Millennia Media TCL2 TwinCom Stereo Compressor/Limiter, Tube and Discrete Solid State

Less is Everything

The minimalist design of TCL-2 puts just one single active gain stage in the entire audio signal path. Through a painstaking process that has included hundreds of hours of critical listening, TwinCom's active stage has been optimized as input buffer, EQ amplifier, and output driver. Millenia's minimal circuit topology preserves the integrity of the input signal to a degree that's impossible using multiple active stages (up to seven in some designs).

Transformerless Topologies

In Millennia's Twin Topology designs, both solid state and tube circuit paths are entirely transformerless. The TCL-2 is designed to preserve sonic purity even as it controls dynamic range. Our unique circuit design avoids audio transformers, realizing the musicality of pure Class A gain control and optical compression without introducing coloration, character or "vibe".

Pure Dynamic Control

Whether you choose the euphoric spatiality of tubes or the absolute accuracy of solid stage, TwinCom is designed to smooth out dynamic extremes without announcing its presence in any way. Optical compression and limiting is the most musically neutral analog dynamics processing we have found. We're not just labeling TCL-2 "mastering-grade", it is the dynamics processor of choice in top mastering studios around the globe.

Digital Delivery Demands Total Clarity

Data compression algorithms (MPG, AC3, DTS, etc.) are unable to distinguish signal from noise, so preserving absolute signal integrity through the recording and production process is critical to communicating the artist's intention and individuality. The recording and mastering process entails amplifying the original source by as much as 1000:1. Coloration or distortion become part of the signal: once lost, sonic information can never be recovered. Millennia's unique circuit designs amplify and adjust the original input signal with an absolute minimum of alteration, controlling dynamics in a way that seems to have part of the original performance, not a pasted-on "effect".

You Can Pay More, You Can't Spend Less

Initial purchase price is never a design target at Millennia Media. Millennia aims to maximize return on investment and minimize lifetime cost. Developed in a rigorously empirical process whose goal is absolute accuracy and sonic realism, TCL-2 is accurate enough for the most critical recordings - the choice of recording and mastering engineers at the top of the profession. This is a tool you can build a career around, one that will remain essential no matter how far your sonic explorations take you. Acquiring a TwinCom is a step off the upgrade treadmill: a step that will ultimately save you much more than your initial investment.

Features

• Two paths to perfection with Twin Topology
• Stereo optical compressor/limiter with unprecedented sonic purity & integrity
• All triode 300V vacuum tube signal path or...
• All discrete J-FET solid state signal path
• Both topologies are entirely transformerless, high voltage, pure Class A
• Minimalist design: only one active stage in the audio path
• Threshold: Infinity to +20dBu
• Ratio: 1.4:1 to 30:1
• Attack: 2 to 100 ms
• Release: 100 ms to 3 s
• Large meters: switchable for VU or Gain Reduction
• Constructed for demanding professional applications
• Ultra-Premium components throughout
• Gold relays, connectors, switches, tube sockets
• Silver Teflon power wiring
• Mogami Neglex OFC audio wiring

Specifications

• Threshold Range: Infinite to +20 dBu, continuously adjustable
• Maximum Output Level: > +32 dBu
• Maximum Input Level: +30 dBu
• Output Gain Control: Continuously Adjustable
• Frequency Response: +0/-3 dB sub 2Hz to beyond 100kHz
• Noise (20Hz-20kHz): -87 dBu (SS), -82 dBu (VT)
• Attack Range: 2 ms to 100 ms, continuously adjustable
• Release Range: 100 ms to 3.0 S, continuously adjustable
• Compression Ratio Range: minimum 1.4:1, maximum 30:1, continuously adjustable
• THD+Noise, 20Hz-30kHz: < .01%, typ. .003% (VT or SS)
• Common Mode Rejection Ratio (10Hz-20kHz, 100mV C.M.): >50 dB, Typ >70 dB
• Dynamics Bypass For Each Channel?: Yes
• Meter Gain Reduction or VU Selection?: Yes
• Stereo Linking Switch?" Yes
• Input Impedance: 25k ohms
• Minimum Output Load Impedance: 300 ohms (SS), 1k ohms (VT)
• Recommended Minimum Load: 600 ohms (SS), 3k ohms (VT)
• Output Impedance: < 5 ohms (SS), < 300 ohms (VT)
• Twin Topology Compressor Amplifiers: Switch In: Pure Class-A Discrete J-FETs; Switch Out: Pure Class-A Triode Tubes
• Power Consumption: 55 watts max
• Power Requirements: Selectable: 100-120V, 200-240V AC 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (W x L x H): 19" x 12.5" x 3.5"
• Shipping Weight: 26 lbs