Summit Audio Model 2BA-221

Microphone Preamp and Line Module

Operation Manual

Summit Audio, Inc.

P.O. Box 223306
Carmel, CA 93922
(831) 728-1302
email: sound@summitaudio.com
 Introduction

Introducing the 2BA-221 continuously variable impedance

microphone preamp from Summit Audio. Featuring micro-
phone level, line level, and Hi-Z instrument inputs, the 2BA-
221 utilizes separate and individually controlled solid state
inputs to mix the microphone input with the Hi-Z or line input
into the variable vacuum tube stage. Mix the signals through
DANGER! the 12AX7A/ECC83 vacuum tube output or output them
HIGH VOLTAGE separately through multiple solid state outputs. The 2BA-221
also features a stackable input design; multiple 2BA-221’s
IMPORTANT: Check
can be linked together to form a modular mixing device with
the bottom sticker to
make sure the
individual outs, inserts per channel, and a final vacuum tube
2BA-221 is manufac- gain stage. Its swept high pass filter, multiple simultaneous
ture for the voltage tube and solid state outputs, insert jack, and internal power
used in your country. supply makes the 2BA-221 a powerful tracking and mixing
This is done at the tool.
factory ONLY.

Features
• Variable microphone impedance
• High quality mic preamp with polarity, pad and level control
• Channel insert
• Highpass filter
• 1 balanced input, 1 mic input, 1 instrument input
• Balanced outputs
• Hand Crafted in the U.S.A.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 2

 Introduction

Carefully unpack the 2BA-221 and it’s power cord. Save the
carton and packing material for possible future use. Before
powering up the unit, read this manual and observe the cau-
tions for HIGH VOLTAGE.

Important Warranty Information

For your 3 year warranty, register your 2BA-221 on line
today at www.summitaudio.com.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 3

Front Panel

Front Panel

Hi Z Input (Solid State)

This input can be used to mix in a musical instrument or
other high impedance signal.

Line/Hi Z Input Gain Control

This control simultaneously adjusts the solid state gain of the
front panel Hi-Z input and the rear panel line input. Use more
of this control for a cleaner, less vacuum tube sound. Adjust
this control along with the Tube Output gain to get the proper
output level and to get the desired sound.

Signal LEDs
• Green - - Signal is present at the input.
• Amber - Proper input signal level.
• Red - - - Signal is at the threshold of Clipping.

Set the input gain controls so that the red LED only lights
occasionally. The green and amber LEDs should be on most
of the time.

4 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Front Panel

Tube Output Gain Control

This control varies the tube output gain, including the XLR
and balanced TRS outputs. Turn this dial up for more vacuum
tube sound and to get more gain. Both the Line/Hi Z input
and the Mic Preamp gain controls feed this control. For the
most vacuum tube sound, turn this dial up to 2 or 3 o’clock
and adjust the solid state input gain (Line/Hi Z or Mic) for
the proper signal level. This control has no affect on the
stacking output.

Mic Preamp Gain Control

This control adjusts the gain of the solid state microphone
input. Use more of this control for a cleaner, less vacuum
tube sound. Adjust this control along with the Tube Output
gain to get the proper output level and to get the desired
sound.

Mic Preamp Loading Control

This knob controls the loading or impedance for the micro-
phone input. The input can be set from 100 ohms to 10K
ohms. You can set this control to match the 2BA-221 to the
impedance of your microphone or as a "tone" control. Try
sweeping the impedance control to hear the different sounds
available from a single microphone.
Check the manual for your microphone to find the output
impedance or check the charts on page 18 which shows the
output impedances for many commonly used microphones.
The loading impedance should be about four times the micro-
phones output impedance. Check the users manual of your
microphone for more information.

If you are in doubt on how to set the Mic Loading control, set
it fully clockwise to the 10KΩ position.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 5

Front Panel

Pad Switch
This switch engages or disengages a –20dB pad to set the
input sensitivity of the microphone input. If enough gain is
available with your microphone, use with the pad set to –20
for quieter operation.

Polarity Switch
This switch inverts the polarity of the microphone input in
order to compensate for out of phase equipment or wiring.

+48V Phantom Power Switch

This switch enables +48 volt phantom power to the micro-
phone input. Phantom power is present whenever the blue
LED is illuminated. Turn the unit off to bleed off the voltage.

