FELiX2
Studio Quality 2 Channel Acoustic Preamp / EQ / DI
Released 6 years ago, FELiX helped usher in a renaissance of amplified acoustic sound quality and functionality. What once required racks of studio gear and stage techs to achieve, FELiX made available in a single, affordable and rugged /compact floor unit. Since its release, we have worked together with many demanding players to improve and hone its features and functionality, and are now pleased to announce the latest version of this little champ – FELiX2.
FELiX2 NEW FEATURES INCLUDE:
STEREO OPERATION
- New dual mono or true stereo FX loop allows for independent FX loops on either channel or stereo FX operation with mono or stereo in
- Stereo amp output for connecting to stereo stage amp rig
- Stereo headphone output for stereo headphone personal monitoring bliss
VARIABLE PHASE CONTROL
- Built in variable phase control on channel 2 allows users to adjust mic / pickup blending systems to be perfectly phase coherent
MORE EQ POWER
- HIGH shelving EQ control updated to include 2 transition frequency settings at 1k and 2k, allowing for more flexible high frequency tone control
- New notch filter uses a much higher Q setting for better surgical control of problem frequencies
NEW POWER SUPPLY
- Class II power supply eliminates ground loops when connecting to stage amps and other non-isolated stage equipment
- NOTE: this is now a 2 prong power input
BETTER STAGE MANNERS
- New protective side rails and slightly lower profile knobs to help protect controls from extra left feet and floppy stray instrument cables
CHANNEL 1 BOOST DEFEAT
- Allows the boost circuit to only affect channel 2
FELiX2 is a studio quality, 2 channel blending acoustic instrument and mic preamp, designed for working musicians, engineers, sound companies or venues looking for the highest quality solution for amplifying stringed instruments. FELiX2 is built into a roadworthy floor unit chassis of anodized aluminum and steel, portable enough to leave the rack at home but bring studio quality to the stage. With the same stunning audio performance and legendary reliability as Grace Design’s pro audio range, FELiX2 brings open, musical and nuanced preamplification to any performance situation.
A powerful eq section allows simple and intuitive tone shaping for even the most unruly of instruments. Each channel’s variable high pass filter cuts 12dB per octave from 20Hz to 1kHz, and can also be set as a notch filter for chasing down problem feedback or rumble areas. Parametric mid range controls cover from 70Hz all the way to 8KHz. While fixed low and high controls are carefully voiced for musical shading of bass and treble.
Controls are simple and clearly marked on a bright panel, making them easy to read and tweak on a dark stage. Footswitch functions include a mute / tune switch for muting all outputs except the dedicated tuner out, a boost switch which activates a variable boost circuit, and finally, an A/B mode switch for when FELiX2 is in A/B mode (which simply toggles between the two different channels).
FELiX2 brings the kitchen sink approach to I/O. Inputs include a 48V XLR mic input and two instrument inputs. Two independent transformer isolated DI outputs can be sourced from either the mix or the individual channel. This allows you to send the front of house a mix or each channel independently. A dedicated, level controlled amplifier output can be sourced from the mix or channel 2. A dedicated tuner output stays active when all the other outputs are muted. A side panel mounted 1/8” mini jack headphone amplifier is there for practicing, private noodling during boring soundchecks, or scrutinizing dubious eq decisions. Dual TRS jack send and return FX loop signals and can be configured for stereo operation or dual mono with separate FX loops for each channel.
Guitar, bass, fiddle, mandolin, cello, dare we say banjo, that weird 3 string gourd thing – FELiX2 is your instrument’s new best friend. Flexible, reliable, a good listener and eager to make you sound better, FELiX2 is also your new best friend.
Designed and built by family and friends in sunny Lyons, CO, USA.
“Congrats on making a great box. I’ve been hoping for something of this caliber for years and years. It renders my pedal board of the last several years obsolete and useless. It’s easy to use and sounds like I’d hoped. Bottom line – this is the best preamp I’ve ever used.”
-Bryan Sutton, six time winner of the IBMA’s Guitarist of the Year
The Grace Design EON and STANDARD Warranties
We back up everything we make with either our unrivaled 20 year EON limited warranty, or the 5 year standard limited warranty. These represent the best coverage in the business and prove our commitment to the quality, serviceability and long term value of Grace Design products.
