The 2BA-221 is a continuously variable impedance microphone preamp from Summit Audio.
With microphone level, line level, and Hi-Z instrument inputs, the 2BA-221 utilizes separate and individually controlled solid state input controls to mix the microphone input with the Hi-Z or line input into the variable vacuum tube output. Using the variable mic impedance and variable solid state and tube stages gives you unprecedented sonic control of anything you throw at it, be it mic level, line level, or instrument level.
The 2BA-221 also features a stackable input design; multiple 2BA-221's can be linked together to form a modular mixing device with individual outs, inserts per channel, and a final vacuum tube gain stage. Its swept high pass filter, multiple simultaneous tube and solid state outputs, insert jack, and internal power supply makes the 2BA-221 a powerful tracking and mixing tool.
Summit Audio 2BA-221 Features :
- Variable Mic input impedance from 100 ohms to 10K ohms
- Variable Highpass Filter
- Hi-Z Instrument, Line, and Mic Level Input
- Hi-Z input and Mic input available simultaneously with separate gain controls
- Separate solid state and tube outputs
- Insert Jack
- Stackable with more 2BA-221's
- Polarity Switch
- +48VDC Phantom Power
- Three segment LED metering
- -20dB pad/gain range
- Compact 1/2 Rack Size
- XLR and 1/4" TRS tube outputs, XLR microphone input, 1/4" TRS line input, 1/4" front panel Hi-Z input, pre-tube insert jack, 1/4" TRS solid state 'stacking' input and output
- Three variable, independent gain stages
- Backed by Summit Audio's 3 Year Warranty
The 2BA-221 features a stackable input design; multiple 2BA-221's can be linked together to form a modular mixing device with individual outs, inserts per channel, and a final vacuum tube gain stage. Add to all that a swept high-pass filter (with bypass switch), -20dB pad, +48V phantom power, and 180° polarity reverse plus multiple simultaneous inputs and outputs, pre-tube insert jack and internal power supply, all backed by Summit's 3 year warranty.
How can we put so much power and sound in such a small space? It wasn't easy, but we're glad we did. The ½-rack chassis makes the 2BA-221 a real powerhouse without taking up tons of room in cramped quarters. And this is not a 'pared down' Summit unit; the "tuba," as we affectionately call it, features the same high quality you can expect from any of our products. That means that only top-of-the-line connectors, switches, and pots that are built to last a lifetime, as well as the highest quality components, are used throughout.
Perfect for vocals and guitars, the 2BA-221 also excels on direct inputs like bass and keyboards, adding a subtle yet rich texture to your sound. The solid state initial gain stage is followed by a 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube stage so you can vary the gain at each stage, sculpting a plethora of different sounds.
The impedance control on the 2BA-221 in similar to the Loading control the TD-100. This control is used to change the input impedance that your microphone sees. Usually, this control will be turned up (clockwise) all the way. However, if you're looking for an effect, looking to change the tone of a microphone, simply try turning this control down gradually and hearing what happens. The effect will depend on the microphone. This control itself will be like increasing the size of your mic locker by changing, sometimes drastically, the sounds of the microphones you already have.
With the 2BA-221 we focused on versatility as well as sound. Along with the I/O you would expect on a mic preamp, we added tons of additional ins and outs to match any studio configuration, including mic, line, Hi-Z and 'stacking' in, and -10dB and +4dB tube output, "stacking" solid state out and an insert before the tube stage. How does this stack up? Try singing into a microphone and sending it to your recorder from the +4dB balanced tube out, with a backup to another track from the -10dB tube output to avoid any overs, and send the solid state 'stack' output to a compressor and then to yet another track. You can even plug a ¼" cable into the insert jack and have another solid state output for a total of four high quality outputs from one mic source! Or plug your acoustic electric guitar into the Hi-Z input and place a mic in front of it and use the separate line and mic input controls to mix the signals into the one, perfect blend. And all with the pristine quality and smooth and subtle tube overtones that keep Summit Audio a leader in audio processing.
