Klark Teknik KT-2A Tube Compressor/Levelling Amplifier

Full Description

Inspired by a classic levelling amp/compressor

Basing its design on one of the most sought-after compressors ever made, the 2A-KT draws inspiration from the original, with a range of upgrades and enhancements. At the heart of the 2A-KT is a range of high-end tubes comprised of the 12AX7, 12BH7 and EL84. The 2A-KT also employs a lag-free optical attenuator based on electroluminescent technology with custom-built Midas I/O transformers for optimal signal integrity.

Vintage tonality with classic tube warmth

Employing hand-selected tubes, the 2A-KT delivers the same classic warmth associated with the original compressor design. The combination of the 12AX7, 12BH7 and EL84 tubes delivers an ultra-low-noise analog output, providing the perfect balance of tight warm bass with a smooth midrange and a bright, airy treble.

Its wide frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 20kHz, capturing every nuance of your sound source with incredible sonic accuracy and detail. It also boasts a fast attack time of 10 milliseconds and a release time from 50 milliseconds to five full seconds. You can also instantly switch between limiting and compression with the dedicated switch. You can even link two 2A-KTs together to blend their sidechain signals for a shared threshold between the two units.

Enhanced design for modern users

Taking the original design a step further, the 2A-KT features a range of high-end discrete components that help to enhance the usability of the levelling amp/compressor. One of the most unique features is the variable pre-emphasis trimmer which is designed to adjust the sidechain that the compressor responds to whilst not affecting the audio directly. The peak reduction knob controls the threshold of the compressor/limiter with a maximum of 40dB gain reduction for a wide range of applications.

Features

• Classic tube compressor/levelling amplifier modeled after the iconic Teletronix LA-2A
• Completely discrete signal path
• Premium selection 12AX7, 12BH7 and EL84 tubes
• Lag-free optical attenuator based on original electroluminescent technology
• Custom-built MIDAS input and output transformers
• 10Hz - 20kHz (±1dB) frequency response
• 0dB to 30dB gain limiting
• Ultra-fast attack time
• Adjustable stereo-link connection
• Variable pre-emphasis for digital audio recording and broadcasting transmission
• Vintage-style meter features gain reduction and output
• Transformer balanced inputs and outputs on Neutrik XLR connectors
• Rugged 2U rackmount chassis for durability in portable applications
• Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply
• Designed and engineered in the U.K.

Specifications

• Audio Input Type: XLR, 1/4" TRS, Transformer Balanced
• Input Impedance: 600 Ω, Balanced And Unbalanced
• Maximum Input Level: +20 dBu, Balanced And Unbalanced
• CMRR at 1 kHz: Typically -80 dB

• Type: XLR, 1/4" TRS, Transformer Balanced
• Impedance: 70 Ω, Balanced And Unbalanced
• Maximum Output Level: +18 dBu, Balanced And Unbalanced

• 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 Input Level Typically <0.1 percent 20 Hz To 20 kHz

• Attack Time: Typically 10 ms
• Release Time: Typically 50 ms For 50 percent 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

• Mains Voltage: 100 – 240 V~, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 30 W
• Fuse: T1AH 250 V
• Mains Connection: Standard IEC Receptacle

• Dimensions (HxWxD): 88 x 483 x 158 mm (3.5 x 1.9 x 6.2")
• Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)
• Product Code: KT-2A