Thermionic Culture The Earlybird 4 Channel preamp

Thermionic Culture The Earlybird 4 Channel preamp

Introducing the Earlybird 4, a limited-edition valve pre-amplification unit from Thermionic Culture, renowned for its exceptional audio quality and craftsmanship. Originally released in black in 1999, this special "revival" edition comes in a striking red color, limited to just 49 units. The black edition remains available with updated circuitry for those seeking a classic option. Each of the four channels in the Earlybird 4 is meticulously crafted to deliver unparalleled sound quality. With simplified individual channel circuitry, this version offers the most natural and pristine valve gain to date. Users can achieve clean, transparent amplification with gain ranging from 3dB to 62dB, along with switchable input impedance to accommodate various microphones. Handwired with point-to-point wiring throughout, the Earlybird 4 employs a 'push-pull' 'class A' valve amplification circuit design, ensuring minimal noise and distortion for optimal microphone amplification. Special attention has been given to the input and output transformers, developed in collaboration with Sowter transformers, resulting in superior performance with minimal phase shift and maximum headroom.

Vic Keary, the mind behind Thermionic Culture, proudly declares the Earlybird 4 as "The best, most real mic. amp ever," reflecting years of continuous improvement and dedication to excellence. Experience the unit's exquisite results firsthand and discover why it stands out as a pinnacle of microphone amplification. Equipped with a pair of VU meters, the Earlybird 4 provides visual feedback on signal levels for two selectable channels. VU meter A can be switched between channels 1 and 3, while VU meter B can be switched between channels 2 and 4. Additionally, four red LEDs indicate when the output exceeds +10 dBm, offering reassurance with ample headroom still available for dynamic audio capture.

Key Features

• 4 Channels of extremely high quality push pull' 'class A' type of valve pre-amplification.
• Clean gain, giving the lowest noise and distortion figures possible in a mic. Amp.
• Hand-wired with point-to-point wiring throughout.
• Lowest phase shift and highest headroom.

Controls on each channel for:-

• Switchable input impedance to help in matching the unit with different microphones.
• Switchable 48V phantom power.
• Switched gain from 42 dB to 62 dB, 20dB pad.
• 2-position high pass filter.
• Variable output trim with phase inverter.
• Vu meters switchable between channels.
• Peak overload indicators.