The Summit Audio TPA-200B Dual Tube Preamplifier combines the warmth of vacuum tubes with the clear high frequency response of high quality solid state in a package designed to work in a variety of applications.
This unique combination creates an environment that yields the warmth associated with tubes without the inherent high frequency loss while providing the reliability of solid state components.
With three input types: microphone input, line level input, and front panel Hi-Z input, the TPA-200B is great studio companion for both tracking and mixing. Use the TPA-200B’s input and output gains to overdrive the tube in any amount, from very clean and clear to a riot of tube fuzz. The Jensen input transformers have an open and airy top end that shines with dynamic and diverse signals, even those with dense frequency content such as voice and electric guitars.
The signature sounds of Summit Audio’s TPA-200B is perfect for eradicating sterility from the cold, hard digital world.
Summit Audio TPA-200B Features :
- Microphone, Line & Hi-Z inputs
- Uniquely controllable from "Clean" to "Overdrive"
- Front panel Hi-Z input
- Pad Switch & Phase Switch
- 48 volt phantom power
- Jensen input transformers
- Overload and Overdrive indicators
- Hand crafted in the USA
- Backed by Summit Audio's 3 Year Warranty
In todays world of professional audio, we have a few absolute requirements: versatility, quality, and ease-of-use. Summit Audio's TPA-200B excels in all regards.
Versatility:
First is the versatility of sounds. The TPA-200B has completely variable input and output gain so you can drive the tubes as hard or as lightly as you wish, giving you tones from crystal clear and open to full tube saturation and any tone in between. With the two position input pad you can also choose how hard to drive the input Jensen mic transformer with your microphone, further opening your sonic options. Next is versatility of use. Of course the TPA-200B is a microphone preamplifier so plug your favorite mic and have fun getting whatever tone you want. Want to use the TPA-200B with your instrument? It's a great choice! It's fantastic with guitar and keyboards, a great choice for bass and whatever other pickups you have. Mixing? Yes, mixing. That's why we put line level inputs on the back. Run your mix, or parts of your mix, or your passive summing mixer in and warm it up like nothing before. At any level of warmth you require.
Quality:
In all Summit Audio products, quality is of utmost importance. The TPA-200B utilizes 1/2" aluminum rails to keep the chassis a solid foundation, Bourns conductive plastic pots which have 10X the rotational life of competing products, top notch metal input/output jacks insuring long life without failure, the three 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube sockets pierce through the main PCB with a 'spider web' design for the wiring to keep heat away from the board, a very highly qualified high voltage power supply, thick 6061 aluminum front panel, and stainless steel screws. All these are just part of the quality that goes on the INSIDE of gear. The quality of the sound? If it says "Summit Audio", the quality is built in.
Ease-of-use:
We have a goal at Summit Audio. We want you to get a great sound as quickly as possible, every time you plug in to a piece of Summit gear. The TPA-200B personifies this maxim perfectly. Choose an input and plug into it. Select the switch to mic or line (Hi-Z overrides this selection), turn on phantom power if necessary, turn up the output gain all the way, turn up the input gain until you have the right level. If you want to vary your tone, turn down the output and up the input until you hear what you want to hear. We have done our very best to make great tones easy to achieve without hindering versatility.
Getting a clean microphone signal:
Plug the microphone into the mic input on the back of the TPA-200B and set the input switch to mic (and the phantom switch on for condenser mics needing 48v phantom power). Turn the output gain up very high, then slowly turn up the input gain to the desired recording/ monitoring level.
Getting tube guitar distortion:
Plug the output of the guitar into one of the Hi-Z inputs on the front of the TPA-200B. Turn the output gain low. Turn the preamp input gain up high (start at about 7) and play the guitar. The OD light should be blinking or steady yellow. Then slowly turn up the output until you reach the desired recording/ monitoring level. Slowly increase the input gain and decrease the output gain to get the perfect tube distortion while keeping the overall level under control.
Getting a warm bass tone:
Plug the bass directly into the Hi-Z input. Turn the output gain knob very low. Turn the input gain up until the OD light just starts to flash while the bass is being played (the flashing light indicates soft clipping). Turn the output gain knob until you get the desired recording/ monitoring level. This can also be done if the bass is plugged into a direct box. Just take the XLR out of the DI into the mic input on the TPA-200B and set the input switch to Mic.
Mixing:
The TPA-200B works great as an effect when mixing, for adding warmth, tone, or distortion to any signal. Route an aux. output to the line level input and back into your mixer or interface to add some tube sound or use as insert effect and use the gains on the TPA-200B to control the level.
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.