Warning: Some microphones cannot tolerate phantom

power and may be damaged. Check the microphone’s specifi-
cations and requirements before using phantom power.

Highpass Filter Frequency Control

This control adjusts the frequency of the highpass filter from
20Hz to 200Hz. The highpass filter is used to remove low
frequency rumble from the mic input.

Important - Please Read!

The 2BA-221 contains a vacuum tube which
generates heat.

Do not block the cooling holes on the top of the

2BA-221 and always allow adequate ventilation
when mounting the unit in a rack enclosure.

6 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Rear Panel

Rear Panel

MODEL 2BA-221 20W MAX SUMMIT AUDIO INC. CARMEL, CA USA

OUTPUTS INPUTS
STACK

FUSE
IN OUT +4 BAL. -10 BAL. INSERT IN MIC
SUMMITAUDIO.COM

A.C. Receptacle
The 2BA-221 is factory wired for either 100, 115 or 230
Volts AC. Before connecting AC power make sure the
2BA-221 is wired for the voltage used in your country.

+4 Balanced Output Note: You can use all

This is a balanced, low impedance XLR output connection inputs and outputs at
compatible with professional recording and audio equipment. the same time for
versatility.

1/4” TRS Balanced Line Level Output

This is a -10dB, balanced 1/4” output designed to interface
with your recording device, compressor or EQ.

XLR Mic Level Input

This is a balanced low level input designed for microphones.
The gain of this channel is adjusted using the front panel Mic
Gain control and the -20 dB Pad switch.

1/4” Line Level Input

This is a 10K Ohm impedance, balanced line level input
controlled by the front panel Line/Hi-Z Input Gain control.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 7

Rear Panel

2BA-221 Insert
Signal Out
Signal Return
The insert jack allows you to insert a processing device, such
as a compressor, after the highpass filter and before the
vacuum tube stage. This jack can also be used as another
input or output. Refer to the block diagram on page 14.
Tip Ring
To Input
of Processor
To Output
of Processor
Stacking Output
This is an unbalanced high level output taken just before the
INSERT CABLE vacuum tube input and insert. Connect the Stacking Output
Signal is sent out on tip of plug and
returned via ring of plug.
to the Stacking Input of another 2BA-221 to add additional
input channels. See the diagram below. This jack can also be
When using the insert used as an additional output (phase inverted from input).
jack, a cable wired like the
one shown above should
be used. Stacking Input
This is an unbalanced high level input which sums into the
2BA-221 just before the tube output stage and insert jack.

From Stack Out

of another 2BA221 2 Inputs
2BA-221
MODEL 2BA-221 20W MAX SUMMIT AUDIO INC. CARMEL, CA USA
OUTPUTS INPUTS
STACK

FUSE
The diagram at right shows IN
SUMMITAUDIO.COM
OUT +4 BAL. -10 BAL. INSERT IN MIC

one way to connect two

2BA-221 units to create a
4-input summing device. 2BA-221
MODEL 2BA-221 20W MAX SUMMIT AUDIO INC. CARMEL, CA USA
OUTPUTS INPUTS

The Hi-Z input on the front STACK

panel could be used

FUSE
instead of the rear panel IN
SUMMITAUDIO.COM
OUT +4 BAL. -10 BAL. INSERT IN MIC

line-in jack if desired.

2 Inputs

Output

8 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Basic Operation

Basic Operation

Just Plug-in & Go Important: For proper

operation of the
1. Plug your favorite microphone into the rear panel Mic Input
2BA-221 (or any vacuum
jack, plug your instrument into the front panel Hi-Z Input, or tube device for that
your line level device such as a CD player into the rear panel matter), allow the unit to
Line Input jack. warm up with power on
2. Connect either the rear panel XLR or 1/4” Output to the for 15 minutes before
input of your mixer or recorder. (Both outputs are balanced.) use.
3. Adjust the Mic and Line/Hi Z Level Gain control so that the
amber LED is lit most of the time and the red LED only lights
occasionally. Important: Do not block
4. Adjust the Tube Output Level for an optimal signal level. the cooling holes and
allow adequate
5. Adjust the front panel Mic Impedance control to match your
ventilation.
microphone. If in doubt, set the control for 10K ohms.
6. That’s it!

