Summit Audio TPA-200B Dual Tube Mic/Line Preamp - Manual (Page 5)

Use Scenarios and set up
Getting a clean microphone signal: Plug the microphone into the mic input on the back
of the TPA-200B and set the input switch to mic (and the phantom switch on for
condenser mics needing 48v phantom power). Turn the output gain up very high, then
slowly turn up the input gain to the desired recording/ monitoring level.
Getting tube guitar distortion: Plug the output of the guitar into one of the Hi-Z inputs
on the front of the TPA-200B. Turn the output gain low. Turn the preamp input gain up
high (start at about 7) and play the guitar. The OD light should be blinking or steady
yellow. Then slowly turn up the output until you reach the desired recording/ monitoring
level. Slowly increase the input gain and decrease the output gain to get the perfect tube
distortion while keeping the overall level under control.
Getting a warm bass tone: Plug the bass directly into the Hi-Z input. Turn the output
gain knob very low. Turn the input gain up until the OD light just starts to flash while the
bass is being played (the flashing light indicates soft clipping). Turn the output gain knob
until you get the desired recording/ monitoring level. This can also be done if the bass is
plugged into a direct box. Just take the XLR out of the DI into the mic input on the TPA-
200B and set the input switch to Mic.
Using the TPA-200B as an effect: The TPA-200B is a very versatile preamp and can be
used as a warming or distortion effect during mixing. Using the line level inputs, plug
your auxiliary sends and returns from your mixer to the TPA-200B’s inputs and outputs.
Adjust the input and output levels on the TPA-200B to get the perfect amount of warmth
or distortion for instruments in your mix.