RSE TPC-I mk2 Tube Channel Strip

The RSE TPC-I mk2 is a tube microphone and instrument channel strip combining a high-gain preamplifier with an optical compressor in a 2U 19-inch rack format.

The preamplifier provides up to 72 dB of gain and is designed for use with dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones, as well as instruments connected through the front-panel high-impedance input.

The audio path uses vacuum-tube amplification together with transformer-coupled input and output stages. Selectable microphone input impedance allows the preamp to be adapted to different microphones and source characteristics.

The optical compressor provides two operating modes with different compression behaviour. Soft mode is intended for slower, more gradual dynamic control, while Hard mode provides faster attack and substantially higher compression ratio.

Independent input and output controls allow the amount of preamp drive and final output level to be adjusted separately, making the TPC-I mk2 suitable both for clean gain and for more pronounced tube and transformer coloration.

Phantom power is provided for condenser microphones, while the front-panel HI-Z input allows direct connection of electric guitar, bass and other high-impedance sources.

User manual can be downloaded HERE

Key Features

• Tube microphone and instrument channel strip
• Up to 72 dB of microphone gain
• Transformer-coupled input and output
• Optical compressor
• Soft and Hard compression modes
• Selectable microphone input impedance: 500 Ω / 2 kΩ
• Front-panel 1 MΩ HI-Z instrument input
• Phantom power for condenser microphones
• Independent input and output level controls
• Balanced professional line-level output
• 2U 19-inch rack format
• Factory-configured 115 V or 230 V mains operation

• Power voltage: 230(115)VAC +/-10%
• Power consumption: 35w
• Dimensions: 19" x 3.5"x 6.7"
• Weight: 2.7kg

Technical Specifications

Preamp

• Mic input impedance: 500 Ω / 2 kΩ
• HI-Z input impedance: 1 MΩ
• Maximum output level: +15 dBu
• Frequency response: 30 Hz–20 kHz, ±2 dB
• Maximum gain: 72 dB

Compressor — Soft mode

• Ratio: approx. 5:1, soft knee
• Attack: approx. 200 ms
• Release: approx. 1 s

Compressor — Hard mode

• Ratio: approx. 20:1, soft knee
• Attack: approx. 5 ms
• Release: approx. 2 s