Enter the sonic realms of not one, however two top-notch gems from Seventh Circle Audio: the SCA N72 and the SCA A12.
Hailing from the guts of the USA, Seventh Circle Audio, spearheaded by the visionary Tim Ryan since 2001, has garnered a faithful following for its prowess in resurrecting classic classics.
Initially famend for its DIY kits nestled inside their proprietary SC2 chassis, the corporate has lately broadened its horizons, unveiling 500 collection modules tailor-made for the broader inhabitants of audio fanatics.
Whereas the choice to avoid wasting a cool $120US beckons these adept with a soldering iron, right this moment we discover the pre-built and meticulously examined variations.
What units Seventh Circle aside is its steadfast dedication to authenticity and efficiency, eschewing the standard advertising and marketing rigamarole in favour of delivering preamps that punch properly above their wallet-weight.
So, what are we ready for? Let’s delve into the world of the N72 and the A12.
First in our highlight is the N72, a refined nod to the enduring Neve 1272 lineage, modified to function a microphone preamp. Embracing Carnhill transformers, descendants of the legendary Marinair and St Ives household, the N72 beckons with as much as 70dB of achieve, adjusted by way of a satisfying stepped potentiometer.
Over the opposite aspect we’ve acquired the A12, Seventh Circle’s homage to the classic API 312. Anchored by a bespoke SC25 op amp akin to the revered API 2520, and outfitted with a cinemag enter and output transformer, the A12 affords an equally nice expertise with its 70dB of achieve, managed by a premium stepped Grayhill potentiometer.
Each preamps, borne of transformer-based structure, exude distinct character harking back to their esteemed ancestors.
We used an SM57 to seize a snare drum, subsequent shifting over to a guitar amp and at last, to vocals. This allowed us to actually hear the N72 and A12 towards their classic counterparts, revealing nuances that blur the strains between previous and current.
The Seventh Circle choices stand tall, delivering a sonic expertise akin to their Neve and API progenitors. The resemblance is fairly rattling placing, putting us firmly throughout the coveted sonic realms of classic grandeur.
Solidly constructed, each the N72 and A12 come outfitted with important options together with achieve, trim, section flip, and phantom energy, with the N72 providing an extra impedance swap for mic matching and tonal sculpting.
And now, the value tag—a mere fraction of their inspirations’ value—makes the Seventh Circle duo a reasonably cheap proposition. The SCA N72, obtainable at $499US pre-built or $379US for the DIY fanatics, and the SCA A12, priced at $449US pre-built or $349US for the DIY aficionados, await on the Seventh Circle web site, able to infuse your sonic endeavours with somewhat classic magic.
