LaChapell 992 question

[deckerluke]

hello,
is the extended gain option necessary if I do not intend to use ribbon mics?
I intend to use the following microphones:

neumann u-47
and neumann km-54

[Scott LaChapell]

Hello deckerluke, I saw this and thought I'd chime in...

In short, no the EG is not necessary. The 992TLS will provide plenty of gain when used with the mics you’ve listed. But, try not to think of the TLS as simply a lesser gain variant of the EG; the TLS and EG are different amplifiers in a couple very important areas, specifically input topology. I think all too often people will assume that the EG is a TLS variant with a turbo when in fact they do have their own respective "sounds".

I'll also note that a lot of users have ordered TLS preamps with a 12AX7 in the second input stage position (in place of one of the 6072's) allowing the TLS to generate up to 56dB of gain vs. the stock 52dB. The TLS is my personal choice for male vocals and ac. guitar over the EG.

However, I have had great success using the TLS with R121's on over-heads of percussion; sounded great. I just had to crank the input knobs to full and use the output as needed... good-times.

I hope the helps!

Originally Posted by deckerluke

hello,
is the extended gain option necessary if I do not intend to use ribbon mics?
I intend to use the following microphones:

neumann u-47
and neumann km-54

[MichaelPatrick]

Of course he knows his own stuff, but as a user of both 992 models I can second Scott's words.

The 992 TLS is my favorite in his whole product line (I also have some 583s) because of its sound.

[deckerluke]

Does the tls come in premium tube version? What is the best set up for this unit?

[ISedlacek]

I quite cannot decide at the moment - whether to go for EG or TLS ...
Higher gain would be nice (for example for soft spoken word). On the other hand, more clarity, speed and openess (TLS, without the extra input transformer) would be nice too .... So I am like that donkey now, being hungry and standing before two haycocks and not able to decide which one to take (and that donkey died by starvation in the end ... :-))

I intend to use Horch RM2J mic and my Schoeps collection ...

[Scott LaChapell]

The TLS uses only NOS 6072 tubes. I don't offer the 992TLS with the new production Electro Harmonix 6072 for many reason (in short, they're not like the original USA 6072). So, by default, the TLS tubes are premium (all made in the 1950's~1970's).

The EG uses the 12AX7/ECC83 on the input gain stage. This tube was VASTLY more manufactured than the 6072 resulting in many brands/ design variants to choose from.

With that said, I've found a nice way to go with the TLS is to swap out the 2nd position 6072 on each channel with a premium 12AX7. This allows the TLS to still feature the 6072 in the dominant 1st position while taking advantage of additional gain from a 12AX7 in the 2nd position.

I try not to get TOO custom with these units but I am willing to tailor fit a unit if someone has specific needs...

Originally Posted by deckerluke

Does the tls come in premium tube version? What is the best set up for this unit?

[Tube World]

I have a question too.

Avalon 737, Manley Slam, Manley pre, Fern pre
Which one is closest in character as the LaChapell pre, as I never heard them (yes I know one has transformer -fuller and one does not -more airy) But what is the general character of the LaChapell? Is it more colored, clean but smooth, or something else? Though the other pre's listed above would be different, which catagory of character would you classify the LaChapell?

[ISedlacek]

Originally Posted by Tube World

I have a question too.

Avalon 737, Manley Slam, Manley pre, Fern pre
Which one is closest in character as the LaChapell pre, as I never heard them (yes I know one has transformer -fuller and one does not -more airy) But what is the general character of the LaChapell? Is it more colored, clean but smooth, or something else? Though the other pre's listed above would be different, which catagory of character would you classify the LaChapell?

Wait for few days , I will then tell you everything