Thermionic Culture EarlyBird 2.2 Dual Channel Valve Mic Pre and EQ

Not happy to leave well enough alone, Vic from Thermionic Culture decided to add a few additional features to the already outstanding Earlybird 2. Frequency selection has been added to the low and midrange bands, though the original [exceptionally musical] frequencies still exist. Greater input options, including a 'flow through/gain makeup' interface for the passive "Pullet" equalizer have been added... the sound of the mic pre remains absolutely stunning and gorgeous.

thermionic culture earlybird 2.2 features

The Earlybird 2.2 is a two channel all valve pre-amp employing a balanced push-pull circuit, which as far as we know, is unique in this application. The use of this type of circuit gives very low noise and plenty of headroom with minimal distortion. These factors coupled with a switchable input impedance will mean the user can get a very natural interpretation of whatever sound the microphone is picking up, whether the mic is valve, ribbon, moving coil or FET.

The Earlybird 2.2 retains all of the features of the previous Earlybirds. They have added an extra pair of inputs to allow permanent connection to a Pullet EQ. In addition the active EQ section now has switchable frequencies on the mid and bass lift sections. The Gain controls have now been simplified and incorporated into a Function switch.

The Earlybird 2.2 need not stand idle once the mixing process has begun. The line input facility means that the sonic ccharacteristics and EQ facilities of the Earlybird 2.2 can be fully utilized on any mono or stereo signals that the user feels may benefit from such enhancement. With this in mind the Pullet acts as a perfect companion for precision mid range EQ.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Impedance: 300 or 1200Ω, switchable, balanced
Output Impedance:
A)output level control at max: 55 ohms balanced
B) output level control at min: 500 ohms balanced
Maximum Gain: 62dB
Maximum Output Level (MOL) +34dBv @1kHz, +33dBv @100Hz
Phase Shift at 10kHz 18 degrees (5%)
Distortion (THD), 1kHz/100Hz 0.007%/0.012%
Frequency response ±0.5 dB 10Hz to 38kHz
Signal to Noise (weighted)
Ch.1 115 dB
Ch.2 112 dB below MOL
Eq, dB each active control at max:
Bass +15dB @60 Hz & 100Hz
Mid +15dB @800Hz & 2.8kHz
Top +21dB @ 10 kHz
Mid frequency selector 800Hz & 2.5kHz
Bass frequency selector 60Hz & 100Hz
Gain settings, mic (line in brackets) dB
dB 36( -8 ) 44( -0 ) 52( 8 ) 60(16)
Bass Cut, Hz 0, 40, 100, 800
Output trim -18 dB to 0 dB linear reverse attenuator
Input and output connectors 8 x 3pin XLRs, wired balanced. (2x mic in, 2x line in, 2x pullet in, 2x line out)
Valve complement
2 x 12AX7TC/ECC83
3 x 12AU7TC/ECC82

MANUALS & PDFs

Thermionic Culture Earlybird 2.2 Manual Adobe pdf

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