A beautifully designed combo with 2 seperate channels and extensive tone-shaping features.
The Albion TCT Series TCT50C 50W Tube Guitar Combo Amp has 2 separate switchable channels, both featuring the same controls per channel. Channel A features the EQ circuit before the gain stages, whilst Channel B features the EQ after the gain stages.
Both channels feature the capability of running (depending on control settings) from “clean” through “crunch” to “high gain lead”. But due to the different “voicing” provided by the EQ position (and other voicing elements), both channels have an entirely different spectral response and player’s “feel”.
The TCT50C has the ability to mix both channels together (footswitchable) making them capable of 3 channel operation.
There is no fixed Clean or Lead channel that can be the limiting factor on other makes of multi channel guitar amplifiers. This flexibility sets the Albion TCT guitar amplifiers apart from other brands.
The TCT50C amplifier circuit utilizes a combination of technologies to provide optimum performance required for high class consistent playing night after night.
The preamplifier section uses 4 double triode low noise 7025/12AX7/ECC83 valves (tubes) with high speed relay switching for circuit reconfiguration when channel switching.
The input gain itself is a very special proprietary circuit combining a preamp valve mixed with a unique high voltage FET (field effect transistor). This circuit has many benefits that are not readily available with tube only designs, in that the input stage noise (particularly heater hum) is greatly reduced, first stage microphony is vastly reduced, input stage gain and drive capability is increased allowing it to drive the rest of the preamp better, and lastly it imparts a tonality approaching that of a pentode tube, which is good in its own right! All this means is that the input stage will perform better and more reliably by reducing the things you DON’T want from a tube!
A word about the EQ system used on the Albion TCT range of amps. Although the tone controls are based on the time honoured interactive passive system historically used on most guitar amps, the design is somewhat wider ranging than most others. For instance the MIDDLE control has a much wider range than normal and will give a substantial amount of mid boost as well as mid cut. The result of this opens up a whole new range of sound possibilities that we think you will enjoy. For instance using the mid boost capability gives rise to some very sweet singing sustain – great for blues and fusion.
The preamplifier’s twin channel output is then mixed into the FX loop and digital Reverb system. This section is unashamedly solid state as this section is designed to be as transparent as possible in passing all the valve tone of the preamp to the input of the all tube power amplifier section, whilst handling the duties of efficient real world FX loop connection, digital reverb connection, and noise free seamless channel switching.
In MIX mode a Balance control allows the MIX level to be adjusted higher or lower than the A/B volume level enabling the MIX to be used as a Lead boost for instance. The TCT50 power amplifier uses a 12AX7/ECC83 phase splitter and 2 EL34 output valves respectively for classic high power guitar amp punch.
The power amp section can be switched between two feedback networks. Loose gives a raw, open, vintage style to the sound with lots of player feel and tactile response. Tight gives a much tighter modern response to the sound and feel.
The output section can also be run at 33% (approx 16.5 watts for TCT50) of its total output power for those situations when flat out really is “too loud”!
The TCT50C combo comes complete with two of our own designed and built Albion loudspeakers.
