Bartolini TC Series Manual

The TC series preamplifiers are designed to improve the performance of electric instruments by increasing the signal
level, modifying tonal quality with a wide range of options and decreasing the treble losses in the cable.
All TC preamps can be used in the unboosted mode to provide equal amplification of all audio frequencies. The
boosted modes allow tonal changes ranging from simple treble boost to a midrange spectrum shaping specifically
designed to overdrive amplifiers to their best distortion sounds.
These preamplifiers are hand made from discrete components (no I.C.'s) for very low noise levels, outstanding
distortion characteristics, and very long battery life. They are rugged, reliable, easy to install, and in most cases do no
require modifications to the instrument. Although we recommend shielding the control cavity for optimum performance,
the internal shielding of these preamps will provide very low hum levels even in unshielded installations.
The following examples explore some of the possible uses of these preamps.
This wiring increases the instrument signal level 2x (TC5), 4 x (TC3), or 8x (TC1)
To Volume Control
or Selector Switch
Boost Lead
(use shrink tubing
or electrical tape)
The battery is switched ON when the mono plug is plugged into the stereo jack. The battery is switched ON when the mono plug is plugged into the stereo jack.
To Volume Control
or Selector Switch
TC TC
The level control will vary the signal from 0 to the maximum output of the preamp.
For maximum control of pickup tonality the TC preamplifiers can be used to isolate the pickup from the
From Pickup From Pickup
or Selector Switch or Selector Switch
P I C K U P S A N D E L E CT R O N I C S P I C K U P S A N D E L E CT R O N I C S
USING THE TC PREAMP WITHOUT BOOST
yellow (input)
TC TC
red
black
Preamp bypass switch or output level control can be wired as follows:
1M-ohm
yellow (input)
green (output)
470K-ohm
The resistors on the bypass switch minimize switching noises.
tone and volume controls.
yellow (input)
TC TC
Boost Lead
without distortion
red (+9V)
Ground
BYPASS SWITCH
(DPDT)
To Output
Jack
red
+9V
black
Ground
TC Preamps
green (output)
black
9 volt
BATTERY
green (output)
50K-ohm
250K-ohm
.047
mfd
Volume
A250K-ohm
AUDIO
s t e r e o
j a c k
To Output
Jack
to
AUDIO
Tone
A250K-ohm
AUDIO
To Output
Jack