TK AUDIO / DP3

The TK AUDIO/DP3 is a dual-channel preamplifier with a unique hybrid design that combines both vintage and modern circuitry.

■ Dual Mic Preamp, 1U

Dual Mic Preamp

? High-gain input stage up to 80dB

? Selectable vintage Class A stage

? Lundahl and Carnhill transformers

? Tone coloring with germanium and saturation circuitry

? 30-400Hz high-pass filter

TK Audio’s flagship preamp, DP2, has been replaced by the all-new DP3.

The DP3 is a dual-channel preamp with a unique hybrid design featuring both vintage and modern circuitry.

It combines the mid-range crunch of germanium sounds found in the mid-60s, the punchy and thick low-midrange sound of early 70s British Class A sounds, and the more modern tones of the 80s and 90s.

TK Audio's proven input stage and germanium circuitry are combined with a vintage Class A stage, and a new saturation circuit is incorporated to offer a variety of character options.

The input stage is designed around a high-quality Swedish Lundahl transformer, followed by a selectable saturation circuit and germanium circuit for added coloration and harmonics.

While TK Audio's previous preamps featured a switchable output stage, the DP3 instead inserts a Class A stage before the output level control, allowing for stronger transformer drive without overloading the A/D converter, resulting in output less susceptible to impedance.

The Class A stage utilizes a custom-made Carnhill transformer, producing a thick, punchy sound with strong midrange characteristics and warm treble.

A separate activation switch for the Hi-Z instrument input allows for keeping instruments constantly connected.

Hi-Z Direct mode bypasses the input transformer and input stage, sending the instrument signal directly to the HPF saturation circuit and germanium circuit. Direct mode gain is +14dB, ideal for bass recording and other applications combined with the Class A stage.

The sweepable HPF (High-Pass Filter) operates from 30Hz to 400Hz, allowing for precise reproduction of low frequencies.

Product Specifications

Input impedance: 1600 ohm / 400 ohm

Instrument input impedance: 2 Mohm

Max output level: +26dBu

DI-direct gain: +14dB

Frequency response electronically balanced: -0.2dB @ 80kHz

Frequency response class A inserted: -0.5dB @ 20kHz

THD+N @ +20dBu: 0.007%

THD+N @ +20dBu, class-A inserted: 0.01%

THD+N @ +20dBu, saturation stage active: 0.3%

THD+N @ +20dBu, germanium stage active: 1%

Power consumption: 15VA

Power requirement: 115V or 230V internally selectable