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Summit Audio 2BA-221 Microphone Preamp

Continuously Variable Impedance Microphone Preamp with Variable Vacuum Tube Outputs
$1,229.99

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Summit Audio 2BA-221 Microphone Preamp
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Hear the Warmth

Featuring microphone-level, line-level, and hi-Z instrument inputs, the 2BA-221continuously variable impedance microphone preamp 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. Mix them together through the 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube output or seperately through individual solid-state outputs. 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 outputs, inserts per channel, and a final vacuum tube gain stage. Its swept highpass filter, multiple simultaneous tube and solid-state outputs, insert jack, and internal power supply make the 2BA-221 a powerful tracking and mixing tool.

Features:
  • Variable Mic input impedance from 100 to 10K
  • 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 and 20dB pad
  • One 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube
  • Internal high voltage power supply
  • XLR and 1/4" outputs and inputs
  • Three variable, independent gain stages

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Hybrid
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x 1/4" (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x 1/4" (Stack)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" (Stack)
  • Channel Inserts: Yes
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz
  • Rack Spaces: Half
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Depth: 7.42"
  • Width: 8.5"
  • Weight: 7 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 2BA-221

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Another weapon for recording battles

I have 8 preamps, some tube, some solid state, some both
But i bought the Summit Audio unit because it has the unique feature of having an INSERT connection
None of my other preamps had this
It reminded me of how i use to record with my TASCAM 388
Where an external processing unit could be inserted into the direct recording channel
I like to use both compression/leveling AND limiting together in sequence on my tracks
It is just a matter of setting them appropriately to get the best direct live vocal chain
Since i have so many different preamps
I have selected the Summit Audio for use in my "voice over" work
Combined with my recent purchase of the API SR 22
I now have the perfect vocal set up
My levels remain consistent, the sound is AMAZING and i no longer have to worry about a thing
I am in recording heaven
Also, the Summit Audio unit is "hybrid", you can adjust the tube presence and the solid state presence independently
For my set up, i first plug my microphone into a UA Solo 610
And then feed that into the Summit Audio
The UA Solo 610 for some ODD reason has very poor output volume wise
But set at 50% and then fed into the Summit Audio i get exactly what i want
Final analysis is the "sound" must be recorded between -6 and 0
registering on my digital workstation (Korg D1600)
And it is now perfect
Hare Krishna
OM TAT SAT
Music background: 60’s music (Beatles are the Masters of all things music recording
Rated 5/5

Great preamp

I have owned mine for about 5 years. It is really practical with all the routings and really makes your tracks shine. Plugging an electric guitar into it and it is Chic straight up. It makes budget mics sound a lot more pro. I recommend to replace the tube with a Mullard tube. It sounds fatter with more even harmonics.
Music background: Experienced bassist and producer
Rated 5/5

Best

I have had this pre for five years and used it on everything. I still get great results with this pre. For the price, look no further. I have clients that rave about the sound they get with this Pre and the MA 200 microphone.
Rated 5/5

Wonderful Preamp!

I've own my 2BA-221 for a few years now and can reliably say that it is a "Wonderful" piece of gear. Over the years I've used and own top professional equipment, from pro-studios to my own humble home studio, with digital gear as the go-to (DAW) these days, but I want that old world "Analog" feel and tone options especially for guitar/bass. There are a lot of great software for simulated/replicated instruments, but for guitar (I'm a guitarist), there is a world of difference during recording wave forms analog/digital and the 2BA-221 is awesome!!! Rounds off the edges for guitar to give that "Real-World" feel & tone but without adding high noise-floor to the signal! Keeps it sounding warm. Some engineers say "Dull?" but once you hear the difference, you can distinguish warmth from dull, and Summit Audio is One of The Best Pro-Audio gears out there which makes it a "Wonderful Preamp to own" Pro Quality all the way.
Music background: Musician/Guitarist/Engineer/Producer
Rated 5/5

Tone! Tone! Tone!

Amazing it was a big up grade from my interface pres
Music background: Hobbyist
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