user manual
TL A
udio
®
Ivory 2 Series
5051
MONO VALVE PROCESSOR
TL Audio Ltd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 1AN, UK
email: info@tlaudio.co.uk web: http://www.tlaudio.co.uk
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
2 PRECAUTIONS
3 INSTALLATION
3.1 A.C. Mains Supply
3.2 Microphone Input
3.3 Balanced Line Input
3.4 Unbalanced Line Input
3.5 Instrument Input
3.6 Sidechain Insert Point
3.7 Balanced Output
3.8 Unbalanced Output
3.9 Link Connection
3.10 Nominal Operating Level
3.11 Ventilation
3.12 Rear Panel
4 OPERATION
4.1 Input Stage
4.2 Microphone Input
4.3 Line Input
4.4 Instrument Input
4.5 30dB Pad
4.6 90Hz Filter
4.7 Drive and Peak LEDs
4.8 What Is Compression?
4.9 Why Valve Compression?
4.10 Overview of Compressor
Operation
4.11 Threshold
4.12 Ratio
4.13 Attack and Release
4.14 Knee
4.15 Gain Make Up
4.16 Compressor On
4.17 Frequency Conscious
Compression
4.18 Gate
4.19 Stereo Link
4.20 Equalisation
4.21 LF Band
4.22 LM Band
4.23 HM Band
4.24 HF Band
4.25 EQ On
4.26 EQ Pre
4.27 Output Gain
4.28 Meter
4.29 Optional DO-2 Digital Output
Card
5 GETTING STARTED
5.1 Connections
5.2 In Use
6 SPECIFICATIONS
7 SERVICE
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing the Ivory 5051 Mono Valve Processor by TL
Audio!
The 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 units offer comprehensive
control facilities, whilst remaining straightforward to operate, and represent
excellent value for money.
The 5051 is a single channel voice and instrument processor with mic, line
and instrument inputs, a compressor, a four band equaliser and a noise gate.
A single illuminated VU meter monitors the input level, output level or the
compressor gain reduction. The optional DO-2 digital output card allows 24-bit
analogue to digital conversion via an RCA phono type SPDIF output, with
selectable 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates and the option to clock the converter
to an external word clock source.
The block diagram of the 5051 is shown in Figure 1. A solid state,
electronically balanced input amplifier is used to achieve state of the art
performance with very low noise, low distortion and wide bandwidth. An
ECC83/12AX7A triode valve stage (run from a stabilised 150v DC supply) is
used as a second stage voltage amplifier, to obtain the classic valve sound
and gradual overdrive characteristics.
The preamp stage also features 48V phantom power, a 30dB pad and a high
pass 90Hz filter. A Drive LED gives a visual indication of the signal level
through valve stages (and thus the amount of ‘warming’ taking place) while a
Peak LED warns that clipping is about to occur, and this monitors the signal at
key points in the audio path.
The compressor section offers fully variable control of threshold, ratio and gain
make-up, with four switchable attack and release times and both hard and soft
knee options. A ‘Hold’ facility reduces LF distortion, and a side chain insert
point is provided for frequency conscious compression. Like all other TL Audio
compressors, the gain control element of the 5051 compressor stage is based
around a special transconductance amplifier, which avoids the use of VCAs
and helps contribute to the smooth, open sound of the unit. A stereo link
facility is provided to allow the compressor control voltages of two 5051s to be
linked, thus preventing image shift when processing stereo signals.
A four band valve EQ stage is included (with a triode valve stage in each
filter), providing up to 12dB of cut or boost and a choice of four pre-selected
frequencies on each band. The ‘EQ PRE’ switch places the EQ ahead of the
compressor in the signal path. A simple but effective noise gate (with variable
threshold) is provided to remove unwanted background noise.
Mic and line inputs are provided on electronically balanced XLR connectors,
and the line input is duplicated on an unbalanced mono 0.25” jack connector.
Balanced and unbalanced line outputs are provided (on XLR and jack
respectively) and these can be used simultaneously. The operating level of the
line input can be shifted from -10dB to +4dB (unbalanced) or +4dB to +18dB
(balanced) via a rear panel switch, allowing the 5051 to accept very high levels
- such as those from a digital recorder. A front panel instrument input is also
provided, thus allowing guitars, basses and keyboards to feed directly into the
5051, removing the need for a separate DI box.
Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the 5051.
2. PRECAUTIONS
The Ivory 5051 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 indicated 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 25VA.
Warning: attempted operation on the wrong voltage setting, or with an
incorrect fuse, will invalidate the warranty.
3.2 Microphone Input.
The microphone input is via 3 pin female XLR connector, suitable for balanced
or unbalanced microphones. The mating connector should be appropriately
wired as follows for balanced or unbalanced operation:
Balanced inputs:
- Pin 1 = Ground (screen).
- Pin 2 = Signal Phase (also known as “+” or “hot”).
- Pin 3 = Signal Non-Phase (“-” or “cold”).
Unbalanced inputs:
- Pin 1 = Ground (screen)
- Pin 2 = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”).
