Presonus MP20 Burr-Brown Mod

[millzners]

I've been using my MP20 (later model w/out Jensens) for years and I love the thing.  I've come to really appreciate it's clarity and fidelity as an all purpose budget preamp.  I just recently learned about the Burr-Brown OPA627 op-amp mod.  I've read other people raving about the improvement to the quality and for roughly $50 I can't see a reason not to try it out.  Has anyone had personal experience with this?  Apparently you don't even need to solder, which I find hard to believe, but I'll take a look when I get a chance.

 

[drumgod52]

I've got 10 channels of this with the Burr Browns....good upgrade...would recommend it...I hear that the OPA827AP chips are even better but haven't tried those.

 

[millzners]

hmmmm,

Is it true the chips just plug in to a socket, no soldering? 

Well I might as well take a look at the OPA827's too.  Thanks!

 

[drumgod52]

Yep, just pop em in..an mp20 takes 4, ... 2 on the inputs and 2 on the outputs.

 

[saxmonster]

I have the later MP20 without the jensen transformers and was thinking about selling it to get cash for some DIY  500 kits. 

Since I can only get about $200 for it on evil bay I was just wondering it I should keep it and do the opamp upgrades and maybe stick the jensen transformers in it. 

How much would it really effect the sound?  I kinda though it always seemed boxy type sounding?  But very sterile and clean.

Could I use it then to run the stereo bus out through it to add a bit of "presonus sound" hahahaha. Its not like its a neve but it could add its own color.

What are you guys thoughts.

-Scott

 

[john12ax7]

I've had a few of these over the years, they are good budget pres. There are 3 mods you can do:

1) Take the outputs from the TRS send instead of the XLR main outs. You lose the mixing and panning functions but it bypasses some of the output circuitry and cleans up the sound a bit.

2) Replace the opamps. Never tried the 627 but did try the OPA604 and a couple others, eventually settled on LT1028, cleaned up the sound and lowered the noise floor.

3) Put in the Jensen transformers. They will sell them to you at a discount if you mention it's for this mod. They will even install them for a small fee which is worth it unless you have a proper desoldering station, even then it still might be worth the time savings.

All 3 of these made subtle yet noticeable improvements. If you can afford the higher end stuff go for it, if not the MP20 certainly gives you good price/performance ratio.

 

[ericjazz]

Hello,
Don't know if you're interested, but I still have a M80 (LT1357 fitted, Jensen Xformers) to sell (two channels need to be fixed) ... small price, of course.
All the best.
Eric