TK Audio The Strip - Manual

The Strip / ST1
Channel strip with preamp, compressor and EQ.
Thank you for purchasing the The Strip. All TK Audio products are assembled by hand in Sweden.
The Strip (ST1) is a complete and easy to use channel strip with a mic preamp, compressor and
an EQ - a perfect tool for the recording engineer, songwriter or producer that needs a great
recording channel. The preamp is a transformerless design with up to 75 dB of ultra-clean
amplification; enough to power low output ribbon and dynamic microphones. The high-impedance
instrument input on the front is perfect for instruments like synthesizers, acoustic, electric and
bass guitar.
The switchable high-pass filter removes unwanted low-frequency energy below 80 Hz.
The compressor uses RMS detection without timing controls which makes it easy to use for a lot
of different sources like vocals, bass, acoustic guitar and more. The depth and character of the
compression is set with the threshold and ratio parameters. Parallel compression can be done by
adjusting the blend between dry and compressed signal. There is a 10 LED meter showing the
gain-reduction with a dot or the preamp headroom with a bar.
The EQ is a classic Baxandall design with two smooth-sounding shelving filters, the 100 Hz low-
shelf filter is ideal for removing excessive bass energy or adding weight to the low-end, while the
12 kHz high-shelving filter is perfect for adding some ”air”.
Finally ST1 has two different output stages, one electronically balanced output stage and one
discrete transformer-balanced class-A stage which is built around a heavy Carnhill output
transformer. The vintage class-A mode produces a fat and punchy sound with mid range character
and a warm top-end. The IC-based output stage is less colored and ideal for clean amplification.
The Strip makes a perfect companion in almost any recording situation producing a smooth and
detailed sound.
Key Features:
*Up to 75dB of ultra-clean gain
*Easy to use RMS compressor
*Blend control for parallel compression
*Shelving filters at 100Hz and 12kHz
*Vintage class-A mode selectable
*Carnhill output transformer
*Hi-Z input on the front