Description

Summit Audio TD-100Instrument Preamp & Tube Direct Box

The TD-100 instrument preamp and tube direct box from Summit Audio features a hybrid signal path utilizing both a discrete solid state output device and a 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube. Musical instruments take on the clarity of class A sound with the richness and warmth of vacuum tubes.Perfect for both live and studio use, the unit offers XLR microphone level and 1/4″ TRS line level outputs, plus variable input impedance, polarity switch, ground lift, signal and overdrive LEDs and a headphone output for use as a practice device.The variable input impedance control (loading) can dramatically alter the sound of an instrument. By lowering the impedance on the TD-100 the instrument’s pickups get loaded down, changing their tone and the way they react to the string vibrations, generally making the tone darker and quieter.Raising the impedance allows the pickups to work without hindrance, opening up the sound with a slight increase in gain. The instrument can then sit properly in a mix without EQ or other tone shapers. This effect works best with passive pickups.The transformerless vacuum tube based circuitry isn’t made to distort, rather it’s used to add a subtle texture and smoothness, a professional sheen to an instrument. All of this functionality is packed into a very compact 1U half rack chassis with an internal power supply.Instrument preamplifier and tube direct boxVariable input impedance from 10kΩ to 2MΩ provides great variation to musical instrumentsDelivers smooth and subtle tube overtonesXLR microphone level and 1/4″ TRS line level outputsHeadphone outputGround lift and polarity switchSignal and overload LEDsOne 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tubeInternal, high voltage power supplyInput Connections1 x 1/4″ TS phone (front panel)Output Connectors1 x XLR Microphone Level1 x 1/4″ TRS phone Line Level1 x 1/4″ TS phone Direct Out (front panel)1 x 1/4″ TRS phone HeadphoneInput Level Not specified by manufacturerOutput Level+24dBControls1 x Rotary Control Variable Input Impedance (loading)1 x Rotary Control Output GainFrequency Response24Hz to 48kHz, -1.0dBNoiseTHD+Noise: 0.07% @1kHz with 16dB gain, A weighted; 0.11% unweightedPower120V ACDimensions (WxDxH)9 1/2″ x 8″ x 1 3/4″Weight Not specified by manufacturerSpecialtiesBoth a direct box for live use and instrument preamplifier for recording