Mixstory Channel DJ Phono Preamp

The Mixstory Channel DJ Phono Preamp is a dedicated standalone phono preamplifier for turntable users whose mixer lacks a phono input — a situation increasingly common as modern DJ mixers eliminate phono stages in favor of all-line-level inputs, and as DJs connect turntables to line-level DJ controllers and audio interfaces that have never included phono preamplification. The phono preamp is a non-optional component in any turntable signal chain that does not include a mixer with a built-in phono stage: the output of a magnetic moving-coil or moving-magnet phono cartridge is between 0.2 and 5 millivolts — 50 to 1000 times weaker than the 150 to 500 millivolt signal that line-level inputs require — and requires the RIAA equalization curve applied during amplification to compensate for the recording equalization applied during vinyl cutting. Without a phono preamp with correct RIAA equalization, the turntable signal is simultaneously too quiet, too bass-heavy, and too treble-deficient to be usable. Mixstory’s Channel preamp supports both moving-magnet cartridges — the standard type used in DJ turntable cartridges — and moving-coil cartridges — the premium low-output type used in audiophile and high-end DJ applications. The MM/MC switch on the rear panel selects the appropriate input impedance and gain setting for each cartridge type, with the MC setting providing an additional 20 dB of amplification beyond the MM stage to compensate for the lower output of MC cartridges. The adjustable gain control allows the output level to be matched to the input sensitivity of whatever destination device the Channel feeds. A subsonic filter rolls off frequencies below 20 Hz to eliminate the very low-frequency rumble that turntable bearing noise and warped record undulations generate — a filter that prevents subsonic energy from overloading the downstream amplification and wasting headroom. The balanced XLR output provides noise-free signal delivery at any cable length. Dimensions: 140mm × 80mm × 40mm. Weight: 0.28 kg.