Coil Audio CA-286S MK2 Single-Channel Microphone/Line Amplifier

Product Description

The Coil Audio CA-286S MK2 single channel preamplifier is a standalone single channel 2U version of Coil's CA-286 PS6 preamp module but with onboard power and a more streamlined control layout. It boasts the exact same European style circuit, tubes, transformers, and high-end components as its PS6 sibling but with a more elegant and user-friendly design. Simply put - the CA-286S is the easiest way to get those Hi-Fidelity EF86 tube tones into your studio.

EUROPEAN TWO-STAGE AMPLIFIER

The CA-286 preamp is a tribute to the classic 1950s and 60s European two-stage amplifier made popular by Telefunken, Langevin, Collins, and Gates. The CA-286 excels in high fidelity recording applications providing the rich, detailed midrange often associated with vintage EF86 tube based preamps. The CA-286 employs Coil Audio transformers, high quality capacitors, resistors, and NOS octal tubes. For the microphone input stage the CA-286 uses the CT-110HN Super-Mu transformer based on a rare 1950s high fidelity coil. Detail oriented, it adds an excellent top and bottom extension with a smooth, breathy saturation. On the line out it uses the CT-41 transformer based on a popular 1960s Peerless design. Frequency response is ruler flat from 20 Hz to 30 kHz, dipping just below 1 dB at 60 kHz. Its smooth saturation imparts a rich, wooly, high fidelity sound to anything passing through it.

CONTROLS

The (INPUT) pad section contains a phase reverse switch, and a 4-position pad network: 0 dB, -6 dB, -12 dB, and -19 dB. The (NF) control varies the amount of negative feedback present in the circuit. Counter-clockwise brightens and moves the sound forward while raising harmonics and sensitivity. Clockwise increases negative feedback, producing a darker tone with a smooth, dampened harmonic structure. The (LOW) switch reacts with the NF, boosting or cutting low frequency while moving the low end from front to back in the sound stage. The (OUTPUT) control is placed between the 1st stage 6J7 and 2nd stage 6C5 tubes and sets the final level output level.