Nady Systems TMP-1 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

TMP-1

MIC PREAMP

TUBE MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

TMP-1

Tube Microphone PreAmplifier

Congratulations on your choice of tube mic preamps — you have purchased one of the finest tube mics on the market today. This unit
was developed using the expertise of professional sound engineers and working musicians. You will find that your new NADY AUDIO
TMP-1 has superior performance and greater flexibility than any other tube mic preamps in its price range. Please read this manual
carefully to get the most out of your new unit.

Thanks for selecting NADY AUDIO as your choice in tube mic preamps.

FEATURES

Professional feature-packed tube microphone preamplifier, in a single space rack (1RU) housing. The TMP-1 is the perfect tool for a
host of recording applications, including use as either a microphone preamp or an instrument direct box for electric guitars, bass
guitars, keyboard, synthesizer or acoustic instruments. The TMP-1 is a mono tube preamp.

• Hand selected 12AX7A vacuum tube circuitry provides a big,
warm sound for microphones and instruments that will perfectly
fill out your sound for recording

• Selectable output limiter circuitry to avoid clipping and protect
connected equipment such as processors

• Convenient analog VU meter allows excellent control of desired
signal levels and also monitors the limiter function when the
limiter is activated

• Variable Input and Output Gain Controls with over 94 dB of
available gain

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES ................................................................................. 2

WARNING................................................................................... 3

INSTALLATION .......................................................................... 4

CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS............................................. 5

Front Panel........................................................................... 5

Back Panel........................................................................... 6

• +48VDC Phantom Power Switch

• Phase Reversal Switch

• Servo-balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" TS Inputs and
Outputs

• Rugged construction for maximum long term reliability

• Shielded internal dual regulated power supply with
~115V(60Hz)/~230V(50Hz) select switch and fused IEC power
cord connector

Date of Purchase ____________________________________

Dealer’s Name ______________________________________

City _______________________________________________

State _____________________ Zip _____________________

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 7

LEGAL INFORMATION.............................................................. 7

Model # ____________________________________________

Serial # ___________________

2

WARNING

An equilateral triangle enclosing a lightening flash/arrowhead symbol is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure which may be of sufficient

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

An equilateral triangle enclosing an exclamation point is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and service instructions in
the literature enclosed with this unit.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using this electronic device, basic precautions should always be taken, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using the product.

2. Do not use this product near water (e.g., near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, etc.).

3. This product should be used only with a cart or stand that will keep it level and stable and prevent wobbling.

4. This product, in combination with headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable.
If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

5. The product should be positioned so that proper ventilation is maintained.

6. The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat vents, or other devices
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

7. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the
product. Replace the fuse only with one of the specified type, size, and correct rating.

8. The power supply cord should: (1) be undamaged, (2) never share an outlet or extension cord with other devices so that the
outlet’s or extension cord’s power rating is exceeded, and (3) never be left plugged into the outlet when not being used for
a long period of time.

9. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall into, and liquids are not spilled through, the enclosure’s openings.

10. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel if:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the product.
C. The product has been exposed to rain.
D. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

11. Do not attempt to service the product beyond what is described in the user maintenance instructions. All other servicing should
be referred to qualified service personnel.

3

INSTALLATION

To ensure years of enjoyment from your NADY AUDIO TMP-1 please read and understand this manual thoroughly before
using the unit.

INSPECTION

Y our TMP-1 was carefully packed at the factory in packaging designed to protect the units in shipment. Before installing and using your
unit, carefully examine the packaging and all contents for any signs of physical damage that may have occurred in transit.

(Note: Nady Systems is not responsible for shipping damage. If the unit is damaged, do not return to us, but notify your dealer and the
shipping company immediately to make a claim. Such claims must be made by the consignee in a timely manner.)

