session, this means highly repeatable settings: you can recall a setup for a vocal or instrument with the certainty of getting exactly the same sound, even weeks later.

Four Output Transformers to Shape the Tone

Nickel, Steel, and Discrete

Shadow Hills couldn’t settle on just one vintage output transformer, so they had their favorites faithfully recreated and included them all. With a single knob, you can switch between different character profiles and tailor the preamp’s response to the material you’re recording—from the most open and defined vocals to guitars or basses that require more body.

The Stack Position on the Hammer Forged Model

The real innovation compared to the original Mono GAMA is the fourth “Stack” position, which internally combines the transformer paths to achieve greater weight, saturation, and harmonic density. It’s the ideal choice when a source needs to stand out in the mix with presence and thickness right from the recording stage, without resorting to downstream saturation plugins.

Revised Transformers: More Headroom and Solid Bass

The Hammer Forged models feature a revised set of output transformers, which delivers greater headroom and improved low-frequency performance compared to the original Mono GAMA, without altering its sonic character. More headroom for peaks and a more controlled low end result in recordings that hold up better under compression and in the mix.

Versatile 500 Series Preamp: DI, Phantom Power, and Noir Finish

Comprehensive studio features

The module features phantom power, phase inversion, a 20 dB pad, and a direct DI input with dedicated pad and phase inversion controls. You can use it with condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones, as well as for direct recording of bass, guitar, synths, and keyboards.

Hammer Forged Noir and Copper: Same Sound

The Hammer Forged Noir version differs from the Copper edition solely in its front panel and hammered black finish. The circuitry and audio performance are identical between the two Hammer Forged models: the choice is purely aesthetic, designed to blend seamlessly into your 500 Series rack.

Technical Specifications: Shadow Hills Mono GAMA Hammer Forged Noir

• Format: 500 Series
• Current consumption: 75 mA per module
• Input transformer: Original Jensen, balanced transformer input
• Amplification stage: Discrete Class A with custom discrete op-amp
• Gain control: 24-position Swiss-made stepped attenuator
• Output options: 4 positions (Nickel, Steel, Discrete, Stack)
• Additional controls: output level trim, impedance selection
• Features: Phantom power, phase inversion, 20 dB pad
• DI input: front panel, with pad and phase inversion
• Finish: Hammered black front panel with engraved screen prints