The Cloud Microphones True Blue 520 is a single-channel 500 Series microphone preamp and instrument DI designed to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and true-to-source accuracy. Developed in collaboration with True Systems founder Tim Spencer, the 520 builds on the proven preamp architecture behind the TRUE Systems Precision 8, combining extremely low noise, high headroom, and wide bandwidth with a modern feature set designed for professional recording, live sound, and production applications.
 
The True Blue 520 provides up to 76 dB of microphone gain, making it equally well suited for condenser, dynamic, ribbon, and self-powered tube microphones. With phantom power disengaged, the preamp automatically operates in its dedicated Dynamic/Ribbon mode, increasing the microphone input impedance to 10 kΩ and removing the input coupling capacitors from the signal path. Its fully balanced, rail-to-rail circuit topology provides excellent rejection of external noise and interference while maintaining exceptionally low distortion and up to +28 dBu maximum output level.
 
Cloud's illuminated Touch-Control interface replaces conventional mechanical switches with capacitive controls and internal relay switching, allowing for shorter signal paths while providing clear visual indication of operating status. A Blink-Delay safety feature helps prevent accidental engagement of both 48V phantom power and the +16 dB High-Gain mode.
 
A continuously variable, detented high-pass filter provides adjustment from 25 Hz to 420 Hz at 6 dB/octave, giving engineers precise control over proximity effect, plosives, low-frequency rumble, and excessive low-mid buildup. With the filter disengaged, frequency response extends down to 6 Hz.
 
The front-panel FET instrument DI features a 1 MΩ input impedance along with a dedicated THRU connection, allowing an instrument signal to be recorded directly while simultaneously feeding an amplifier, additional DI, effects chain, or other equipment. Additional features include polarity inversion, four-level signal metering, detented gain control for repeatable settings, and precision 0.1% resistors for excellent channel consistency and signal balance.
 
Designed and built in the USA, the Cloud Microphones True Blue 520 combines the transparency and musical accuracy of the True Systems preamp legacy with Cloud's modern control architecture, delivering a versatile, high-performance front end for virtually any microphone or instrument source.