Thermionic Culture Earlybird 2.3

Thermionic Culture Earlybird 2.3 - 2-Channel Tube Preamp with EQ

Unlock the Ultimate in Clean Gain and Versatile EQ

The Thermionic Culture Earlybird 2.3 is a top-tier, 2-channel tube preamp designed for discerning audio professionals. Featuring a ‘push pull’ ‘class A’ amplification circuit, this preamp delivers exceptionally clean gain with minimal noise and distortion. The collaboration with Sowter transformers ensures the lowest phase shift and highest headroom, making it an ideal choice for pristine audio capture.

Key Features:

• High-Quality Valve Pre-Amplification: Two channels of superior valve pre-amplification using ‘push pull’ ‘class A’ circuitry for clean, low-noise gain.
• Custom Transformers: Input and output transformers designed with Sowter for optimized performance, providing low phase shift and high headroom.
• Active Lift EQ: Three bands of active lift EQ with switchable mid-range frequencies and high-pass filters for versatile tone shaping.
• Front Panel Controls: Easy access to essential settings like gain, impedance, 48v phantom power, and phase.
• Varislope EQ Curves: Unique ‘varislope’ EQ curves for bass and top lifting controls, with a broad, musical mid-lift control.
• High-Pass Filters: 12dB/octave filters at 40Hz and 100Hz, plus a shelving filter for additional low-frequency control.
• Function Switch: Allows input from ‘mic in’ XLR sockets, ‘Line in’ sockets, or ‘Pullet’ sockets, optimizing for various uses while remaining rack-mounted.
• Versatile Impedance and Pad Settings: Adjustable for a wide variety of mics and signal levels, offering creative tonal choices.

Technical Specifications:

• Channels: 2
• Amplification Type: ‘Push pull’ ‘class A’
• EQ Bands: 3 (Bass, Mid, Top)
• Mid Frequency Options: 800Hz, 2.8KHz
• High-Pass Filter Options: 40Hz, 100Hz
• Phantom Power: 48v
• Input/Output Transformers: Custom-designed by Sowter
• Controls: Gain, Impedance, 48v Power, Phase, EQ Bypass

The Earlybird 2.3’s active EQ operates within the feedback loop, ensuring no additional gain stages are introduced, preserving the integrity of your signal. This design allows for subtle EQ adjustments without compromising audio quality, making it easier to achieve the perfect sound. The high-pass filters are arranged to provide 12dB/octave cuts at 40Hz or 100Hz, with a shelving filter option for simultaneous mid cut and bass lift.

The function switch allows the unit to take input from ‘mic in’ XLR sockets, ‘Line in’ sockets, or ‘Pullet’ sockets, making it versatile for different uses while remaining in an equipment rack. The variable impedance and pad settings optimize the input circuitry for a variety of mics and signal levels, offering creative tonal choices.

The variety of functions and outstanding sonic results make the Earlybird 2.3 a versatile addition to any studio, whether for recording or mixing. Pair it with the Pullet for a superb mastering equalizer setup.