The TK Audio DP3 is an advanced hybrid preamp combining vintage and modern circuits, featuring a mid-60s germanium sound, a low-mid punch from 70s British class-A designs, and contemporary tones from the 80s and '90s, with versatile input and output stages, unique saturation circuit, and a range of tonal options.

Innovative Hybrid Design

The DP3 incorporates a unique blend of vintage and modern technologies, combining our proven input stage and germanium circuit with a new saturation circuit. This combination, alongside the vintage class-A stage, offers many tonal characteristics, from classic midrange crunch to thick, punchy lows and a warm top end.

High-Quality Components for Superior Sound

The input stage is built around a high-quality Swedish Lundahl transformer paired with a hi-gain stage. Users can select between saturation and germanium circuits to add extra colour and harmonics to their sound. The new design positions the class-A stage before the output level control, allowing for greater control over transformer saturation without overloading A/D converters and ensuring consistent output regardless of load impedance. The class-A stage uses a custom-made Carnhill transformer, known for its robust, punchy sound, mid-range character, and smooth top end.

Enhanced Instrument Input Capabilities

The Hi-Z instrument input features a dedicated activation switch, allowing instruments to remain connected at all times. The Hi-Z direct mode bypasses the input transformer and stage, sending the signal directly to the high-pass filter (HPF), selectable saturation, and germanium circuits. With a direct mode gain of +14dB, it is optimised for bass recording, particularly when used with the class-A stage.

Precision Low-End Control

The sweepable high-pass filter (HPF) ranges from 30Hz to 400Hz, enabling precise control over the low end, making the DP3 ideal for fine-tuning bass frequencies in professional recording environments.