API TCS-II Channel Strip
The result of thoughtful engineering, TCS-II includes everything needed to record an audio signal. It all starts with the famed 512c Mic Preamplifier, which includes the benefit of additional Mic, Line or Instrument input switching. Next is the 527A multi-mode Compressor with fully adjustable Threshold, Attack, Release, and Ratio controls on detented pots. The patented THRUST® circuit in the 527A gives your track the "in-your-face" punch that has made this circuit an award winner. Also included in TCS-II is probably the most recognized and revered API EQ of all time, the 550A three-band Equalizer with its switchable frequencies and 12dB of boost or cut. The 550A's High and Low frequency bands can be individually switched to be shelving EQs, and the "B.P. Filter" switch inserts a 50Hz to 15KHz bandpass filter.
At the output of the unit is the 325 Line Driver, taken directly from API console designs with an output level pot and 10 segment meter. The meter can also be switched to show the output level of the preamp. Each of TCS-II's processing pieces can be switched in or bypassed individually, while a flip switch internally routes the compressor after the EQ if desired. Additional features include a sidechain input and the famous API 2520/transformer combination.
Features
• API 512c Mic Preamplifier• API 550A Equalizer
• API 527A Compressor
• API 325 Line Driver
• Complete patching facilities on rear panel
• Two ten segment LED VU displays
• Output clips at +30dBm
512C Preamplifier Specifications
Rear Connector- XLR MIC Input
- Balanced 1/4" TRS LINE Input
Gain Range
- MIC: 14dB min. 68dB max.
- INST: 14dB min. 50dB max.
Maximum Input Levels
- MIC: +17dBu
- LINE: +36dBu
- INST: +17dBu
Input Impedance
- MIC: 1500 Ohms
- LINE: 120K Ohms
- INST: 120K Ohms
Clipping Level: +30dBu
LED Peak Indication: +22dBu
Frequency Response: +0.3dB, -0.1dB, 30Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: MIC:-116dB; INST:-102dB
Front Connector: HI-Z 1/4" Unbalanced Instrument Input (INST)
527A Compressor Specifications
Attack Times: 1 millisecond to 25 milliseconds (typical)Release Times: 0.1 seconds to 3 seconds (typical)
Threshold Control Range: +10dBu to -20dBu
Frequency Response: +/- 0.1dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise: -114dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, no compression
Metering: 10-segment red LED: Gain Reduction scale; -1dB to -24dB
550A Equalizer Specifications
Insertion Loss: None (bridging)Frequency Response (No equalization): +0.2dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise: -111dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, no equalization
325 Line-Driver Specifications
Clipping Level: +30dBuChannel Output: +4dBu, Balanced, Low-impedance, Male XLR
Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
Metering: 10-segment LED: dBu scale; -11dBu to +22dBu Switchable between 512C Preamp and 325 Line-Driver outputs
Misc
Nominal Mains Power Consumption: 16 wattsFusing: 500mA Slow Blow
Mounting: Standard EIA rack ears
Cabling Depth From Mounting Surface: 13.5"
Weight: 10lb 10oz
Size: 19" x 11.5" x 1.7", L x W x H
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| TCS-II Channel Strip | 801196 |