CONTENTS:

• Instruction manual

• TMP-1 (verify that the unit’s serial number is same as shown on shipping carton)

• AC Power cord

• Warranty Card

RACK MOUNTING

The TMP-1 fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space (1 3/4"). Parts of the unit can become very warm during use. This is normal
during operation. Care should be taken to ensure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling (at least 12” or 30cm). Do not
place the TMP-1 on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers, etc., or the unit may overheat in operation. Also, do not place
the unit on speakers as this may cause them to move and/or fall due to speaker vibrations.

Although the unit’s chassis is shielded against radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), extremely high fields of RF
and EMI should be avoided.

POWER CONNECTION

The TMP-1 has an internal power supply and is designed to operate from an external AC source. Power requirements for electrical
equipment differ from area to area. Be sure to confirm that the voltage selected by the voltage selector switch on the back panel is
proper for your area (120VAC/60 Hz or 230VAC/50Hz) per the information below:

Europe (except UK): 230V, 50Hz

UK and Australia: 240V, 50Hz

USA and Canada: 120V, 60 Hz

For other areas, please check with local authorities.

When ready to operate, plug the AC cord into the power source. Make sure that the unit is turned off before connecting to the AC
power source to avoid possible loud transients which can damage your speakers or your ears, especially when monitoring with
headphones.

4

FRONT PANEL

CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

Front Panel

(1) POWER SWITCH

Use this switch to power unit ON or OFF. The integrated LED will
light when the unit is ON. Before turning on this unit, verify
connection to the proper voltage AC source, check all connections
and turn down the level controls of equipment connected to the
outputs.

(Note: The TMP-1 will not output audio for approximately 16
seconds after power up due to the time it takes for the tubes to
warm up. Do not turn up the audio until after this warm up period
to avoid possibly damaging speakers or your hearing due to
improper level settings.)

(2) INPUT CONTROL

The INPUT CONTROL sets the amount of input gain of the
TMP-1, turn the control clockwise to increase gain and counter­clockwise to decrease gain. You may control two ranges of gain
with this control, +26 to +60dB and +6 to +40dB. Selection of the
gain range is made with the +20dB GAIN SWITCH (3)

(3) +20dB GAIN/NORM SWITCH
Use the +20dB GAIN/NORM switch to set the gain range of the
INPUT CONTROL (2). When the switch is out, the TMP-1

operates in Normal mode, depressing the switch adds 20dBs of
gain. For microphone applications, where more level is needed,
push the switch in.

(4) PHANTOM POWER SWITCH

Use the PHANTOM POWER to supply power to all microphones
requiring +48V phantom power. The TMP-1 phantom power is
engaged and disengaged with this switch Phantom power is
applied to pins 2 and 3 of the XLR INPUT (13) jacks when this
switch is pushed in. To disengage phantom power, position the
switch in the out position.

(7)(6)(5)(4)(3)(2)

(5) OUTPUT LEVEL VU METER

The output level of the TMP-1 can be monitored using the analog
OUTPUT LEVEL VU METER. The meter’s 0dB marking repre-
sents +12dB at the XLR output and +6dBu at the 1/4" output. The
output meter will also reflect any attenuation due to the output
limiter when it is engaged.

(6) CLIP/LIMIT LED

The CLIP/LIMIT LED lights green when the unit is powered. The
LED also functions as a clipping and limiting indicator. The LED
lights red when the audio signal reaches 6dB below hard clipping.
If the OUTPUT LIMITER SWITCH (8) is depressed, the LED will
light red when the limiter engages at which point the gain will be
reduced automatically to avoid clipping.

(7) PHASE REVERSE / NORM SWITCH

When the switch is in the Out position of the output signal is
normal. Depressing the switch reverses the phases of the output
signal. In multi-microphone applications, mic placement can affect
the phase of the signals. If your sound is “thin” or “out of position”,
reverse the phase to correct the problem.

(8) OUTPUT LIMITER SWITCH

When this switch is depressed the output level is limited to 0dB for
the 1/4 output and +6dB for the XLR output. This is specially
designed to prevent clipping of the audio waveform. This also
reduces the possibility of overload to any units connected to the
outputs of the TMP-1.

