TCS-II Channel Strip

$3,495.00

Channel strip featuring API’s 512c Mic Pre, 527A Compressor, 550A Equalizer, and patented THRUST® circuit

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TCS-II Channel Strip in detail

Features
  • API 512c Mic Preamplifier
  • API 550A Equalizer
  • API 527A Compressor
  • API 325 Line Driver
  • Complete patching facilities on rear panel
  • Two ten segment LED VU displays
  • Output clips at +30dBm

TCS-II is a complete input module with mic pre, dynamics processing, precision EQ and output level control. With extensive signal metering, multiple balanced insert points and an output mute switch, TCS-II contains the best features of a large console input channel in a single rack space.

It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for that high-performance API console sound.

The result of thoughtful engineering, TCS-II includes everything needed to record an audio signal. It all starts with the famed 512c Mic Preamplifier, which includes the benefit of
additional Mic, Line or Instrument input switching. Next is the 527A multi-mode Compressor with fully adjustable Threshold, Attack, Release, and Ratio controls on detented pots. The patented THRUST® circuit in the 527A gives your track the “in-your-face” punch that has made this circuit an award winner.
Also included in TCS-II is probably the most recognized and revered API EQ of all time, the 550A three-band Equalizer with its switchable frequencies and 12dB of boost or cut.

The 550A’s High and Low frequency bands can be individually switched to be shelving EQs, and the “B.P. Filter” switch inserts a 50Hz to 15KHz bandpass filter.

At the output of the unit is the 325 Line Driver, taken directly from API console designs with an output level pot and 10 segment meter. The meter can also be switched to show the output level of the preamp.
Each of TCS-II’s processing pieces can be switched in or bypassed individually, while a flip switch internally routes the compressor after the EQ if desired. Additional features include a sidechain input and the famous API 2520/transformer combination.

 

TCS-II Channel Strip specifications

Specifications
i. 512C Preamplifier Specifications
Rear Connector:
XLR MIC Input
Balanced 1/4″ TRS LINE Input
Front Connector: HI-Z 1/4″ Unbalanced Instrument Input (INST)
Gain Range:
MIC: 14dB min. 68dB max.
INST: 14dB min. 50dB max.
Maximum Input Levels:
MIC: +17dBu
LINE: +36dBu
INST: +17dBu
Input Impedance:
MIC: 1500 Ohms
LINE: 120K Ohms
INST: 120K Ohms
Clipping Level: +30dBu
LED Peak Indication: +22dBu
Frequency Response: +0.3dB, -0.1dB, 30Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: MIC:-116dB; INST:-102dB
ii. 527A Compressor Specifications
Attack Times: 1 millisecond to 25 milliseconds (typical)
Release Times: 0.1 seconds to 3 seconds (typical)
Compression Ratios: 1:1 to ∞:1
Threshold Control Range: +10dBu to -20dBu
Frequency Response: +/- 0.1dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise: -114dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, no compression
Metering: 10-segment red LED: Gain Reduction scale; -1dB to -24dB
iii. 550A Equalizer Specifications
Insertion Loss: None (bridging)
Frequency Response (No equalization): ±0.2dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise: -111dB, 20Hz to 20kHz, no equalization
iv. 325 Line-Driver Specifications
Output Fader Control Gain: -∞ to +10dB
Clipping Level: +30dBu
Channel Output: +4dBu, Balanced, Low-impedance, Male XLR
Output Impedance: Less than 75 Ohms, Transformer Balanced
Metering: 10-segment LED: dBu scale; -11dBu to +22dBu
Switchable between 512C Preamp and 325 Line-Driver outputs
v. Misc
Nominal Mains Power Consumption: 16 watts
Fusing: 500mA Slow Blow
Mounting: Standard EIA rack ears
Cabling Depth From Mounting Surface: 13.5”
Weight: 10lb 10oz
Size: 19″ x 11.5″ x 1.7″, L x W x H
Shipping Weight: 14lb 9oz
Shipping Size: 23.25″ x 16″ x 6.5″, L x W x H
API reserves the right to update or modify any specification listed herein.

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