TK Audio DP3

Introducing the TK Audio DP3 Preamp
TK Audio has elevated its preamp lineup by introducing the all-new DP3, a powerful successor to the DP2. The DP3 stands out with its unique hybrid design, combining vintage and modern circuits for unparalleled versatility.

Vintage Meets Modern: A Sonic Journey Through the Decades
The DP3 offers a rich palette of sonic textures, blending the midrange crunch reminiscent of the 1960s Germanium sound, the low mid punch and thickness associated with British class-A circuits from the early 70s, and the modern tones from the 80s and 90s. This wide-ranging tonal capability makes the DP3 a go-to choice for producers and engineers seeking both vintage warmth and modern clarity.

Innovative Design for Maximum Flexibility
The DP3 is more than just a preamp; it's a tone-shaping powerhouse. Building on the success of TK Audio’s proven input stage and Germanium circuit, the DP3 introduces a new saturation circuit. Combined with the vintage class-A stage, this feature offers a vast array of character choices to suit any recording situation.

Premium Components for Superior Sound
The DP3’s input stage is built around a high-quality Swedish Lundahl transformer and a hi-gain stage, followed by selectable saturation and Germanium circuits that add rich color and harmonics. Unlike previous models, the class-A stage in the DP3 is positioned before the output level control, allowing for harder driving of the transformer without overloading your A/D converters. This innovation also makes the output less sensitive to varying load impedances.

Enhanced Output Stage for Rich, Punchy Sound
The class-A stage features a custom-made Carnhill transformer, renowned for producing a fat, punchy sound with mid-range character and a warm top end. This transformer is a key component in delivering the DP3’s signature sound.

Versatile Hi-Z Instrument Input
The DP3’s Hi-Z instrument input includes a separate activation switch, enabling you to keep your instrument connected at all times. The Hi-Z direct mode bypasses the input transformer and stage, sending the instrument signal directly to the high-pass filter (HPF) and selectable saturation and Germanium circuits. The +14dB gain in direct mode is perfect for bass recordings, especially when paired with the class-A stage.

Precision Low-End Control with Sweepable HPF
The DP3 is equipped with a sweepable HPF, ranging from 30Hz to 400Hz, allowing precise crafting of the low end. This feature is essential for achieving the perfect balance in your mix.

Upgrade Your Studio with the TK Audio DP3
The TK Audio DP3 preamp is designed for professionals who demand versatility, high-quality sound, and innovative features. Whether you’re capturing the warm tones of the past or creating the cutting-edge sounds of today, the DP3 is the ultimate tool to elevate your recordings.

Key Features:

• Hi-gain input stage with up to 80dB of gain
• Selectable vintage class-A stage

• Lundahl and Carnhill transformers

• Selectable germanium and saturation circuits for more color and harmonics

• Sweepable high-pass filter, 30-400Hz, 12dB/octave

• Instrument input with 2 Mohm impedance

• Output level placed after class-A stage

• Headroom meter with eight LED’s

Specifications

Features

Hi-Z input: High impedance instrument input with 2 Mohm input impedance
In: activates the instrument input
Direct: bypasses the mic input stage and feeds the Hi-Z input stage directly to the HPF
48v phantom power switch with separate LED indicator
Gain switch in 5dB steps: -25 to -80dB, +5dB to -25 with -30dB pad selected
Headroom meter: This LED-meter is a headroom meter and NOT a VU-meter. It is connected before the output level control to show the internal headroom even if you have lowered the output level. With the level at max the meter indicates clip at +25dB.

-30dB: pads the input signal -30dB (for best signal to noise ratio, avoid the 30dB pad if not needed)

Impedance: mic input impedance normaly1600ohm, 400ohm when engaged
Sweepable high pass filter: 30-400Hz, 12dB/octave
Saturation: inserts a saturation stage for extra harmonics after the HPF
Germanium: inserts a germanium stage after the HPF (for more color, select higher gain and back off a little with the output level control)
Selectable vintage class-A stage
Output level control: adjusts the output level after the class-A stage if inserted
Polarity switch: flips the output polarity
Illuminated switches (except for the phantom toggle switch which has a separate LED)