{"title":"Thermionic Culture","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"thermionic-culture-vulture-stereo-valve-distortion-box-culturevulture","title":"Thermionic Culture Vulture Stereo Tube Valve Distortion Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n\tOriginally designed as a \"distortion box\" to simulate distortion in valve amps it has found lots of uses beyond this. We know that some owners use them on drum loops, vocals, piano sounds and even across entire tracks (it is a stereo unit). We have refined this so that distortion figures are reduced to only 0.2% at lowest to about 99.9% (at least that's what our distortion meter tells us!). Predominant distortion can be changed from even to odd harmonics with a simple switch. We know it's recently been rented to mix a JAMES BOND movie!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thermionic Culture","offers":[{"title":"New | On Order","offer_id":46168001151259,"sku":"CULTUREVULTURE","price":2699.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9049\/3723\/files\/CV2018fronPanel_549df912-f57e-4812-b492-5f65ccfc7ce8.jpg?v=1756316709"},{"product_id":"thermionic-earlybird-4-4-channel-tube-microphone-preamp-new-factory-demo-unit-earlybird4-c01","title":"Thermionic Earlybird 4 4 Channel Tube Microphone Preamp (New Factory Demo Unit)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n\t\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px; \"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThermionic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 16px; \"\u003e Earlybird 4 4 Channel Tube Microphone Preamp (New Factory Demo Unit)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\n\t\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 16px; \"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull Manufactueres Warranty!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tThe Earlybird 4 contains 4 channels of extremely high quality valve pre-amplification. Originally made in black in 1999, this is a special “revival” limited edition in red (limited to 49 only). The black edition is still available with the updated circuitry..\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tAs the individual channel circuitry in this version of the Earlybird has been simplified in order to provide 4 channels in one 19” unit, so the individual channel specifications have risen. Thus making this the most natural sounding, high quality version of the Earlybird preamp to date.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tEffectively 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tThis is one of Thermionic Culture’s all handwired products with point to point wiring throughout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tThe circuit design utilises a ‘push pull’ ‘class A’ type of valve amplification in order to provide ultimately clean gain, giving the lowest noise and distortion figures possible in a microphone amplifier.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tThe 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tIt’s unusual to hear a mic amp with the Earlybird 4’s qualities and after years of improvements Vic Keary proudly declares this “The best, most real mic. amp ever ”. We hope that on hearing the unit’s beautiful results yourself, you will agree with Vic.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tThe 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’t worry – there’s still 20dB of headroom left in the Earlybird!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t4 Channels of extremely high quality push pull' 'class A' type of valve pre amplification.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tClean gain, giving the lowest noise and distortion figures possible in a mic. Amp.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tHand wired with point to point wiring throughout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tLowest phase shift and highest headroom.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tControls on each channel for:-\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tSwitchable input impedance to help in matching the unit with different microphones.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tSwitchable 48V phantom power .\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tSwitched gain 42 dB to 62 dB, 20dB pad.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\t2 position high pass filter.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tVariable output trim with phase inverter.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tVu meters switchable between channels.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\tPeak overload indicators.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thermionic Culture","offers":[{"title":"New | On Order","offer_id":46168528093467,"sku":"EARLYBIRD4DIS","price":7299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9049\/3723\/files\/EARLYBIRD4DIS-0.jpg?v=1692026239"},{"product_id":"thermionic-culture-phoenix-mastering-plus-compressor-1090948","title":"Thermionic Culture Phoenix Mastering Plus Compressor","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll valve signal path provides warm, full tube tone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand-wired in England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStereo link for mix buss compression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide Chain Filters allow for compression of all frequencies except bass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat frequency response ensures the truest tone passes through the signal path \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery low phase shift and harmonic distortion (unless pushed hard)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput trim control allows the user to tailor the output level to their own specific setup for ideal in\/out levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBypass switch on each channel removes ALL electronics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis is the latest development in the evolution of the classic Phoenix compressor, first introduced in 1998. After requests \u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.2em;\"\u003efrom mastering engineers the MasterPhoenix was introduced in October 2006. This was more recall-able with indented \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.2em;\"\u003epots and slightly different power supply and metering circuit, in which trimming the meter alters the current through \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 1.2em;\"\u003ethe compression valve so compensating for valve ageing.