TEST: Horch MP NVR

Every sound engineer knows the problem: what you mess up at the beginning of the signal chain cannot be salvaged in the mixdown, even with the most sophisticated technology. This is especially true for the sound quality of the preamp in combination with the right microphone, which is especially noticeable in mobile recording or home recording. Probably everyone once in his early days just took any console / preamp, which was just available to pack his ideas on HD, only to be surprised later that it lacks depth, volume and headroom and even the best vocal / voice performance of the quality of an iPhone recording just turned out to be superior. Aware of this, the Horch company, which has already made a name for itself with its high-quality microphones, has consistently committed itself to mobile recording at the highest level at an affordable price with the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp, which is what the following test is intended to verify.

The concept of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp

No, even though the older generations may associate it, the Horch company, founded in 1997, has nothing to do with its automotive counterpart, which later evolved into the AUDI company (lat. "horch"). Rather, the German company from Schorndorf, led by developer Helmut "Jack" Breyer, has managed to rescue the classic tube technology of the 50s and 60s into the modern era and also make the technically archaic, but sonically high-quality yield accessible to the new generation in recording and producing. However, the best microphone is of no use at all if the subsequent transformer and the final conversion do not pass the signal recorded by the microphone through to the DAW at the same level.

Since many producers, especially from the rap and hip-hop area, now only work in the box and appreciate a flexible, high-quality microphone recording option, an easy-to-transport and yet high-quality sounding preamp is ideal, which combines the most important preamp functions in a small space and still does not lack in sound quality. That's why Horch decided on a kind of "brick" layout with the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp, which is not unlike a brick in that it is easy to transport and has sufficient stability. According to Jack Breyer, the stand-alone solution was deliberately chosen for cost reasons, which is good for the end customer in terms of price. The external, included 24V / 200 mA power supply was also outsourced for cost reasons, but Horch is already working on a very interesting USB-C solution to be able to supply the preamp with voltage via the corresponding ports of the computers, which would make the use of the usually unloved "board bugs" obsolete.

In terms of construction, the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp with its dimensions of (W x H x D) 10.7 cm x 6.2 cm x 18.4 cm and a weight of about 600 grams consists of a cuboid-shaped housing made of plastic, which finds its conclusion with two screwed metal plates on the front and back. There is no 19 inch frame for the desktop unit, so if you want to screw the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp into a rack, you'll have to get a corresponding 2 U panel and drill holes in it accordingly. However, Horch is already working on a 500 solution, which will solve the rack application accordingly. The preamp is supplied with a high-quality XLR - TRS adapter cable, whereby in a simple instruction leaflet it is pointed out to connect the preamp exclusively to the line input of the interface. If the interface used does not offer a line input in XLR format, the same cable is to be used for the TRS input. In principle, this is a self-evident action, but many beginners or career changers are guaranteed to make the typical wiring mistakes in terms of signal flow and wonder about the high-gain distortion on the monitors or headphones.

As usual with Horch, the preamp has been designed with only the most important functions in favor of sound quality, as there is the amplification itself, a switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, a phase rotary switch, a PAD switch, a mute button and a level meter. The level meter functions via a three-color LED with green (signal present), yellow (optimum level), and red (overload) indicators. The level meter of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp works similar to a VU meter, as the continuous color change is very similar to the movement of a needle. The gain is controlled by a very smooth and pleasantly sluggish gain control. On the rear there is an XLR input and output plus the power supply connection. The preamp stands on four soft rubber feet, which provide good slip resistance even on a very slippery surface.

As the name of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp suggests, the legendary Neve VR console was the inspiration for the product's development. The legendary preamps of the console, which were known for their outstanding transparency, were to be the starting point of the Horch preamp. On the output side, the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp was designed without a transformer for coloring reasons, quoting Jack Breyer "2x coloring is not good".

The Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp in practice

Where exactly is the optimal application range of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp? Actually a strange seeming question, because the preamp can be used of course in each area, where it concerns to supply the output weak microphone signal to a level, with which one can process the further signal flow accordingly. If you are in the lucky position to be able to run an old Neve or SSL console economically due to the crazy electricity costs in Germany, you will not really need a preamp in the style of the Horch MP NVR because of the high number of high-quality channels. But what if you really only want to drive high-quality mono microphone recordings, preferably vocals and this as stationary independent as possible?

This is where the concept of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp comes into play, which in its basic conception has ultimately designed the preamp of a Neve channel strip to go. Open the backpack, put in the MacBook, put in the interface, put in the necessary cables, put in 2 headphones, put in the preamp, put in the microphone, put in the pop shield, close the backpack and pack the microphone stand, done. If you can find a good sounding room and a professional singer, you can create high-quality basic recordings. Even Brian Adams and other successful artists have used this method to create parts of their recordings in hotel rooms or similar spaces.

But what is needed in any case is an A/B comparison to a simple "loudspeaker", the function of which is sometimes even taken over by some interfaces. This is where it becomes clear why the majority of engineers go into raptures at the name Neve and why users are tempted to pay €888, which, by the way, is a real "bargain" for what's on offer.

