Summit 2BA-221 Microphone & Line Module

2BA-221
Microphone & Line Module

“I'm really digging the sound of the 2BA-221. The word is versatile. So far I've used it live for a guitar/vocalist combo and in the studio on electric guitar and vocals. Playing with the impedance knob is an education in and of itself… Again it’s the artillery of versatility.”
...... Nick J, Inner Loop Media

Introducing the extraordinary 2BA-221 Mic and Line Module, featuring our remarkable continuously variable impedance microphone preamp. With microphone level, line level, and Hi-Z instrument inputs, the 2BA-221 utilizes separate and individually controlled solid state input controls to mix the microphone input with the Hi-Z or line input into the variable vacuum tube output. Using the variable mic impedance and variable solid state and tube stages gives you unprecedented sonic control of anything you throw at it, be it mic level, line level, or instrument level.

The 2BA-221 also features a stackable input design; multiple 2BA-221's can be linked together to form a modular mixing device with individual outs, inserts per channel, and a final vacuum tube gain stage. Add to all that a swept high-pass filter (with bypass switch), -20dB pad, +48V phantom power, and 180° polarity reverse plus multiple simultaneous inputs and outputs, pre-tube insert jack and internal power supply, all backed by Summit's 3 year warranty.

How can we put so much power and sound in such a small space? It wasn't easy, but we're glad we did. The ½-rack chassis makes the 2BA-221 a real powerhouse without taking up tons of room in cramped quarters. And this is not a 'pared down' Summit unit; the "tuba," as we affectionately call it, features the same high quality you can expect from any of our products. That means that only top-of-the-line connectors, switches, and pots that are built to last a lifetime, as well as the highest quality components, are used throughout.

“I just plugged into my new 2BA-221 and after about 20 minutes of playing I'm floored by this little unit… I found a lot of very smooth personality after twisting the knobs for a while. Whatever voodoo you put in this little box keep it up, this is one excellent sounding product. “ ......Matt

With the 2BA-221 we focused on versatility as well as sound. Along with the I/O you would expect on a mic preamp, we added tons of additional ins and outs to match any studio configuration, including mic, line, Hi-Z and 'stacking' in, and -10dB and +4dB tube output, "stacking" solid state out and an insert before the tube stage. How does this stack up? Try singing into a microphone and sending it to your recorder from the +4dB balanced tube out, with a backup to another track from the -10dB tube output to avoid any overs, and send the solid state 'stack' output to a compressor and then to yet another track. You can even plug a ¼" cable into the insert jack and have another solid state output for a total of four high quality outputs from one mic source! Or plug your acoustic electric guitar into the Hi-Z input and place a mic in front of it and use the separate line and mic input controls to mix the signals into the one, perfect blend. And all with the pristine quality and smooth and subtle tube overtones that keep Summit Audio a leader in audio processing.

Key Features:
•	Variable Mic input impedance from 100 ohms to 10K ohms
•	Variable Highpass Filter
•	Hi-Z Instrument, Line, and Mic Level Input
•	Hi-Z input and Mic input available simultaneously with separate gain controls
•	Separate solid state and tube outputs
•	Insert Jack
•	Stackable with more 2BA-221's
•	½ Rack Size
•	3 Year Warranty
•	XLR and ¼" outputs and inputs
•	Three variable, independent gain stages

2BA-221 Mic & Line Module Operating Instructions

Basic tracking: Plug the input source into the correct input jack (mic into the back mic input jack, line level into the ¼" balanced line input jack on back, or an instrument in the Hi-Z input jack on the front). Plug the main XLR +4dB Tube output jack into the recording device. Use the solid state gain and tube output together to get the sound and level you want to record.

Choosing the right mic input impedance: Inside the manual is a basic list of microphones and their corresponding output impedance. Generally, mics are looking for AT LEAST four time their output impedance value. In general, turn the impedance control all the way up to 10k Ohms to start with and turn the impedance down to get the sound you desire or for an effect. You can get a lot of different tones with some microphones this way. Some microphones are impervious to the preamp's impedance; check their manual for details.

Using the microphone and line/Hi-Z input simultaneously: Plug a microphone into the mic input and an instrument into the Hi-Z input (or line level device like a CD player into the line input). Get individual levels with the solid state input gains and overall level and tone with the tube output control. The 2BA-221 mixes the two signals into a single output.

Using the 2BA-221 with the TLA-50 or another compressor: There are two ways to use a compressor with the 2BA-221. 1. Insert jack. Use a standard insert cable (1/4" TRS jack to two jacks) and plug the balanced side into the insert jack, the output (tip send) into the input on the compressor and the output of the compressor into the return (ring return). With the TLA-50, use the XLR in and out to avoid overloading the input. 2. Output. Send the main output of the 2BA-221 into the input of the compressor, then the output of the compressor into the recording device or sound system.

Using the 2BA-221 as a solid state preamp: Plug the signal source into the 2BA-221 (mic, line, or Hi-Z) and use the solid state input gain to get the signal level. Use the Stack Out on the back for a -10dB level solid state output. Please note that this output is polarity reversed from the input. The insert jack can also be used by plugging an unbalanced ¼" cable from the insert to the recorder or sound system.

Using multiple outputs for zero latency monitoring: All inputs and outputs on the 2BA-221 are buffered and available at the same time. Use the +4dB Tube output into your DAW's input and use the -10dB tube output to your monitor mixer to monitor you 2BA-221 without the DAW's latency.

Mounting the 2BA-221: Use the SRK-100 from Summit Audio to mount one or two 2BA-221's. They will also fit into a standard rack shelf although they tend to sag under the weight of these pieces.