Klark Teknik KT-2A Classic Levelling Amplifier with Vacuum Tubes
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Building on a 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, and audio engineers have utilised them at all stages of the recording process from tracking to mastering.
A Class Act
At the heart of the 2A-KT is a vintage lag-free optical attenuator based on the very same electroluminescent technology used in its predecessor. The 2A-KT is constructed from the highest-quality discrete components all of which meet or exceed the LA-2A's original specifications. This is just one of the many ways the 2A-KT brings unparalleled precision and superb signal integrity into the new audio age.
The Warm Sound of Tubes
2A-KT owes its characteristic warmth to a set of premium, hand-selected 12AX7, 12BH7 and EL84 tubes. This time-tested combination provides ultra low-noise analog output with the ideal balance of tight, warm bass, silky-smooth midrange and brilliant, airy treble.
MIDAS - The Legend in Sound Quality
Ever since its formation in the 1970s, XL4 and Heritage H3000 quickly became industry standards.
Midas has earned an impeccable reputation due to their no-compromise approach for audio and build-quality, and in particular for their Award-winning Mic Preamps, considered by experts as the industry's best-sounding designs. Building on this legacy, the XL8 and PRO Series of Live Mixing Systems continue this great heritage of Award-winning audio quality.
Klark Teknik is proud to incorporate custom-designed Midas Input and Output transformers in the 2A-KT for the ultimate in high-quality audio reproduction in both live and studio environments.
Incredible Flexibility
2A-KT frequency response 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 ultra-fast attack time of 10 milliseconds, a release time that ranging from 50 milliseconds to a full 5 seconds, and so 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 sidechain 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 / sidechain interaction. When set fully clockwise, the sidechain 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 we 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.
Balanced Connections
The 2A-KT has both XLR and 1/4" TRS balanced Inputs and Outputs with custom-designed Midas transformer, both of which operate at line level. Unbalanced connections are also available via 1/4" TS cables.
Legendary Dynamic
Processing While Teletronix may have written the book on studio compression/limiting with the legendary LA-2A in the 1960s, Klark Teknik just added a new chapter to that venerable tome - the Klark Teknik 2A-KT! Now audio aficionados of all means can afford the amazingly-precise dynamics processing that has defined generations of musical excellence - both on and off the stage.
Specifications
Audio Input- Type: XLR, 1/4" TRS, transformer balanced
- Impedance: 600 Ω, balanced and unbalanced
- Maximum input level: +20 dBu, balanced and unbalanced
- CMRR at 1 kHz: Typically -80 dB
Audio Output
- Type: XLR, 1/4" TRS, transformer balanced
- Impedance: 70 Ω, balanced and unbalanced
- Maximum output level: +18 dBu, balanced and unbalanced
System Specifications
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz, +1 dB
- Noise at unity gain: -87 dBu, unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- THD at unity gain 0 dBu Typically 0.1% 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Compressor
- Attack time: Typically 10 ms
- Release time: Typically 50 ms for 50% release, up to 5 s for full release
- Maximum output gain: +30 db
- Maximum peak reduction: -30 db
- Tube types: 2x 12AX7, 1x 12BH7, 1x EL84
- Meter settings: Gain Reduction, +4 output, +10 output
Power Supply
- Mains voltage: 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Power consumption: 30 W
- Fuse: T1AH 250 V
- Mains connection: Standard IEC receptacle
Physical
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 88 x 483 x 158 mm (3.5 x 19 x 6.2")
- Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)
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.
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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.
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| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| KT-2A Classic Levelling Amplifier with Vacuum Tubes | 803102 |
