Klark Teknik KT-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier Tube Compressor

Classic Leveling Amplifier with Vacuum Tubes, Optical Attenuator and MIDAS Transformers

If ever there is an official "Audio Technology Hall of Fame", it will definitely include a shrine to the iconic Teletronix LA-2A*. Midas pays homage to this audio-processing pioneer that has graced so many recordings, with their KT-2A Classic Leveling Amplifier. And while vintage Teletronix LA-2As are extremely rare and expensive, the KT-2A is amazingly affordable - and designed for the 21st Century. Mastering quality compression and limiting, at a price point that makes the KT-2A equally at home in your studio - and your live rack!

At the heart of the KT-2A is a vintage lag-free optical attenuator based on the very same electroluminescent technology used in its predecessor. The KT-2A 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 KT-2A brings unparalleled precision and superb signal integrity into the new audio age.

KT-2A 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.

KT-2A 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, with frequency response that extends from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 1 dB). A built-in adjustable stereolink TRS connection allows a pair of KT-2As to blend their sidechain signals for shared threshold response between the two devices.

The controls on the KT-2A consist of a Pre-Emphasis trimmer, which adjusts the sidechain that the compressor responds to, but does not directly affect the audio in any way. 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.

Old-school VU Meters ruled the day back in the 1960s and '70s, so Midas stayed true to the original with the KT-2A'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.

The KT-2A 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.

Processing While Teletronix may have written the book on studio compression/limiting with the legendary LA-2A in the 1960s, Midas just added a new chapter to that venerable tome - the KLARK TEKNIK KT-2A! 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.

Features:

• Classic tube compressor/leveling 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
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz, +/- 1 dB
• Gain Limiting: 0 to 30 dB
• Ultra-fast attack time: 10 milliseconds
• Release time: 50 milliseconds to 5 seconds
• 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
• 10-Year Warranty Program
• Designed and engineered in the U.K.

Specifications

• Single channel vacuum tube compressor/limiter with optical attenuator in a standard 2U 19" rack mount chassis
• Output gain control which can provide make up gain
• Peak reduction control which sets the compressor threshold
• Three position VU meter mode rotary switch with setting of +4 dBu, +8 dBu and gain reduction
• Illuminated VU meter that can read either output level or gain reduction
• Toggle switch to select limiting or compression modes
• Mains power on/off toggle switch with a separate illuminated power on indicator
• Pre-emphasis trimmer which adjusts the compressors sensitivity to high frequency signals.
• Transformer balanced audio input and output 3 pin XLR connectors and parallel TRS jack connectors
• Stereo link TRS jack connector to enable two KT-2A units to function as a stereo pair, by means of side chain linking
• Rear panel stereo link trimmer to enable attenuation matching of a stereo pair of KT-2A units
• Rear panel meter trimmer to calibrate the VU meter
• Fitted with an internal switch mode power supply, capable of operation at AC voltages ranging from 100 to 240 VAC, at 50/60Hz
• Standard IEC receptacle mains connector
• Dimensions: 88 mm high x 483 mm wide x 158 mm deep (3.5 x 19 x 6.2")
• Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs)
• KLARK TEKNIK Leveling amplifier