TK AUDIO Products

April 2010 TK Audio is a brand established by Thomas “TK” Kristiansson, the man behind Vintagedesign. TK Audio was created to satisfy people with a desire for gear with a modern structure combined with genuine craftsmanship. Their first product, BC1, was launched in the fall of 2008 and was a huge success. Then another outstanding product was born - the DP-1 dual channel preamp based on a unique hybrid design including both vintage and modern circuits. Germanium and silicon transistors, along with integrated circuits, make the sound character expand over several decades. And now TK Audio introduces new product the Blender. It is a mini mastering console with two stereo inserts for parallel / serial processing and a perfect tool for mixing and mastering. Let us introduce you all these three products and opinions of audio professional about TK Audio products. We will proudly offer TK Audio products in the Musician's Navigator e-store very soon!!!

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TK AUDIO - BC 1

Professional users and their opinions

Kevin "The Caveman" Shirley, USA. Iron Maiden, Metallica, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Jimmy Pages & Robert Plant, Journey, Amanda Marchall... BC1 is used on the latest Iron Maiden project!

Justin Stanley, USA. Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton, Beck, Nikka Costa, Mark Ronson, The Vines, Baby Animals.
"I've been using the TK BC1 as my main drum compression on recent mixes I've done for Eric Clapton, Nikka Costa and Sheryl Crow. The mix control is the key.From letting the signal breath or to slamming it to the wall it still allows the original transients and character of the sound to be heard. It's also a great stereo buss compressor. So now I need to buy another one! Another winner from Thomas Kristiansson."
Justin Stanley (producer/engineer)

Overview

The BC1 provides smooth buss compression associated with one of the most famous buss compressors from the mid 80’s. Mixing engineers call it the magic ‘glue’ when transparent compression strengthens mixes without compromising clarity. The BC1 provides just that kind of compression bringing cohesion and punch; equally useful for drum buss and instrument compression.
The built-in blend control makes it easy to apply parallel compression by adjusting the mix of dry and compressed signal. A mute-switch is provided for muting the dry signal making it possible to adjust the compression without changing the blend control.
A switchable side-chain filter can be applied at 150Hz which makes the BC1 less responsive to low frequency energy. The external side-chain input makes it possible to have the BC1 pump to an external source.
Smooth and transparent compression will never go out of fashion and the BC1 has already become a best-seller. The BC1 will add the magic ‘glue’ and make your mixes sound punchy and coherent.

Key Features:
● Smooth VCA-based buss compression
● Provides the magic ‘glue’ effect on mixes´
● Extended ratio, attack and release controls
● Side-chain input and filtering
● Blend control for parallel compression
● Single or dual side-chain detectors

Specifications:
● Noise flooor: below 104dBm
● Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz, less than -0.3dB
● Distortion: less than 0.008% THD+N, @ +8dBm
● Max output: +26dBm @ 600ohms load

Features:
● Threshold: -15dB to +15dB
● Ratio: 1.5:1 / 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1 / Hard
● HP Filter: 150Hz, -6dB octave
● External sidechain input: in/out
● Dual or single sidechain detectors
● Attack: UF(utltrafast) /0.1/0.3/0.6/1/3/10/30/60/120mS
● Release: 50mS/100mS/300mS/600mS/1.2S/Auto
● Gainreduction meter
● Make-up: 0 to +15dB
● Compression in/out
● Straight signal mute
● Blendcontrol: from straight to compressed
● Balanced input: 40kohm impedance
● Balanced output: 100ohm impedance
● External sidechaininput: Unbalanced TRS stereojack
● Internal, regulated powersupply with a toroidal transformer 115 or 230V, selectable.

TK AUDIO - BLENDER

Overview

The Blender is a mini mastering console with two stereo inserts for parallel / serial processing and a perfect tool for mixing and mastering. The five-step mode control changes the signal path, and numerous combinations can be tested without reconnecting any outboard. The first insert has a semi-fixed position and the second insert can be positioned at four different points in the signal path. At the push of a button the two inserts swap position and by using the mute buttons previewing can be done without altering the level controls. For easy integration the Blender has a separate monitor section with volume control and mono switch. It’s the optimal unit for two-stage compression combining parallel and serial compression in a clean and simple way. Mastering-grade circuits and a switch matrix with gold plated relays guarantees maximum performance.

The goal has been to make the perfect tool for parallel and serial processing. With two outboard processors connected – for example two compressors, or a compressor and an EQ – numerous combinations can be achieved at a twist of a knob. Interfaced with a DAW and a monitoring system the Blender can be used for both processing and monitor control.

