Rolls LA120 User Manual

VU

LEVEL

LA120

-

OO

0

20

10

6

3

1

0

2

4

THRESHOLD

- 20
+20

ACTIVE

COMP/LIM

GAIN

REDUCTION

TUBE

COMPRESSOR

LIMITER

LA120

Tube

Compressor/Limiter

Salt Lake City, UT

email: [e-mail]

web site: www.xmisison.com/~rollsrfx

OWNERS MANUAL

OPERATION

The compressor is one of the most important tools you can have in the
studio-- It keeps things even. In live settings, you have a huge dynamic
range to work with, but it's quite the opposite in recording. You try to keep
optimum levels high enough to get a good signal to noise ratio (in analog)
and low enough that the sound doesn't distort (clip if in digital). The
compressor keeps things nice and level--it boosts the quiet things and
attenuates (lowers the gain) the louder signals. The LA120 usess an
automatic ratio mode where it follows the mix and sets the attack and
release rates for you.

Congratulations on choosing the Bellari LA120 Tube Compressor/Limiter.
We recommend that you take a moment and read this manual as it
provides information that will help you in using your unit to it's fullest
potential. The LA120 provides smooth, natural compression and clear
sonic quality and performance for the working musician, studio operator
or anyone who needs a comp/limiter with the warm, smooth, analog
sound. The unit uses one

Bellari

premium 7025 tube in a unique configu­ration to give superior signal control. The unit has both XLR and 1/4"
inputs and outputs. Plus it has a Side Chain input and output for each
channel, for direct access to the detector circuits.

The LA120 utilizes "soft knee" compression. This means that it start s
compressing a signal that goes over the threshold at a gradual, smooth
rate. This sounds very natural on guitars, basses, vocals, whole mixes,
and similar sounds.

COMPRESSION VS LIMITING
Compression and limiting are often confused because they have very
similar characteristics. Compression is said to have a ratio of between
2:1 to 20:1, and Limiters are thought to have a ratio of 20:1 to infinity:1.
In easier term s, limiting means that once the output level reaches a
certain point, it can get no louder.

Use Compression for vocals, guitars, wind instruments, keyboards, and
other instruments where you only want small to medium amounts of gain
reduction.

Use Limiting for slapping bass guitars and drums or where you want a
real noticable effect, or where you want to set the maximum amount of
signal allowed out of the LA120.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response 20 Hz - 40 kHz
Input Impedance 10KΩ balanced

1MΩ unbalanced
THD + Noise <0.1% typical
S/N Ratio 90 dB
Indicators 1: Active LED

1: Analog Meter
Input/Output jacks XLR balanced

1/4" unbalanced
Size (WxHxD): 7.6 x 1.6 x 5.4

(194mm x 40mm x 135mm)
Weight: 2.5 lbs (1.135 kg)
Po wer: 12 V A C 300ma

(Adapter included in U.S. models)

INSPECTION

1. Unpack and Inspect the LA120 package
Your LA120 was carefully packed at the factory in a protective carton.
Nonetheless, be sure to examine the unit and the carton for any signs of
damage that may have occurred during shipping. If obvious physical
damage is noticed, contact the carrier immediately to make a damage
claim. We suggest saving the shipping carton and packing materials for
safely transporting the unit in the future.

2. Please complete the Warranty Registration Card and return it to the
factory.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

150V150V

INPUT

2

OUTPUT

Photocell

THRESHOLD
COMP/LIM

1

3

6

0

2

10

4

20

VU

LEVEL

ACTIVE
SWITCH

Output

Buffer

2

OUTPUT

14