In fact, the Horch input transformer Custom made by Haufe is the central component as far as the sound of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp is concerned. Once again, we have to resort to a discreetly flowery description of the sound, but the words "transparency" and "size" probably describe the sound of the preamp best. Combined with excellent headroom, the product offers the legendary "British warmth" without the "over-coloring" that cheap 1073 clones tend to spread.

The sound is finely resolved without harsh frequencies in any form. Also, the character of the respective microphone is optimally captured and transmitted, fine differences do not fall victim to the equalizer principle, but are optimally processed and passed on. The balanced and open sound can simply be described as outstanding, especially in relation to the three-digit price. To what extent the desktop principle of the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp fits into the own workflow, each user must find out for himself, but the target group of the product will definitely be able to do something with the practical design.

Conclusion

With the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp, the company from Schorndorf has an outstanding sounding preamp in its portfolio. With a very good price / performance ratio, the product convinces in all sonic aspects and offers the legendary sound of the preamps of a Neve VR console in a single application.

If you need a very good sounding preamp for mobile use and want to offer optimal amplification for your microphone in all situations, you should definitely take a listen to the Horch MP NVR Mic Preamp.

Additional informations:

- Horch Audio is a German company that specializes in designing and manufacturing high-end audio equipment. The company was founded in 2015 by a group of audio engineers and enthusiasts who were passionate about creating audio equipment that delivers superior sound quality and a seamless user experience. Horch Audio has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and exceptional attention to detail, and the company has become a favorite among audiophiles and music professionals alike.

One of the key factors that sets Horch Audio apart from other audio equipment manufacturers is the company's commitment to using only the highest quality materials and components. All Horch Audio products are crafted using top-of-the-line materials, including precision-machined aluminum, aerospace-grade titanium, and premium quality circuit boards. Additionally, Horch Audio uses only the finest electronic components, such as hand-selected vacuum tubes and custom-designed transformers, to ensure that every product delivers the best possible sound quality.

Another important aspect of Horch Audio's design philosophy is the company's focus on usability and user experience. All Horch Audio products are designed with the user in mind, and the company places a high emphasis on creating products that are intuitive and easy to use. This attention to detail extends to the company's customer service as well, with Horch Audio offering exceptional support to its customers to ensure that they are completely satisfied with their purchase.

Horch Audio's product line includes a wide range of high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, DACs, and headphones. One of the company's flagship products is the Horch Audio M4 tube amplifier, which features a beautifully designed chassis made from aircraft-grade aluminum and an innovative circuit design that delivers exceptionally warm and natural sound. Another popular product is the Horch Audio DAC8, a high-end digital-to-analog converter that delivers stunningly clear and detailed sound quality.

In addition to its exceptional product lineup, Horch Audio is also known for its commitment to innovation and research. The company invests heavily in research and development, and is constantly exploring new technologies and design techniques to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of audio equipment. This commitment to innovation is reflected in the company's products, which feature cutting-edge technologies and unique design elements that set them apart from the competition.

Overall, Horch Audio is a company that is truly dedicated to delivering exceptional audio equipment to its customers. With its focus on quality, usability, and innovation, Horch Audio has quickly become one of the most respected names in the world of high-end audio equipment, and the company's products are sure to impress even the most discerning audiophile. Whether you are a music professional or simply a music enthusiast, Horch Audio has something to offer that is sure to elevate your listening experience to new heights.

- Microphone preamplifiers, commonly referred to as "mic preamps," are a type of electronic device used to amplify the signal from a microphone before it is fed into a recording or sound reinforcement system. Mic preamps are essential for capturing high-quality audio recordings, as they provide the necessary gain to bring the microphone's low-level signal up to a level that can be properly processed and recorded.

One of the key features of mic preamps is their ability to provide clean, transparent amplification of the microphone signal. This is important because any distortion or noise introduced at this stage of the signal chain will be amplified and will degrade the overall quality of the recording. High-quality mic preamps are designed to provide minimal noise and distortion, allowing the microphone signal to be amplified without introducing any unwanted artifacts.

Another important feature of mic preamps is their ability to provide variable gain. Different microphones have different sensitivity levels, and the amount of gain required to bring the microphone signal up to an appropriate level will vary depending on the specific microphone being used and the intended use of the recording. Mic preamps typically provide a variable gain control, allowing the user to adjust the level of amplification to match the needs of the specific recording situation.

Mic preamps can be built into a variety of different devices, including mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and standalone units. Standalone mic preamps are popular among recording professionals because they provide the ability to select and use a specific mic preamp for each recording channel, allowing for maximum flexibility and control. Some high-end mic preamps also include additional features, such as switchable input impedance or selectable high-pass filters, which can be used to further tailor the sound of the microphone signal.

In addition to their use in recording studios, mic preamps are also used in live sound reinforcement applications. In live sound, mic preamps are typically built into mixing consoles and provide the necessary gain and processing to amplify the signals from the various microphones used on stage. Live sound mic preamps are designed to provide robust and reliable performance in a live environment, where reliability and ease of use are essential.

In conclusion, microphone preamplifiers are a critical component of any audio recording or sound reinforcement system. They provide the necessary gain to amplify the low-level signal from a microphone, while minimizing noise and distortion. Whether used in a recording studio or live sound environment, high-quality mic preamps are essential for capturing clean, clear, and accurate audio recordings.