You can multi-track with a backup with the TLA-50 as well. Use the XLR +4dB as your main output to your recording device and use the 1/4" -10dB output to record another track at a lower level, to avoid clipping or to send to another effect. By buffering the outputs, Summit Audio has made it easy to make a 'mult' with both the TLA-50 and 2BA-221. Quality and versatility in the same box!
Why is my TLA-50 noisy? Make sure you're using a mic pre in front of the TLA-50. We've seen a few instances when customers complaining of high noise floor on a TLA-50 are actually plugging their microphones directly into the input. The TLA-50 has lots of gain, enough for most dynamic mics in fact, but the design is not at all suited for use as a mic preamplifier. Try the 2BA-221 as the first gain stage, they're a perfect match.