The MS1S Mic Stage has been discontinued.
The Rane MS1S Mic Stage preamplifier provides the answer when you need just one microphone input in an otherwise line-level world. Give us a call to go from either a dynamic, condenser or electret microphone to a line-level input with a minimum of noise, distortion, cost and hassle.
The MS1S provides 48 V switchable Phantom Power with an indicator LED, continuous rotary Gain trim between 15 dB and 60 dB, Signal/Overload LED, and XLR balanced Input & Output connectors. A Polarity switch and high-current cross-coupled output line driver round out the features.
The MS1S utilizes one of the finest ultra low noise amplifier designs available. Featuring a true differential input with high common-mode rejection, use of the MS1S guarantees performance usually found only in mixing consoles costing thousands of times as much. Of course, for all of that extra money you receive a proportional increase in KPSI (knobs per square inch).
Uses and applications for the MS1S should be obvious. But then again, it’s obvious to us our taxes are too high and nothing is being done about that. With this in mind, perhaps a few words on using the MS1S might not be wasted.
BALANCED USE
The MS1S provides a true cross-coupled balanced output. This is equivalent to an electronic simulation of a transformer output. Rane follows the AES standard of pin 2 = hot. When running a long cable back to the mixer, run a line-level balanced line rather than a mic-level line. The compact MS1S can mount closer to the microphone, provide a local volume control (or not, just pull the knob off), while the stronger signal minimizes RF and hum irritations.
UNBALANCED USE
Balanced use is recommended to minimize noise. Unbalanced lines are usually quiet under 10 feet (3 meters), but longer runs will introduce the hum and interference you are trying to avoid. When you must drive an unbalanced device with the MS1S's balanced output, keep the cable short, and connect pin 2 to the “+” or “hot” lead, and tie pin 3 and ground together at the shield.
MIXING
The MS1S is designed to fill the need for adding a microphone channel to line-level mixers, such as the Rane SM26S. Many installations using either of these products invariably wind up with one unused input that would do the job perfectly if only it could operate at mic-level. In rides the MS1S to the rescue.
DIGITAL RECORDING AND SAMPLING
Another handy use for the MS1S is in recording applications. Many popular products do not have a high enough quality mic preamp to suit the resolution of the digital processing electronics. Such irony. Using the ultra low noise MS1S to bring the mic inputs up to extremely high quality line-level is an easy and affordable solution for this dilemma. No garbage in; no garbage out. Clippity-clop; clippity-clop.
MICROPHONE TYPES
The available gain and large input range of the MS1S allows the use of virtually any type of microphone. True 48V phantom power guarantees the MS1S works with every microphone. The better the mic, the better the MS1S sounds.
Ah, the sound of the thundering hoofs is deafening.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
| Parameter | Specification | Conditions/Comments |
| Input Impedance | 2k Ω | Balanced |
| Gain Range | 15 to 60 dB | |
| Phantom Power | +48 volts | 10 mA max |
| ..........Impedance | 6.81k Ω | Each leg |
| Max. Input Level | +9 / -35 dBu | Gain 15 / 60, balanced output |
| Equivalent Input Noise | -127 dBu | 20kHz BW, Rs=150Ω, Gain=60dB |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 94 dB | 20kHz BW, Rs=150Ω, Gain=15dB, re 4dBu |
| Dynamic Range | 114 / 91 dB | Gain 15 / 60 |
| CMRR | 80 dB | Rs=150Ω, 120 Hz, Gain = 60 dB |
| Frequency Response | 3 to 200k Hz | +0, -3db |
| THD+Noise (gain 60 dB) | .004% (Output=+20 dBu) | 55 to 20k Hz, 20 kHz BW, Rl=10 kΩ |
| THD+Noise (gain 15 dB) | .0006% (Output=+20 dBu) | 50 to 20k Hz, 20 kHz BW, Rl=10 kΩ |
| Line Driver | Active Cross-coupled | |
| Max. Output Level | +18 / +24 dBu | Balanced, 2 kΩ load |
| Output Impedance | 94 Ω | Each Leg |
| Signal Indicator | -11 dBu | Balanced output, Green LED |
| Overload Indicator | +20 dBu | Balanced output, Amber LED |
| Output Cable Length | 300 meters | Belden 8451 or equivalent |
| Unit: Agency Listing | c/CSA/us | 247105 |
| ..........Max Power | 3 W | C5 cord included |
| ..........Line Voltage | 100-240 VAC | 50 / 60 Hz |
| Unit Size | 1.64" H x 6.8" W x 4.26" D | (4.2 cm x 17.3 cm x 10.8 cm) |
| ..........Weight | 1 lb, 1 oz | (0.5 kg) |
| Shipping Size | 3.6" H x 11.75" W x 7.2" D | (9.5 cm x 30 cm x 18 cm) |
| ..........Weight | 4 lb | (1.8 kg) |
MS1S Mic Stage Data Sheet MS1S Mic Stage Manual MS1S Schematic
RaneNote: "Sound System Interconnection"Each unit is shipped with the MS1S Manual containing Safety and Compliance information, Schematic, the RaneNote "Sound System Interconnection," Declaration of Conformity, and Rane's 2+ Year Warranty information.
Since this unit uses a cross-coupled output, it is imperative that pin 3 be grounded to pin 1 and the audio positive connected to pin 2. It is also very important to make sure the unit is earth grounded using a separate wire connected to the chassis ground screw near the red power connector. See Sound System Interconnection RaneNote for further details. Not having an earth ground connection to the chassis is the number one cause of failure.
If the above doesn't answer your question, or it's urgent...
Phone 425-355-6000, 8:30 AM to 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday.
If it's less urgent, you can email the factory.
MS1S Mic Stage photo left front
MS1S Mic Stage photo right front
MS1S Mic Stage photo left rear
MS1S Mic Stage photo right rear
MS1S dimension drawing, front, top and rear
MS1S front DWG