New TAMPA Mic Preamp/Compressor from M-Audio
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(Click for a close-up) |
August 13, 2002
M-Audio has released updated infromation on the TAMPA Microphone/Instrument Preamp/Compressor. The product is based on M-Audio's Temporal Harmonic Alignment technology, a process that corrects the phase alignment of overtones to achieve the perceived warmth of tubes at solid state prices. TAMPA includes a built-in dual optical servo compressor/limiter, and uses true VU meters to display output and compression gain. TAMPA also incorporates S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital output (24-bit at up to 96kHz), allowing users to connect directly to recorders or sound cards while remaining completely in the digital domain. Other features include a variable impedance input selector that facilitates optimal signal matching in conjunction with vintage mics, and professional Class A electronics throughout. TAMPA technical specifications include:
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 40KHz (+/- 0.25dB)
- Available gain: 66dB
- Maximum analog output: +30dBu at soft clip
- Digital clip level: +30.5dBu
- Distortion: Increases with level until soft-clip occurs (0.5% max)
- Signal-to-noise: 110dB; "A" weighted (gain set to minimum)
- EIA noise rating: -127dBm; 600 ohms (gain set to maximum)
About Temporal Harmonic Alignment
While most engineers agree that tube-base preamps sound better than solid state, tube technology also places these devices outside the reach of many musicians. The TAMPA engineering team began addressing this problem by evaluating what distinguishes tubes aurally. Unlike most solid state electronics, tube-based devices strike the ear as having such a "warm" sound because the added mid-range harmonics have the same temporal (phase) relationship as natural mechanisms like strings, drumheads and vocal chords. This results in a "sweet spot" that makes vocals, guitars and other midrange-rich content sound especially pleasing. TAMPA's new Temporal Harmonic Alignment technology produces that same phase relationship found in both tubes and nature.
About Dual Optical Servo Compression
Three fundamental problems plague engineers in designing compressors--distortion, noise and accuracy. The VCA technology used in inexpensive compressors can exhibit less than professional specs on all three counts. Simple optical servo technology is much more quiet and accurate, yet has its own issues with distortion. The more expensive dual optical servo technology is used in high-end compressors because it yields low noise, consistent accuracy, low distortion and transparency. TAMPA incorporates both a dual optical servo compressor/limiter and microphone/instrument preamp and in one affordable package.
For more information, visit their web site at www.midiman.net. | 
