TL Audio 5013 User Manual

user manual

TL A

udio

®

Ivory 2 Series

5013

DUAL VALVE EQUALISER

TL Audio Ltd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 1AN, UK
email: [e-mail] web: http://www.tlaudio.co.uk

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 PRECAUTIONS

3 INSTALLATION

3.1 AC Mains Supply

3.2 Audio Operating Level

3.3 Balanced Line Input

3.4 Unbalanced Line Input

3.5 Instrument Input

3.6 Balanced Output

3.7 Unbalanced Output

3.8 Mounting

3.9 Rear Panel

4 OPERATION

4.1 Front Panel

4.2 Line Input

4.3 Instrument Input

4.4 Drive and Peak LEDs

4.5 Equalisation

4.6 Cut/Boost Control

4.7 Frequency Control

4.8 Q (Bandwidth) Control

4.9 Shelving EQ

4.10 Fat Contour Switch

4.11 Output Level

4.12 Optional DO-2 Digital Output Card

5 GETTING STARTED

6 SPECIFICATIONS

7 SERVICE

1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing the Ivory 5013 Dual Valve Equaliser by TL
Audio! The T L Audio Ivory 2 Series consists of a range of hybrid valve signal
processors, which utilise low noise solid state electronics in conjunction with
classic valve circuitry to produce audio processing units offering very high
quality signal paths with the unique valve audio character. The Ivory 2 Series
units offer comprehensive control facilities, whilst remaining straightforward to
operate, and represent excellent value for money.

The 5013 is a stereo parametric valve equaliser featuring four fully variable EQ
bands on each channel. The block diagram of one of the channels is shown in
Fig.1. The balanced line input is via an XLR socket, whilst the unbalanced
connection is via a 0.25” jack socket. The nominal input levels are +4dBu on
the balanced connections and -10dBu on the unbalanced connections, but
these may be shifted to +18dBu and +4dBu respectively by the rear panel
input level switch. This feature offers greater flexibility of connection to other
equipment, particularly the latest generation of digital recorders which operate
at very high signal levels. The line inputs have an overall gain range of -20 to
+20dBu.

The front panel instrument jack sockets allow direct access to the channel
inputs. The instrument inputs eliminate the need to use external DI (Direct
Injection) boxes as they are suitable for a variety of sources, including electric
guitars, bass guitars, acoustic pickups, synths, samplers and drum machines.
The instrument input level is controlled by the 5013 input gain control. The
input level is monitored by both “Drive” and “Peak” LEDs: Drive is a variable
intensity LED designed to indicate the signal level through the valve stages,
and thus the amount of “warming” applied to the signal. Peak is a conventional
warning that clipping is about to occur, and will illuminate if there is an
excessively high level present not just at the input but at any point in the signal
chain.

Both channels feature a four band parametric equaliser, with each band
providing variable frequency, gain and Q (bandwidth) controls. The LF and HF
sections include options for shelving or peaking response by means of a pull­out Q control. Pulling the Q control knob ‘out’ converts the section to a
shelving type equaliser, with the Q control then becoming inactive. The ‘FAT’
contour switch provides a subtle but effective LF and HF lift while at the same
time reducing the gain in the mid range - this filtering provides a perceptible
increase in warmth without altering the overall signal volume.

The master output level controls are post-EQ. These controls are centre­detented for ease of line-up, but may be varied in conjunction with the input
gain controls to alter the operating level through the circuitry, optimising the
operating level and hence headroom and signal to noise ratio of the unit. It is
possible to push the input levels harder to drive the valve stages and

compensate by turning down the output gain. Alternatively the input gain can
be kept low for a cleaner sound and the output gain can be turned up to
compensate. This way a wide range of tonal colours is achievable.

The line output is via balanced XLR socket at a nominal level of +4dBu, with
an unbalanced output on 0.25” jack at a nominal level of -10dBu. As with the
input level switch, an output operating level switch is located on the rear panel
allowing either +4dBu or +18dBu for balanced connections and –10dBu or
+4dBu for unbalanced connections, thus matching both outputs with a wide
variety of equipment.

The optional DO-2 24 bit digital output card provides A-D conversion of the
5013’s outputs, outputted in SPDIF format with switchable 44.1/48kHz sample
rate. A BNC wordclock input is also provided.

Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the 5013 Equaliser.

2. PRECAUTIONS

The 5013 Equaliser requires very little installation, but like all electrical
equipment, care must be taken to ensure reliable, safe operation. The
following points should always be observed:

- All mains wiring should be installed and checked by a qualified
electrician,

- Ensure the correct operating voltage is selected on the rear panel
before connecting to the mains supply,

- Never operate the unit with any cover removed,

- Do not expose to rain or moisture, as this may present an electric
shock hazard,

- Replace the fuse with the correct type and rating only.

Warning: This equipment must be earthed.

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 AC Mains Supply.

The unit is fitted with an internationally approved 3 pin IEC connector. A
mating socket with power cord is provided with the unit, wired as follows:

Brown: Live.

Blue: Neutral.

Green/Yellow: Earth (Ground).

All mains wiring should be performed by a qualified electrician with all power
switched off, and the earth connection must be used.

Before connecting the unit to the supply, check that the unit is set for the
correct mains voltage. The unit is internally set for 110-120V 60Hz or 220­240V 50Hz operation, and should only be changed by an authorised service
centre. The mains fuse required is 20mm anti-surge, 1AT rated at 250V. If it is
ever necessary to replace the fuse, only the same type and rating must be
used. The power consumption of the equipment is 20VA.

Warning: attempted operation on the wrong voltage setting, or with an
incorrect fuse, will invalidate the warranty.

3.2 Audio Operating Level.

The 5013 is equipped with inputs and outputs suitable for connection to a wide
variety of other audio equipment. Generally, the balanced XLR connections
will be required for interfacing to other professional equipment, where the
operating level (line-up level or nominal level) will be +4dBu, or approximately

1.2V rms. The unbalanced jack connectors are generally intended for
interfacing to semi-professional equipment and have an operating level of ­10dBu, or about 225mV rms. However, the input and output level switches
allow these levels to be shifted by 14dB, i.e. to +18dBu on the XLRs (suitable
for high levels from a digital machine), and +4dBu on the unbalanced jacks.
The normal default mode would be the +4dBu balanced setting, but if upon
feeding a digital multitrack machine into the 5013 line inputs - clipping occurs
even on low input gain settings, then the +18dBu setting should be used.
Similarly, If the line output of the 5013 is fed into a digital multitrack input and
very large amounts of 5013 output gain are necessary to register 0dBfs on the
recorder, the +18dBu setting should be used, allowing the 5013 output gain to
be set at a more conservative level.