The TP-2 pre-amp uses a specially-tuned version of the tube circuitry found in Korg's Triton Extreme and Electribe SX/MX products. Korg also offers the similarly equipped TPB-2 as a user-installable option for their XD series recorders. The Valve Force™ design is adapted in the TP-2 for external use on any keyboard, microphone or audio source. The fully adjustable optical compressor is a big addition and a finishing touch for this unique tube processor.

There are two independent channels with: two, classic-style analog VU meters; Valve Force circuitry using two 12AX7 tubes; linkable channels for recording stereo sources; and phantom powering for condenser mics. There are also trim pots, attenuation pad switches along with phase flip, low cut and Hi-Z switches for each channel. The optical compressor has adjustable Threshold and Gain output level controls and a gain reduction LED indicator that flashes more instantaneously than the electro-mechnical VU meters can.

I liked the large Output Level faders for doing manual fadeouts and the small desktop size of this unit. I also liked the conveniently placed balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs plus the coaxial and optical digital outputs from the built-in analog-to-digital converter. The A/D converter clocks at your choice of 44.1, 48 or 96kHz sample rates.

Korg USA in Melville, NY Tel: 631-390-6500; or Web: www.korg.com.