Function

The input signal is split into three separate channels:
Channel 1 is the unprocessed sound. Channel 2 has the Insert 1 inserted. Channel 3 is only active in Mode 5, and otherwise muted. Insert 2 moves around in the signal path depending on the mode setting. It’s also possible to swap the position of the two inserts by pressing the swap button.

The three channels are followed by a mix point with a blend control for channel 1 and 2. When Mode 5 is enabled Channel 3 can be mixed into the signal with a separate volume control. The channel mute buttons cuts the signal without affecting the other channels making it possible to preview channels without altering any level controls.

Modes:
Insert 1 is always inserted into channel 2 for parallel processing.
Insert 2 can be placed at four different points in the signal path.
Mode 1 - Insert 1 active on channel 2 for parallel processing.
Mode 2 - Insert 2 is placed before the split point.
Mode 3 - Insert 2 is placed in series with Insert 1.
Mode 4 - Insert 2 is placed after the mix point.
Mode 5 - Insert 2 is active on channel 3 for parallel processing.

A green LED shows the position of Insert 1 and a red LED shows position of Insert 2.

Swap
The swap switch change places of the two inserts.

Main level
The main level is placed right before the main output.

Monitor level
The monitor signal is fed directly from the output connectors through its own dedicated level control. A mono switch is also provided for checking mono compatibility. The mono switch does not affect the main signal.

Bypass
The unit is aslo provided with a true bypass switch for A/B comparison

Key Features:
● Unique parallel and serial processing
● Mastering-grade performance
● Gold plated relays
● Monitor section with volume control and mono switch

Specifications:
● Noise flooor: below 104dBm
● Frequency response: 10Hz to 100kHz, less than -0.1dB
● Distortion: less than 0.003% THD+N, @ +8dBm
● Balanced XLR main/insert inputs: 24kohm impedance
● Balanced XLR main/insert outputs: 100ohm impedance
● Balanced TRS for monitor outputs. 100ohm impedance
● Max output: +26dBm @ 600ohms load
● Internal, regulated powersupply with a toroidal transformer 115 or 230V selectable inside.

TK AUDIO - DP-1

Professional users and their opinions

Luca Bignardi, Italy. Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti...
"I love DP1 preamp and BC1 compressor, a must have in my studio. TK Audio added something new while recreating old equipment. I wish they will do it again on new gear I hope they will build."

Overview

The DP-1 is a dual channel preamp based on a unique hybrid design including both vintage and modern circuits. Germanium and silicon transistors, along with integrated circuits, make the sound character expand over several decades. The midrange crunch of the germanium sound of the mid 60's, the low mid punch and thick sound associated with British class-A from the early 70's and the modern tone from the 80's and 90's; all in the same box.

The input-stage is built around a high quality Swedish Lundahl transformer and an IC that operates in class-A. The preamp section is followed by a germanium unity-gain stage for coloration. Finally the DP-1 has two different output stages, an electronically balanced output stage or a discrete transformer-balanced class-A stage, built around a heavy Carnhill output transformer. The vintage class-A mode produces a fat and punchy sound with mid range character and a warm top-end; the germanium mode adds even more harmonics to the sound. The IC-based output stage is less colored and perfect for clean amplification.
With up to 80 dB gain the DP-1 can handle quiet sound sources like ribbon microphones. High impedance inputs are positioned on the front for easy access when connecting guitar, bass or synthesizers. It's also possible to crank up the input gain really loud and run a hot signal through the preamp to make it distort, and then use the output volume control to lower the output gain. DP-1 offers a unique set of flavors at a very sensible price.

Key Features:

● Unique hybrid design offering plenty of flavor
● Up to 80 dB gain available
● Vintage class-A mode selectable
● Germanium drive available
● Lundahl input transformers
● Carnhill output transformers
● Hi-Z inputs on the front
● Sensibly priced

Features:

● Hi-Z input, instrument input with more than 1Mohm input impedance.
● Impedance switch, 1200ohm / 300ohm.
● 48v phantom power.
● Stepped gainswitch in 5dB steps, inputrange +5dB to -50dB. -30 to -80dB with +30dB boost.
● +30dB gainboost switch.
● Germanium drive, inserts a germanium unity-gainstage after the inputstage.
● Output levelcontrol.
● Phase-reverse switch.
● Vintage transformerbalanced class-A or a electronic balanced outputstage.
● Input impedance: 1.600ohm / 400ohm.
● Max output: +26dB @ 600ohms load.
● All switches are illuminated.
● Internal, regulated powersupply with a toroidal transformer. 230v. Export model will be selectable between 115v / 230v.