Tips and Tricks :
When recording, use the +4dB XLR output to your recording device and run another cable from the -10dB TRS tube output for a safety backup at lower level so there are no 'overs' on the A/D converter. You can also run the XLR input to a compressor or EQ and use the TRS output to record an unaffected track at the same time.
Use the XLR and TRS tube outputs, plus the stacking solid state out, and run a standard 1/4" TS cable from the insert jack to record 4 tracks at the same from a single input.
Run the output from your pickup into the Hi-Z input and mic the instrument at the same time, blending them to a single output. Vary the levels between the mic and Hi-Z input to get the perfect blend.
Basic Operating Instructions:
Basic tracking: Plug the input source into the correct input jack (mic into the back mic input jack, line level into the ¼" balanced line input jack on back, or an instrument in the Hi-Z input jack on the front). Plug the main XLR +4dB Tube output jack into the recording device. Use the solid state gain and tube output together to get the sound and level you want to record.
Choosing the right mic input impedance:
Inside the manual is a basic list of microphones and their corresponding output impedance. Generally, mics are looking for AT LEAST four time their output impedance value. In general, turn the impedance control all the way up to 10k Ohms to start with and turn the impedance down to get the sound you desire or for an effect. You can get a lot of different tones with some microphones this way. Some microphones are impervious to the preamp's impedance; check their manual for details.
Using the microphone and line/Hi-Z input simultaneously:
Plug a microphone into the mic input and an instrument into the Hi-Z input (or line level device like a CD player into the line input). Get individual levels with the solid state input gains and overall level and tone with the tube output control. The 2BA-221 mixes the two signals into a single output.
Using the 2BA-221 with the TLA-50 or another compressor:
There are two ways to use a compressor with the 2BA-221. 1. Insert jack. Use a standard insert cable (1/4" TRS jack to two jacks) and plug the balanced side into the insert jack, the output (tip send) into the input on the compressor and the output of the compressor into the return (ring return). With the TLA-50, use the XLR in and out to avoid overloading the input. 2. Output. Send the main output of the 2BA-221 into the input of the compressor, then the output of the compressor into the recording device or sound system.
Using the 2BA-221 as a solid state preamp:
Plug the signal source into the 2BA-221 (mic, line, or Hi-Z) and use the solid state input gain to get the signal level. Use the Stack Out on the back for a -10dB level solid state output. Please note that this output is polarity reversed from the input. The insert jack can also be used by plugging an unbalanced ¼" cable from the insert to the recorder or sound system.
Using multiple outputs for zero latency monitoring:
All inputs and outputs on the 2BA-221 are buffered and available at the same time. Use the +4dB Tube output into your DAW's input and use the -10dB tube output to your monitor mixer to monitor you 2BA-221 without the DAW's latency.
Mounting the 2BA-221:
Use the SRK-100 from Summit Audio to mount one or two 2BA-221's. They will also fit into a standard rack shelf although they tend to sag under the weight of these pieces.
The History of Summit Audio :
Summit Audio began their foray into the professional audio world in 1979. A few years later, Summit Audio released the original TLA-100 tube leveler that would later evolve into the highly sought after TLA-100A, still manufactured today unchanged after twenty years, and whose signature sound has graced countless songs and albums to date.
Now a real force in the audio world, Summit Audio's foundation of high value, no compromise products with intense testing and unparalleled commitment to its customers needs is the perfect launching pad for a bright future of innovative and interesting products, all with a commitment to excellence and a passion for creating inspirational audio products.
As Summit evolves with the dynamic world of professional audio, they still stick to their basic traditions of solid reliability, precise manufacturing and integrity in everything they do.
Each Summit Audio product is crafted, manufactured and tested exclusively in the United States to the most exacting standards, utilizing human ears in addition to the best available test equipment along with years of combined experience and customer input.
Having built a reputation upon superb and reliable products, professionals worldwide trust Summit Audio for their critical studio applications.