- Open, musical and detailed instrument and mic preamplification for discerning artists and engineers
- 2 channel audio path with blend output control
- m101 style transimpedance microphone preamplifier, no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path
- Variable Phase control on channel 2 for fine tuning phase between a microphone and pickup
- Ultra precision 0.5% thin film resistors are used in the signal path
- Careful power supply design and grounding yield an ultra-quiet signal path and professional level headroom and line driving ability
- Fully ground isolated DI outputs with high quality, low distortion, fully shielded transformers
- Super rugged 1/4” connectors with heavy duty metal bushings
- New side rails to protect control from inadvertent changes via cables or feet
- Powerful, independent EQ on both channels – hi and low shelving and full parametric midrange
- Mid frequency control has two ranges 70-880Hz / 670 – 8kHz
- 20Hz-1kHz sweepable HPF on both channels, can also be set as notch filter
- A / B footswitch for multiple instrument configurations or soloing different pickups
- Mute/ tune footswitch mutes all outputs except dedicated tuner out
- Boost footswitch for variable 10dB level boost (global)
- DI outputs sources are configurable – Ch1 (mix or Ch1) Ch2 (mix or Ch2)
- Dedicated level controlled stereo stage amp output (configurable as blend or Ch2)
- Dedicated tuner out, remains hot when unit is muted
- Side panel switches for 48V, phase, mid Hz range select, HPF/notch select, 12V and A/B mode select
- 12V mic input power available on Ch2
- Phase reverse switch for each channel
- 3 input impedance settings on each channel – Ch1 10K, 1MEG, 10MEG / Ch2 332K, 1MEG, 20MEG accommodating a wide range of pickup types
- Mic stand flange mount screw holes holes for putting FELiX on a mic stand
- 1/8” stereo headphone jack, active when FELiX is muted
- Stereo FX loop or independent dual mono FX loops
- NEW CLASS II Universal 100-240 AC power supply with standard IEC cable
- Full 5 year transferable warranty / built for long, happy life on the road
- Designed and built by family and friends in Lyons, CO, USA
| GAIN RANGE (Input to DI Output) | |
|---|---|
| CH1 Mic input | 21-62dB |
| CH1 Instument input | Low Gain: 3-44dB |
| High Gain: 21-62dB | |
| CH2 Instument input | -1.5-36.5dB |
| Boost | 0-9dB |
| THD+N, 1kHz, 22Hz-22kHz BW (MIC Input to DI Output) | |
|---|---|
| @ 20dB Gain +10dBu out | <0.0045% |
| @ 40dB Gain +10dBu out | <0.0050% |
| @ 60dB Gain +10dBu out | <0.010% |
| INTERMODULATION DISTORTION – SMPTE/DIN 4:1 7kHz/50Hz (MIC Input to DI Output) | |
|---|---|
| @ 40dB Gain +10dBu out | <0.05% |
| NOISE – REFERRED TO INPUT CH1 MIC @60dB Gain 22Hz-22kHz BW | |
|---|---|
| 50Ω source | <-128dB |
| CMRR @60dB Gain | |
|---|---|
| 100Hz | >55dB |
| 1kHz | >75dB |
| 10kHz | >75dB |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE (Input to DI Output) | |
|---|---|
| Mic input @ 40dB Gain -3dB | 20Hz – 65kHz |
| Inst input @ 20dB Gain -3dB | 20Hz – 65kHz |
| I/O Impedance | |
|---|---|
| CH1 Mic Input | 8.1kΩ |
| CH1 Inst Input | HI: 10MegΩ |
| MED: 1MegΩ | |
| LOW: 10kΩ | |
| CH2 Inst Input | HI: 20MegΩ |
| MED: 1MegΩ | |
| LOW: 332kΩ | |
| Insert Input | 10kΩ |
| DI Outputs | 150Ω |
| Amp, Tuner, Headphone and Insert Outputs | 150Ω |
| SIGNAL / PEAK LED METER | |
|---|---|
| Green Threshold | -10dBu |
| Red Threshold | +10dBu |
| Maximum Input Level | |
|---|---|
| CH1 Mic | 0dBu |
| CH1 Inst | Low Gain: +21dBu |
| High Gain: 0dBu | |
| CH2 Inst | +20.5dBu |
| Maximum Output Level – 100k Ohm load, 0.1% THD | |
|---|---|
| DI Outputs | Line: +20dBu |
| Mic: -6dBu | |
| Amp, Tuner, Headphone and Insert Outputs | +22 dBu |
| High Pass Filter / Notch Filter | |
|---|---|
| High Pass Filter | 20Hz – 1kHz @ -12dB/octave |
| Notch Filter | 20Hz – 1kHz, >-35dB, Q>1.0 |
| EQ | |
|---|---|
| Gain | +/- 12dB |
| Low Frequency | Low Range: 125Hz Shelving |
| High Range: 250Hz Shelving | |
| Mid Frequency | Low Range: 70Hz – 880Hz |
| High Range: 670Hz – 8kHz | |
| Mid Frequency Q | 0.5 – 5 |
| High Frequency | 2kHz Shelving |
| OUTPUT NOISE 22Hz-22kHz BW @ MIN Gain | |
|---|---|
| CH1 MIC Input (50 ohms) to DI Output | <-88dBu |
| CH1 Inst Input to DI Output | <-88dBu |
| CH2 Inst Input to DI Output | <-98dBu |
| EXTERNAL FOOTSWITCH | |
|---|---|
| MUTE (TIP) | Momentary – Normally Open – Switch to GND < 10Ω |
| BOOST / TOGGLE (RING) | Momentary – Normally Open – Switch to GND < 10Ω |
| POWER CONSUMPTION | |
|---|---|
| 100-240VAC 50/60Hz | 10 Watts Max |
| Weight and Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| 3.2lbs | H3.0” x W9.5” x D5.5” |
FELiX is pure Grace for the Acoustic
So I just plugged in my Jorge De Zofia A1F Cedar Top Flamenco with Carlos Juan Amplification VIP Vicente pickup using a cable from Gerald Rohm in to FELiX by Grace Design and all I can say is WOW just amazing and it sounds like my guitar louder, pure tone and clarity. No smearing of frequencies. I will also be using this with a DPA 4099G on my flamenco guitars. Best preamp I’ve ever used for nylon strings with a pickup. This is my tone. The clarity of what happens in this box is magic and pure, whatever your putting in (source) gets faithfully represented and not hyped, cut, squashed just preamplifid with clarity. It’s really in my mind part of your instrument, not just some box on the pedal board or floor. I waited half a year to hear this and I’m so glad I did not go with some of the others out there. Blows away others I’ve used and I’ve used a few. Oh and I just ran FELiX to powered 10in Speaker. Can’t wait to set this up on a pedal board and use FELiX with a QSC or Bose. Oh well back to “Just Playing” Thanks to TJ at Sweetwater for getting this out to me so quickly. Will gig with it this weekend.