- Pin 3 = Signal Ground.
3.3 Balanced Line Input.
The 5051 has a 3 pin XLR socket on the rear panel, which will accept both
balanced and unbalanced line level inputs. The mating connector should be
appropriately wired as follows:
Balanced inputs:
- Screen = Ground,
- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”),
- Ring = Signal Non-Phase (“-” or “cold”).
Unbalanced inputs:
- Screen = Ground,
- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”),
- Ring = Ground.
When using unbalanced signals, the signal ground may be obtained by linking
pins 1 and 3 in the mating XLR connector. If this connection is not made, a
loss in level may result.
3.4 Unbalanced Line Input.
An unbalanced line level input at a nominal level of -10dBu is also provided,
on a 0.25” mono jack socket. The mating plugs should be wired as follows:
- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”).
- Screen = Ground.
3.5 Instrument Input.
Each channel has a 0.25” jack socket on the front panel (see Figure 2). A 2
pin (mono) jack plug is required, which should be wired as follows:
- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”),
- Screen = Ground.
3.6 Sidechain Insert Point.
The sidechain insert point is provided on a 3 pin, 0.25” switched jack socket on
the rear of the unit. The pin connections are:
- Sleeve = Ground.
- Tip = Send.
- Ring = Return.
The insertion point is unbalanced, and operates at a nominal level of -2dBu. If
used as an additional send only (e.g. as a send to a tape machine or monitor
mixing desk), the Tip and Ring should be wired together, to preserve the
signal path through the insertion point. When used in this manner, the send
will be post-compressor. Please note that the sidechain insert is normally used
for frequency conscious compression only (see section 4.17) and doesn’t
break into the signal path in the same manner as a standard console insert
point. It doesn’t for instance allow you to insert an EQ “in-line” between the
5021 line input and compressor sections.
3.7 Balanced Output.
The output is via a balanced, 3 pin male XLR connector. The mating connector
should be wired as follows:
- Pin 1 = Ground (screen).
FUSE T1AL 250V
230V~25VA 115V~25VA
INPUT
LEVEL
OUTPUT
S/CHAIN
INSERT LINK
MIC INPUT
+4dBu
BALANCED
-
10dBu
UNBALANCED
UNBALANCED
INPUT
BALANCED INPUT
INSERT: TIP = SEND, RING = RETURN,
SLEEVE = GND.
LINK: TIP = +VE, SLEEVE = GND.
NOTE: CONNECT TO SECOND 5051
LINK SOCKET ONLY.
W/CLOCK
IN
44.1 48
kHz
SPDIF OUTPUT
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRONIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING - ATTENTION
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION
AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY
WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING OF FUSE.
UTILISER UN FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE ET CALIBRE
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
Manufactured by TL Audio Limited, England.
SERIAL NUMBER 5051 MONO VALVE PROCESSOR
XLR: PIN 1 = GND, PIN 2 = +VE, PIN 3 =
-
VE.
JACK: TIP = +VE, SLEEVE = GND.
-
10dBu
+4dBu
+4dBu
+18dBu
OUTPUT
0
- oo +15
dB
HF
0
Hz
-12 +12
dB
HM
0
-12 +12
dB
LM
0
-12 +12
dB
LF
0
-12 +12
dB
GAIN
MAKE-UP
KNEE
0 20
5 12
-10
-40 -20
dB
dB
THRESHOLD
0
INSTRUMENT
+20 -20
dB
MIC LINE 120 250
MIC INST
48V
Hz
INPUT
LINE 0dB
16 60
dB
RATIO
1:1.5 1:30
1:5 1:10
GATE
OFF
DRIVE PEAK COMP
ON
SHUT POWER
LINKEQ
PRE
EQ
ON
ATTACK
SLOW FAST
RELEASE
EQUALISER METERCOMPRESSORINPUT
SLOW FAST 60 500 250 2K2 1K5 5K 2K2 12K I/P G/R
500 1K
Hz
2K2 3K6
Hz
5K 8K O/P O/P+10
90Hz
MIC
-30dB
SOFT
HARD
5051
MONO VALVE
PROCESSOR
IVORY
FIG 2: FRONT PANEL
FIG 3: REAR PANEL
INPUT SELECTOR SWITCH VU METER
EQUALISER FREQUENCY
SWITCH
INSTRUMENT INPUT OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROLCOMPRESSOR CONTROLS GATE
THRESHOLD
CONTROL
EQUALISER
CUT/BOOST
CONTROL
INPUT GAIN CONTROL
DIGITAL OUTPUT (OPTIONAL)* W/CLOCK INPUT (OPTIONAL)*
SAMPLE RATE SELECTOR SWITCH (OPTIONAL)*
IEC INLET
* VIA DO-2 DIGITAL OUTPUT CARD
INPUTS
INPUT LEVEL SWITCH
SIDECHAIN INSERT
POINT CONNECTOR
STEREO LINK CONNECTOR
LINE OUTPUTS
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