Millennia's Origin is what happens when a boutique builder refuses to compromise. One 2U chassis hides two complete signal paths, one all-tube, one all-discrete solid state, switchable at the touch of a button on every stage: two mic preamps, two NSEQ-2 mastering-grade EQs, two opto compressors and two opto de-essers, with transformer or transformerless coupling. That is 134 different fully Class A combinations, from glass-clear and surgical to rich and tubey. Engineers who own one tend to sell their Avalons and 6176s. On vocals it is, by common consent, like butter. A genuine cost-no-object front end.

FEATURES & PROS:

• Twin Topology: Switch any stage between an all-tube and an all-solid-state Class A path, instantly.
• Two Mic Preamps: Millennia's clean discrete preamp and a vacuum-tube preamp in one box.
• NSEQ-2 Mastering EQ: Tube and solid-state versions of Millennia's revered parametric EQ.
• Twin Opto Dynamics: Smooth opto compressor/limiters and de-essers on either topology.
• 134 Combinations: From surgical transparency to lush tube colour, all at the press of a button.
• Transformer or Transformerless: Add preamp personality or stay pristine.
• DI + Pro I/O: Instrument DI plus flexible professional routing.
• Cost-No-Object Front End: Widely rated among the best channel strips at any price.

THE WORD: Gearspace's reviewer rates the Origin among the very best preamp channel strips available at any price, with an EQ that does not dishonour Millennia's fabled NSEQ legacy. Read more at Gearspace.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Millennia Media STT-1 Origin Recording System
• Type: single-channel (mono) Class A recording channel strip, Twin Topology
• Preamps: two (vacuum tube and discrete solid state)
• EQ: two NSEQ-2 mastering-grade parametric EQs (tube and solid state)
• Dynamics: two opto compressor/limiters, two opto de-essers
• Coupling: transformer or transformerless, switchable
• Combinations: 134 signal-path permutations
• Format: 2U rack, 19 x 3.5 x 15.5 inches, approx 11 kg
• Condition note: boutique professional unit; full condition details on request