Summit 2BA-221

The Summit 2BA-221 is a single channel microphone preamp that has variable impedance and vacuum tube outputs. It it made up of solely analog components and has both XLR and 1/4" connections for inputs and outputs as well as other 1/4" connections for insert and on the front panel for your instrument. It also has in and out connections for stacking this with other modules if you want to. It isn't large enough to be rack mounted on it's own, but I think that two of these would fit in a single size rack space.

UTILIZATION

Using the Summit 2BA-221 isn't too difficult, but there are a lot of different parameters and features that a user should be aware of. The 2BA-221 has parameters for line in gain, tube output, solid state mic gain, impedance, and a high pass filter. It also has switches for phantom power, a -20 db pad, and polarity. Experienced studio rats will be able to catch on quickly here without needing a manual.

SOUND QUALITY

The tone quality of the Summit 2BA-221 is pretty outstanding, as I've found it to be useful across the board. It sounds awesome for recording vocals, at least for my voice, as well as for recording acoustic piano and guitar. The studio that I used this at actually had a stereo pair, which made them perfect to use for the piano, but if you only have a single unit to work with, it's probably not best for piano since most engineers will want to be consistent. Either way, the Summit 2BA-221 is the perfect blend of modern clarity with the option to add tube warmth when you so desire. What else can you really ask for in a mic pre?

OVERALL OPINION

For the price, the Summit 2BA-221 is one of the best deals out there for a single channel mic pre. It has a lot of versatility and can be used to record just about anything. It is the type of mic pre that is on par for professionals and is still acessible to home studio owners because of the price. If you're looking to get a go to mic pre for your home studio or just add to the collection in your professional one, the Summit 2BA-221 will always feel right in place.

Transistor technology and lamp
I had to buy an extension for the power Racker
Extensive connection that lets you do many things.

UTILIZATION

For a small mono amp can be configured quite complicated things, such as using both TRS and XLR inputs for finding an interesting tonal balance.

SOUND QUALITY

Personally I do not really use the lamp circuit which introduces a little unnatural thing (to my ears). The transistor circuit is against great heat, softness and definition I use for guitars, bass, vocals. Compared to Bae 1073Mp I find it very good except a little lack of punch, but for the price it is fine.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for four years now. I bought it to make supplements taken home for records that had started on a big Neve console in the studio. Before I worked on a Motu 828mk2.
What I like most is the sound, and setting options
What I do not like is the finish is not great. Taking XLR input has always bugged me since I got it.
Very good quality / price ratio.
I would do the same choice

Variable impedance microphone preamp, Mic / Line tube direct box, a half rack. The solid, 3.7 kb! The buttons a bit fragile perhaps, but do with time ...!

The 2BA-221 offers entry-level microphone, line level and high impedance instrument and uses input controls transistor separate and independent to mix the microphone input with the input line or instrument input to the output tube . We can combine these signals to the output tube 12AX7A/ECC83 or separately by the individual output transistor.
Possibility of multiple 2BA-221 assembly line.

Connections: XLR in (or with a 0-20dB pad) and out (+4 db) symmetric, Jack high impedance (Hi-Z) in and out (-10db) symmetric. Possibility of an effect insert.

Also an input / output "Stack" for the entry is the asymmetry "which Sums Into the 2BA-221 Just Before the tube output stage and insert jack ".... And for the exit" Stack " is the asymmetric linker which allows two machines together ... I have not quite understood that part ...! It looks great even when full!

Staining with the lamp, plus a high pass filter 20 Hz - 200 Hz mutable, and impedance setting for the microphone.

UTILIZATION

For a first outlet, no problem, a microphone, an output is switched on 48v, turn (slightly!) The gain knob, and power is! The output 4 db surprises! It saturates very quickly if not careful ... I used mainly for instant output-10db to balanced jack.
Turning the button "Tube Output" to color everything, it's easy, there's more experience!
One thing that is very well thought out, is that you can have 4 different outputs for the same decision, including a pre-amplification for the lamp to a 4dB, another at-10db, etc ... at the same time! Very useful for making a backup in case the db 4 saturates!

Another great plus point, we can invert the phase with a small button "polarity"!

So, everything is good!

SOUND QUALITY

No problems for the reproduction of sound! I could not test so for now, but the difference with my MindPrint Di-Port (even if the preamp is pretty good forthe price) is pretty gross! The sound is much more ... hum .... present! in all frequencies in the treble, bass, really mean things that were not there before!
I would do an edit later!

The preamp is transparent if we use too the lamp and filter. But the heat is already gone! No color too strong for my taste. Just enough!

OVERALL OPINION

Ordered on Tuesday morning at Thomann (577 euros instead of 730 in France !....), I received ........ Wednesday morning! Well, I live in Alsace, it's not far, but still!
I could not test it this evening very quickly on a drum overhead (well, I know it's not terrible, but I had nothing else to hand!), And good, the difference is compared to what I had before!
I could not test other devices to compare, I have a lot to make me ride a notice (not necessarily) target, compared prices, connectivity, reputation, etc ...

Assets:
Very complete
Very good sound reproduction with a little warm color very nice, but that does not distort the sound (unless of pushing the button Tube Output at max!)
The price!
The price!
and 3 years manufacturers warranty (Thomann and for that matter!)

Cons:
Bah, I would have liked it to be stereo for the same price!
4 db output that requires a good converter that much cash back!
That's it!

Price / quality ratio very good, but mono ... is perhaps the Goldmike (first name) who did very well also ... but less complete in my opinion.

I plan to buy a second by a few times if j'accrche really well, and I think it is left for!!

CHARACTERISTICS to see other opinions that dtaillent trs well. The Routing options are really INTERESTING. Half-rack.

UTILIZATION

I have used it for a year primarily for voice. The manual is clear and the schematics illustrate the various uses.. It is simple to use.

SOUND QUALITY

For the price, is at your exact appointment. It brings a certain width and dynamics. I use the lamp for no votes. It's just a matter of taste. The lamp is at his appointment but Ramna harmonics that I do not like the voice. It's not a preamp that is not fake!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 year in home studio for making voice (male, female, variation on rock, metal, opera).
What I like most:
- Transparency of the transistor circuit
- Dynamics
- The width that gives
- Routing capabilities

What I like least:
- Sound light (but it's just got a question, who will love y'en)
- The format (you need to buy an adapter to the rack)

For the price, do not hsiter.