Tips
• Use the Line/Hi Z gain control for solid state sound.
Turn up the tube gain for more tube sound.
• Turn the tube output gain fully counter clockwise for full
solid state output.
• Turn the solid state gain control fully counter-clockwise,
then turn up the tube output to about 2 o’ clock. Turn up
the solid state gain control to overdrive the tube.
• If you want more distortion but the gain is too high for your
recording device, try using the –10dB balanced output.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 9

Applications

Applications

Amp & Direct Sound

The 2BA-221 in conjunction with the Summit TD-100
provides you with a direct box and a mic preamp. This setup
allows you to mix the sound of your guitar or bass amp with
the direct sound of your instrument and sounds fantastic in
both live or recording situations.

Amp/Direct Channel

Direct Input
Out Line
Output

Input
TD-100
Mic on Amp
Cabinet

2BA-221 Mic
To Input
Recording Device
or Line Mixer

10 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Applications

Using the 2BA-221 as an Acoustic Instrument

Preamp
Acoustic guitars and other instruments are often bi-amplified
because of the superior sound reproduction obtained from
using two transducers. The 2BA-221 is perfect for the job.
Connect the pickup output of your acoustic instrument to the Tip: You could also use
High Z input and connect a high-quality microphone to the the microphone for
Mic input. Adjust the input gain controls for the best tonal vocals and the instru-
balance between the microphone and pickup. ment input for the
guitar using this same
setup.
Acoustic Instrument Preamp

Microphone
Pickup (on guitar or voice)

Instrument Mic Input

Input
2BA-221
MODEL 2BA-221 20W MAX SUMMIT AUDIO INC. CARMEL, CA USA
OUTPUTS INPUTS
STACK

FUSE
IN OUT +4 BAL. -10 BAL. INSERT IN MIC
SUMMITAUDIO.COM

To Sound Board
or Recording Device

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 11

Applications

Using the 2BA-221 with the Summit TLA-50

Leveling Amplifier
For a really sweet microphone channel, try using the Summit
Audio 2BA-221 Mic and Line module in conjunction with the
Summit TLA-50 Leveling Amplifier.

To make this connection, you’ll need an insert cable with a

stereo 1/4” phone plug such as the one described on
page 8. Connect the two units with the insert cable as shown
below. Adjust the input level on the 2BA-221 to get a proper
signal level into the TLA-50. The tube output gain control on
the 2BA-221 functions as a “gain makeup” control.

Preamp & Compressor

Stereo Plug To Ring To Tip

2BA-221 TLA-50
MODEL 2BA-221 20W MAX SUMMIT AUDIO INC. CARMEL, CA USA
PUSH
20 CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
OUTPUTS INPUTS MODEL TLA-50 OUTPUTS SIDE
WATTS CHAIN
STACK MAX 100V 50/60 HZ

115V 50/60 HZ
FUSE FUSE SUMMIT AUDIO INC. +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL. INSERT LINK
INPUT
IN OUT +4 BAL. -10 BAL. INSERT IN MIC +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
CARMEL, CA USA
SUMMITAUDIO.COM

Output Input

12 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Applications

Using the 2BA-221 as an Instrument Preamp

The 2BA-221 makes a great instrument preamp for guitars,

basses, keyboards or whatever. In addition to the +4 Main
Balanced Output, the Stacking Output and the -10 Main
Output can be used to send the signal to the board, your
amp or a headphone monitor amp.

Turn up the Tube Output control for more tube sound, use
the Solid State input gain for a cleaner sound. To distort the
2BA-221, turn the Tube Output up to 2-3 o’clock and adjust
the solid state Hi-Z input gain to get a good level. Adjust the
solid state and tube output controls to get the desired
amount of distortion. Use the –10dB balanced output if the
XLR output has too much gain.

Instrument Preamp

HI-Z
Input

PAD POLARITY FILTER

0 -20 - + ON OFF

LINE / HI Z
MIC HIGH PASS
2BA-221
MIC & LINE MODULE
HI Z
+48V ON
- 10 - - 10 100 10K 20 Hz 200 Hz OFF
10
SOLID STATE INPUT GAIN TUBE OUTPUT SOLID STATE MIC PRE.