Victor T from Princeton NJ
Exceptional, The Best
I finally spent the dollars to get FELiX – And I am so glad I did. This is simply the most accurate, detailed, true, and exceptionally clear sounding Acoustic Instrument preamp I’ve ever used. I tour with several acoustic guitars ranging from standard tuned, to open tuned, and even a couple of baritone acoustics. This piece of gear solved all of my problems and allowed me to easily highlight all of the sweet spots. It’s also built to withstand the rigors of the road and daily use. It’s a high-end unit for professionals. If you’re a VERY picky tone junkie like me, if you’re always searching for that one thing to make it all better, If you can afford it and if you want your instruments to sound like they should sound, with plenty of bells and whistles to make connections, make adjustments, dial in EQ, numerous output options, and so much more… then buy this. Truly an incredible piece of gear and worth every penny. Judging by how it’s performed so far on the road, I think I’ve found a ‘friend” for my guitars that will last a lifetime. I’m looking forward to using FELiX in the studio soon. Bravo to Grace Design for a job well done! Revolutionary! 🙂 (Great user manual, too!)
by Heath Eric from Rumsey, Kentucky
Detailed Control for Acoustic Musicians
The Felix DI/EQ/ Balance box gives remarkable control over sculpting and blending sound. I’m using Felix to blend voice and acoustic string instruments (guitar, cittern, bouzouki). The parametric EQ control provides detailed control over the sound. Felix’s ability to blend two channels is most helpful. It means I can send one signal line to the sound board without any need for EQ or balance there. My gigs are mostly with an acoustic trio. I do some solo work too. Flexi helps me get and maintain the sound I want within the trio and when I’m doing a solo gig. I can set up Felix’s controls and not worry about the sound quality. No continuous tweaking the sound board at the gig. I use both vocal and instrument wireless units to feed signal to Felix. That works great and keeps the wiring on stage to a minimum. The signal is clean as can be with Felix. I’m delighted I made the investment in Felix. Well worth it. Felix has improved the quality and reliability of my sound far beyond the unit’s price tag. Highly recommend it to acoustic musicians seeking detailed control over their sound. Perfect for a solo performer. Works well within a group too.
Bill from Chincoteague Island, V
Grace Design FELiX Preamp
I have a Jorge de Zofia maple hand made nylon string, with a Carlos Juan double VIP pick up. I have the Felix for about a month. This is the cream of the crop when it comes to acoustic Preamp blending. It has everything you can imagine. Phaze shifter, filter, EQ Boost Mute. It takes a bit of studying and working the knobs to get the sweet spot, but once you get it, it’s the most natural sound you can get out of a nylon string.It’s the best product for dual systems, or blending a pick up and a mic. Thanks to Shaka, my Sweetwater engineer for his advice, and explanation of the features. Great delivery also. There are two things that I wish Grace design had thought of. It doesn’t have an on/off switch, and doesn’t come with a case.Thus I gave it 4.5*. However, as far as, the function, and quality, I don’t know of anything like this.5*. Amazing product.
by Marc E from Fl.
The FELiX is fantastic
I have to say I am blown away by the Felix. I always perform with two guitars and the ability to fine tune the quality of sound for each guitar, and then effortlessly toggle between them is exactly what I had been looking for. The clarity is stellar, and I haven’t even explored everything it can do. A genius product and worth every dime!
Fletcher from Santa Fe, NM
Felix 2 is very powerful
I am doing a single in Northern California and always looking for way to better my Martin. When I received the unit i was impress with the quality of the Felix. It as an amazing sound and when I plug a microphone into it, I am so surprised with the quality of the sound. This is a great unit and can be used as a mixer and DI for your guitar.
