®
TLAudio
user manual
Ivory 2 Series
5013
DUAL VALVE EQUALISER
TL Audio Ltd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 1AN, UK
email: info@tlaudio.co.uk web: http://www.tlaudio.co.uk
CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION
2PRECAUTIONS
3INSTALLATION
3.1AC Mains Supply
3.2Audio Operating Level
3.3Balanced Line Input
3.4Unbalanced Line Input
3.5Instrument Input
3.6Balanced Output
3.7Unbalanced Output
3.8Mounting
3.9Rear Panel
4 OPERATION
4.1Front Panel
4.2Line Input
4.3Instrument Input
4.4Drive and Peak LEDs
4.5Equalisation
4.6Cut/Boost Control
4.7Frequency Control
4.8Q (Bandwidth) Control
4.9Shelving EQ
4.10Fat Contour Switch
4.11Output Level
4.12Optional DO-2 Digital Output Card
5GETTING STARTED
6SPECIFICATIONS
7SERVICE
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
3.1AC 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 220-
240V 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.
3.2Audio 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.
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