To To
Headphone Bass Amp
Amp To
Recording Device
or Line Mixer

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 13

Block Diagram

Block Diagram

Mic Variable Filter Freq.

Input Mic Mic
Impedance Pad Preamp
HP Filter
-20 ø In/Out
Polarity
Stack Stack
Input Output
Line/Inst.
Gain Summing
Line
Input Amp
(rear)
Insert
In/Out
Hi-Z
Input
(front)

Output Level XLR

Output

+
Tube
Output 1/4"
Stage Output
-
Peak
Meters

The Impedance control of the 2BA-221 sets the input

impedance of the microphone input. The Pad reduces the
input level by -20 dB. The microphone input is next amplified
by the solid-state preamp before being summed together
with the Hi-Z input, line level input and the stacking input.
The polarity switch can invert the signal if desired.

14 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Block Diagram

The summing amplifier drives the Stack Output, which is

designed to feed the Stack Input of another 2BA-221.
This signal is also sent to the Insert jack output, which can
be used to insert another device, such as a compressor
before the tube stage.

The highpass filter has a variable cutoff frequency

(20Hz -200Hz). This control is designed to remove low fre-
quency rumble caused by stage vibration and other factors
which may be picked up by the microphone.

The 2BA-221 features a vacuum tube amplifier driving an

electronically balanced output stage. The balanced output
drivers provide a low output impedance for driving cables and
600Ω loads. Both XLR and 1/4” outputs are provided.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 15

Electrical Connections

Electrical
Connections

Input

Balanced 3-pin XLR

Pin 1 Ground
Pin 2 (+) Signal
Pin 3 (-) Signal

Balanced 1/4” jack

Sleeve - - Ground
Tip - - - - (+) Signal
Ring - - - -(-) Signal

Output

Balanced 1/4” jack Balanced 3-pin XLR

Sleeve - - Ground Pin 1 - - Ground
Tip - - - - (+) Signal Pin 2 - - (+) Signal
Ring - - - -(-) Signal Pin 3 - - (-) Signal

16 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Specifications

Specifications

Circuit Topology
High-voltage Class A

Power
Internal AC Supply
20 watts
115 volts
50 or 60 Hz
Fuse size is .5 amp, slo-blo for 100/115 V
Fuse size is .25 amp, slo-blo at 230 V

Dimensions
W: 8.5”, H: 1.75”, D: 8.5”
(Two units fit side by side on a standard one-space rack
shelf.)

Weight
7 pounds (3.15 kg)

Audio Specs
For current audio specifications please contact
Summit Audio at www.summitaudio.com.

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 17

Microphone Impedance Chart

Microphone
Impedance Chart
Loading Impedance should be approximately four times the
microphone output impedance listed below. Check the users
manual on the respective microphone for exact figures.
Brands and model numbers listed below are all copyright of
their respective owners. This list is for reference only.

Microphone Impedance Chart

Brand Model Ω Brand Model Ω Brand Model Ω
AKG Solid Tube 200 Audio-Technica AT3032 250 Audio-Technica PRO1 8K
AKG C1000 200 Audio-Technica AT3035 250 Audio-Technica PRO2 8K
AKG C5900 200 Audio-Technica AT4033 100 Audio-Technica PRO3 500
AKG C535 200 Audio-Technica AT4040 100 Audio-Technica PRO4 250
AKG C4500 200 Audio-Technica AT4041 100 Audio-Technica PRO5 250
AKG C2000 200 Audio-Technica AT4047 250 Audio-Technica PRO10HE 600
AKG C3000 200 Audio-Technica AT4050 100 Audio-Technica ATM27HE 200
AKG C4000 200 Audio-Technica AT4051 100 Audio-Technica ATM29HE 200
AKG 414ULS 180 Audio-Technica AT4060 200 Audio-Technica ATM31a 200- 270
AKG 414TLII 180 Audio-Technica AE3300 150 Audio-Technica ATM33a 200-270
AKG D40 500 Audio-Technica AE4100 250 Audio-Technica ATM41a 250
AKG D50 500 Audio-Technica AE5400 150 Audio-Technica ATM61 600
AKG D60 500 Audio-Technica AE6100 250 Audio-Technica ATM63 600
AKG D660 500 Audio-Technica AT804 600 Audio-Technica ATM89 100
AKG D770 600 Audio-Technica AT813 200-270 Audio-Technica ATR10BL 500
AKG D880 600 Audio-Technica AT873 100 Audix OM-2 250
AKG D3700 600 Audio-Technica ATM10a 200-270 Audix VX-10 250
AKG D3800 600 Audio-Technica ATR10RD 500 Audix CD-11 600
AKG D112 210 Audio-Technica ATR20 500 Audix CD-11H 50K
AKG D440 600 Audio-Technica ATR30 500 Audix CD-21 250
AKG D550 600 Audio-Technica ATR50 500 Audix F-50 250
AKG C418 200 Audio-Technica ES973 250 Audix SCX1 600
AKG C419 200 Audio-Technica MB1000 500 Audix SCX25 200
AKG C12 200 Audio-Technica MB1000 500 Blue Dragonfly 50
AKG C426 200 Audio-Technica MB3000 250 Blue Bottle 200
Audio-Technica AT3031 250 Audio-Technica MB4000 250 Blue Baby Bottle 50

