Grace Design
ActiveOverview
Grace Design is a manufacturer of professional audio hardware, specializing in microphone preamplifiers, monitor controllers, optical compressors, headphone amplifiers, DACs, and monitoring systems. The company serves audio professionals in music, film, television, live sound, education, broadcast, and high-end consumer markets. It is family-owned and recognized for products like the m801, m802, m201, m101, m501 preamps, m103 channel strip, m102 and m502 compressors, m903 and m920 headphone amps/DACs, m905 and m906 monitoring systems, and Spacebar microphone positioning products.13
History
Grace Design was founded in 1994 by brothers Michael and Eben Grace in Longmont, Colorado, after Michael began building custom microphone preamplifiers in 1990 for recording engineers and artists. The model 801 microphone preamplifier marked the company's first production product, establishing the outboard preamp as a key tool in professional audio. Over the years, the product line expanded methodically to include preamps, monitor controllers, compressors, and other hardware while maintaining a focus on audio quality and efficient production.3
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| m801/m802 Microphone Preamps | high-end professional preamplification | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| m201/m101 Preamps | compact professional preamps | $800 - $1,200 |
| m501 Preamp | versatile studio preamp | $700 - $900 |
| m103 Channel Strip | all-in-one recording channel | $2,000 - $2,500 |
| m102/m502 Optical Compressors | precision dynamics control | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| m903/m920 Headphone Amp/DACs | reference monitoring | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| m905/m906 Monitoring Systems | high-fidelity monitor controllers | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured in Longmont, Colorado, United States. The company handles production in-house as a small operation, focusing on exact, efficient, and environmentally sound methods. It is family-owned and operated.13
Notable Products
- m801 Microphone Preamplifier - Introduced in 1994, established outboard preamps in professional audio with superior performance.
- m905 Monitor Controller - Reference monitoring system for professional studios.
- m903 Headphone Amplifier/DAC - High-end headphone amp and digital-to-analog converter.
- m101 Microphone Preamp - Compact, portable preamp for field and studio use.
- Spacebar Microphone Positioners - Precision tools for microphone array setups.
Reputation
Grace Design is regarded by audio professionals for delivering high-performance, reliable hardware with exceptional build quality and long-term warranties up to 20 years. Enthusiasts and engineers praise the transparent sound of its preamps and monitor controllers in recording and mastering. Some note the premium pricing as a barrier for entry-level users, though the durability and service support offset costs over time.3