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moosers
Published on 04/27/10 at 22:47
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.
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.