18 Summit Audio, Inc.

 Microphone Impedance Chart

Microphone Impedance Chart

Brand Model Ω Brand Model Ω Brand Model Ω
Blue Blueberry 150 N/DYM N/D767 300 Evolution E609 350
Blue Mouse 150 N/DYM N/D468 150 Evolution E825 350
Blue Cactus 150 N/DYM N/D478 300 Evolution E835 350
Blue Kiwi 50 N/DYM N/D868 150 Evolution E845 350
Beyerdynamic MC740 150 RE RE27ND 150 Evolution E855 350
Beyerdynamic MC834 180 RE RE510 150 Evolution E865 200
Beyerdynamic MCE90 190 RE RE16 150 Shure SM57 150
Beyerdynamic MCe91 190 RE RE20 150 Shure SM58 150
Beyerdynamic MCE93 190 RE RE200 200 Shure Beta 58A 150
Beyerdynamic MCE94 190 RE RE1000 200 Shure KSM27 150
Beyerdynamic Opus81 190 Neumann M147 50 Shure KSM32 150
DPA 4003 75 Neumann M149 50 Shure KSM44 150
DPA 4004 75 Neumann TLM103 50 Shure Beta B52 150
DPA 4006 75 Neumann U47 Shure Beta B56 150
DPA 4007 75 Neumann U87 200 Shure Beta 57A 150
DPA 4011 220 Neumann U89 150 Shure Beta 58A 150
DPA 4012 75 Neumann KMS105 20 Shure Beta 87A 150
DPA 4015 220 Neumann KM183 20 Stedman C15 250
DPA 4016 220 Neumann KM184 20 Stedman N90 250
DPA 4041SP 200 Neumann TLM170 20 Stedman SC3 250
Earthworks M30 600 Neumann TLM193 20 Stedman TR1 150
Earthworks M550 600 Röde NT1 40 Stedman LD23 150
Earthworks QTC1 600 Röde NT1000 100 Stedman LD50 150
Earthworks SR68 600 Röde NT2 40 Stedman 1100B 150
Earthworks SR69 600 Röde NT3 200 Studio Project C3 200
Earthworks SR77 600 Röde NT4 200 Studio Project T3 200
Earthworks SR78 600 Röde NTK 200 Studio Project B1 200
Earthworks SRO 600 Röde Classic II 200 Studio Project B3 200
Earthworks TC30K 600 Royer R121 300 Studio Project C1 200
Electrovoice Royer R122 300 Studio Project TB1 250
Cobalt Co4 600 Royer SF12 300
Cobalt Co5 600 Royer SF1 300
Cobalt Co7 600 Sennheiser MD421 200
Cobalt Co9 600 Evolution E602 250
Cobalt Co11 250 Evolution E602 350
N/DYM N/D167 600 Evolution E604 250
N/DYM N/D267 300 Evolution E608 350

Model 2BA-221 Microphone Preamplifier 19

 Summit Audio, Inc.
P.O. Box 223306
Carmel, CA 93922
web page: www.summitaudio.com
email: sound@summitaudio.com

Please register on-line today at www.summitaudio.com.

Thanks.

2BA-221 Op Rev. A