OPERATING MANUAL AND USER GUIDE
Designer's Introduction
When I sat down with a blank piece of paper (well actually
as this is the 21st century, a blank computer screen) to
design the TCT range of amplifiers, I had a long hard look
at all the guitar amps that I had designed previously. Even
though many of those designs were destined to be what
can only be called Classics, I wanted to approach these
new amps in a different perspective. Instead of designing
under the corporate image of whatever company I was
working for at the time, the TCT amps were for the first
time “my” amps. This put the image in my mind as “what
do I want from an amp, and how do I want it to look”. As
a guitar player of many years I have used many different
amps, many times different ones hooked up in a multi-
amp set up for the different sounds that I needed at the
time. This realisation formulated the basic concept and
functionality of the direction I needed to go in, something
that was simple to use but was as variable as possible.
Oh, and sounded great at everything it did as well!
The “what do I want it to look like” actually developed
pretty quickly – I wanted something that looked classy
and stood out from the crowd, something that at the same
time was familiar yet unique. For want of a better word
“boutique”.
I think that the TCT series of Albion amps fulfils my dream
and desire with room to spare. Finally “my” amp!
I personally love playing these amps and can sit there
playing them for hours on end without tiring of them –
sometimes to the annoyance of my small team I have to
add – I do tend to play very loud at times, and they do
have to work!
I hope that you get as much playing pleasure out of your
TCT amp as I do.
Thank you
Outline Specification
The TCT50 (50 watt head, 2 x EL34), TCT100 (100watt
head, 4 x EL34) and utilise the same amplifier chassis but
with a different number of output EL34 valves and required
transformers, biasing etc. The TCT50C (2 x 12” combo,
2 x EL34) has the same chassis and circuit as the TCT50
head but in an “upside down” configuration. The amplifier
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 TCT50 and TCT100 also has the ability to mix both
channels together (footswitchable) making them capable
of 3 channel operation.
The player himself can choose which he prefers for his
particular style and suitability.
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 TCT 50/100 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, our design is somewhat wider
ranging than most others. For instance the MIDDLE
control has a much wider range than normal and will give
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