The Earlybird 4 contains 4 channels of extremely high quality valve pre-amplification. Originally made in black in 1999, this is a special \u201crevival\u201d limited edition in red (limited to 49 only). The black edition is still available with the updated circuitry..<\/p>\n
As the individual channel circuitry in this version of the Earlybird has been simplified in order to provide 4 channels in one 19\u201d unit, so the individual channel specifications have risen. Thus making this the most natural sounding, high quality version of the Earlybird preamp to date.<\/p>\n
Effectively giving the user the cleanest possible valve gain with a range from 3dB to 62dB and a switchable input impedance to help in matching the unit with different microphones.<\/p>\n
This is one of Thermionic Culture\u2019s all handwired products with point to point wiring throughout.<\/p>\n
The circuit design utilises a \u2018push pull\u2019 \u2018class A\u2019 type of valve amplification in order to provide ultimately clean gain, giving the lowest noise and distortion figures possible in a microphone amplifier.<\/p>\n
The input and output transformers have received special attention and by working together with Sowter transformers, designs have been created that bring better results than ever before. The lowest phase shift and highest headroom are both benefits brought by these designs.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s unusual to hear a mic amp with the Earlybird 4\u2019s qualities and after years of improvements Vic Keary proudly declares this \u201cThe best, most real mic. amp ever \u201d. We hope that on hearing the unit\u2019s beautiful results yourself, you will agree with Vic.<\/p>\n
The pair of VU meters show the signal levels for 2 selectable channels. VU meter A is switchable between channels 1 and 3. VU meter B is switchable between channels 2 or 4. 4 red LEDs light up when the output of the amplifiers exceeds +10 dBm, though don\u2019t worry \u2013 there\u2019s still 20dB of headroom left in the Earlybird!<\/p>\n