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compression curve of the mastering Phoenix is slightly gentler than that of the standard one, but it does have a more “positive” effect. This earlier version has 6dB lower gain compared to the standard Phoenix. The Master Phoenix is in use in many studios and mastering suites around the world, and we do know that one of its users, Ray Staff of AIR London Studios won the MPG award for Best Mastering Engineer in 2009.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new Mastering Plus is a much upgraded version employing precision Elma switches for the Gain and Threshold and Alpha switches for Attack and Release. Omeg indented pots are used for the Output Level for fine control. Side Chain Bass Cut switches, which have become an essential mastering tool have been retained. In stereo mastering, with the link switch in, there are effectively 5 frequency options as the compressor side chain will work at the average of the switch positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Standby switch is introduced to prolong valve and component life and this has had an unexpected effect, see *Mullard and Siemens NOS valves are used exclusively for lower noise and long life stability. The Gain is now identical to that of the standard Phoenix so that extreme compression effects are possible Easy adjustment of Meter Zeros, especially important in stereo mastering, is now enabled by front panel access to the trim controls, situated between the 2 meters. *some users have found that analogue tape type distortion is created when the unit is operated with Standby on. This was unintentional but some people may find it interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thermionic Culture","offers":[{"title":"New | On Order","offer_id":46171792015643,"sku":"PHOENIXMASTERPLUS","price":6199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Repack | Out Of Stock","offer_id":47103926763803,"sku":"PHOENIXMASTERPLUSEBAYPRO","price":5699.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9049\/3723\/files\/phoenixmasterplus_12.jpg?v=1692029486"},{"product_id":"thermionic-culture-purple-bustard-summing-mixer-purplebustard","title":"Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard Summing Mixer","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing on from the phenomenal success of The Fat Bustard summing mixer whose features include Attitude, EQ, stereo width, and of course a big fat sound, we find there’s a demand for a similar warm sounding summing mixer with more channels at a lower price, keeping the unique Attitude control. Enter The Purple Bustard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new unit utilises the same input circuit and Attitude section as the Fat Bustard, using the same type twin triode valves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of having eqs and Stereo Spread, etc., there is only the “AIR” control which works on the very high end.  Because the unit contains no solid state in the audio path, the use of this control will enhance the sound with a lovely velvety sheen typical of the best all-valve equipment with none of the harshness found in some solid state units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe output stage is very similar to that of The Fat Bustard, except that for reasons of space and heat, smaller double triodes are employed.   All valves are “mil spec” NOS types.  The max output level is still well above +20 dBv, adequate for any DAW.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll inputs and outputs are on XLRs, with inputs “semi floating” and outputs unbalanced.  A balancing box containing 2 Sowter transformers is available if required at additional cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFront panel :\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 8 toggle switches to switch in pairs of channels, and 2 more toggles to switch channels 13,14,15 \u0026amp; 16 to make 4 mono channels.   AIR, a rotary pot, ATTITUDE, a 6 position switch, and a matched pair of pots controlling output levels.    There’s also a mains power switch and of course The Purpl Bustard’s eyes light up and go bloodshot as the sound gets louder!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frequency response goes well above and below audio range until the Attitude is set to at or near max, similarly other specs are practically the same as The Fat Bustard, except cross-talk, phase shift and signal to noise are slightly better as there is no eq. etc.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thermionic Culture","offers":[{"title":"New | On Order","offer_id":46180130554139,"sku":"PURPLEBUSTARD","price":2899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9049\/3723\/files\/PURPLEBUSTARD_0.jpg?v=1692036279"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.altomusic.com\/collections\/thermionic-culture.oembed","provider":"Alto Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}