Klark Teknik 2A-KT Tube Compressor and Leveling Amplifier

Shape the dynamics of your tracks like the pros of the past with the 2A-KT from Klark Teknik, a tube compressor and leveling amp based on the famous Teletronix LA-2A. Complete with a discrete analog signal path, 12AX7, 12BH7, and EL84 tubes, and a lag-free optical attenuator, the 2A-KT delivers vintage performance for the 21st century.

The 2A-KT features Midas transformer-balanced Neutrik XLR inputs and outputs, and unbalanced 1/4" TRS I/O. A stereo-link input with rear-panel screw adjustment is included, allowing you to connect another 2A-KT for stereo processing. A vintage-style VU meter lets you keep an eye on gain reduction and output level. Classic controls round out the 2A-KT, including limiter/compressor selection, Output Gain, Peak Reduction, Pre-Emphasis trimmer, and Meter selection. Sporting a rugged 2 RU rackmountable metal chassis and a universal switching power supply, the 2A-KT will easily fit into any studio setup.

Building Upon a Studio Classic

The 2A-KT draws inspiration from the original Teletronix LA-2A leveling amplifier, which was first produced in the early 1960s. Since then, Teletronix leveling amplifiers have been prized for their smooth musical sound.

Audio engineers have historically utilized them at all stages of the recording process, from tracking to mastering. Part of the 2A-KT's authenticity comes from its optical attenuator, a lag-free control technology based on the original LA-2A's electroluminescent technology.

The Warm Sound of Tubes

2A-KT owes its characteristic warmth to a set of hand-selected 12AX7, 12BH7, and EL84 (GBQ5) tubes. This time-tested combination provides ultralow-noise analog output with the ideal balance of tight, warm bass, silky-smooth midrange, and brilliant, airy treble.

Midas: A Legend in Sound Quality

Ever since its formation in the 1970s, Midas has had a long history of innovation and leadership in the world of audio mixing consoles. Employed by the most famous touring acts and installations worldwide, legendary Midas consoles such as the XL4 and Heritage H3000 quickly became industry standards. Klark Teknik is proud to incorporate Midas-designed input and output transformers for the ultimate in high-quality audio reproduction in both live and studio environments.

Incredibly Flexible

The frequency response of the 2A-KT extends from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (± 1 dB), and provides the kind of flexibility you simply won't find in the average leveling amplifier, such as gain limiting from 0 to 30 dB with an ultrafast attack time of 10 milliseconds, a release time that ranges from 50 milliseconds to a full 5 seconds, and much more. The Limit/Compress switch lets you select between the internally fixed compression ratio of Compress mode and the near-infinite ratio in Limit mode. A built-in adjustable stereo-link TRS connection allows a pair of 2A-KTs to blend their side-chain signals for shared threshold response between the two devices.

Controls

The controls on the 2A-KT consist of a Pre-Emphasis trimmer, which adjusts the compressor / side-chain interaction. When set fully clockwise, the side-chain responds to the full frequency bandwidth of the incoming audio.

As the trimmer is turned counterclockwise, the compressor responds less to the signal's high-frequency transients. The Peak Reduction knob controls the threshold of the compressor/limiter with an available maximum 40 dB of gain reduction. The Output Gain knob provides any makeup gain necessary for setting the output signal to the optimal level.

Metering

Old-school VU meters ruled the day back in the 1960s and '70s, so Klark Teknik stayed true to the original with the 2A-KT's metering. The classic d'Arsonval movement averages out short-duration signal peaks and troughs, providing a much more realistic view of perceived loudness. A Meter Selection knob lets you display either the amount of gain reduction or the output level.

EAN: 653341352132