(9) OUTPUT CONTROL

The OUTPUT CONTROL sets the output level of the TMP-1.
When the control is fully counterclockwise the output level of the
TMP-1 is zero. Turning the control clockwise increases the level of
the output to a maximum of +10dB of gain. This gain is in addition
to the existing input gain.

(1)(9)(8)

5

REAR PANEL

CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

(10) (11) (12)

Rear Panel

(10) AC POWER CORD IEC CONNECTOR WITH INTEGRATED
FUSE HOLDER

This standard IEC power cord receptacle is used to connect the
AC power to your unit. It features a built-in fuse holder for a
5X20mm, 0.5A/250V slow-blow fuse. If the fuse continuously
blows, shut off the unit and have it serviced by qualified service
personnel.

(11) AC VOLTAGE SELECT SWITCH

Before plugging in the power cord, check to see that the unit is set
for the proper voltage for your area: ~115V (60Hz) or ~230V
(50Hz).

(Note: Use at the improper voltage can damage your unit and void
the warranty .)

(13)

(12) OUTPUTS

Unbalanced 1/4" (6.3mm) and balanced XLR outputs

(Note: Only one output (1/4" or XLR) can be used at one time. Do
not connect to both at the same time, or the signal will be
severely distorted.)

(13) INPUTS

Unbalanced 1/4"(6.3mm) and balanced XLR inputs.

(Note: Only one input per each channel (1/4" or XLR) can be
used at one time. Do not connect to both at the same time or the
signal will be severely distorted.)

6

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response:............................................................................................... 10Hz—20KHz +/-3dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) + Noise: .............................................................. 0.1%

S/N Ratio: ................................................................................................................... >94dB

Tone Controls

Bass:........................................................................................................................... +/-12dB / 100Hz

Treble:......................................................................................................................... +/-12dB / 10KHz

Inputs: ........................................................................................................................ 6 X MIC (level/impedance): Balanced: 3mV

.................................................................................................................................... 6 X LINE(level/impedance): Unbalanced: 100mV

Outputs (All controls flat)

High Output: .............................................................................................................. 1.5V

Low Output: ............................................................................................................... 0.5V

Impedance (1/4"): ...................................................................................................... 600 ohms

(XLR):..................................................................................................... 600 ohms

LED indicator:............................................................................................................ Power ON

Fuse Requirements, Type and Size:........................................................................ T250mA, 5X20mm glass type

Dimensions:............................................................................................................... 19" x 1.75" x 8" (483 x 44 x 203mm)

Weight: ....................................................................................................................... 4.6 lbs.( 2.09 Kg)

The specifications above are correct at the time of printing of this manual. For improvement purposes, all specifications for this unit,
including design and appearance, are subject to change without prior notice.

LEGAL INFORMATION

NOTICE

The information in this document is subject to change, as the Company may make changes to product in order to improve reliability,
design, or function, without prior written notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without the written permission of the company.

IN NO EVENT WILL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER
ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SUCH AS LOSS OF PROFIT OR GOOD WILL, THAT MAY BE SUFFERED IN CONNECTION
WITH THE PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT OR FROM THE BREACH OF ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY.

LICENSE

The Company grants the customer a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the software, if any, accompanying this product for
internal use on a single computer system. The end user may make a single copy of the software solely for backup purposes; otherwise,
no copies may be made of the software or any part thereof. No other license of any kind is granted to any part of the product or any of
the intellectual property therein.

7

SERVICE FOR YOUR NADY AUDIO PRODUCT
(U.S.) Should your NADY AUDIO product require service, please contact the Nady Service Department via telephone

at [phone], or e-mail at [e-mail].
(International) For service, please contact the NADY AUDIO distributor in your country through the dealer from

whom you purchased this product.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS UNIT
YOURSELF AS IT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND
WILL ALSO VOID THE WARRANTY.

NADY SYSTEMS, INC. • 6701 SHELLMOUND STREET, EMERYVILLE, CA 94608

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • www.nady.com