®
TLAudio
user manual
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
1INTRODUCTION
2PRECAUTIONS
3INSTALLATION
3.1A.C. Mains Supply
3.2Microphone Input
3.3Balanced Line Input
3.4Unbalanced Line Input
3.5Instrument Input
3.6Sidechain Insert Point
3.7Balanced Output
3.8Unbalanced Output
3.9Link Connection
3.10Nominal Operating Level
3.11Ventilation
3.12Rear Panel
4 OPERATION
4.1Input Stage
4.2Microphone Input
4.3Line Input
4.4Instrument Input
4.530dB Pad
4.690Hz Filter
4.7Drive and Peak LEDs
4.8What Is Compression?
4.9Why Valve Compression?
4.10Overview of Compressor Operation
4.11Threshold
4.12Ratio
4.13Attack and Release
4.14Knee
4.15Gain Make Up
4.16Compressor On
4.17Frequency Conscious Compression
4.18Gate
4.19Stereo Link
4.20Equalisation
4.21LF Band
4.22LM Band
4.23HM Band
4.24HF Band
4.25EQ On
4.26EQ Pre
4.27Output Gain
4.28Meter
4.29Optional DO-2 Digital Output Card
5 GETTING STARTED
5.1Connections
5.2In Use
6SPECIFICATIONS
7SERVICE
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
3.1AC 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 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.
3.2Microphone 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”). |
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Unbalanced inputs:
- Pin 1 = Ground (screen)
- Pin 2 = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”).
- Pin 3 = Signal Ground.
3.3Balanced 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.
3.4Unbalanced 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.
3.5Instrument 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.
3.6Sidechain 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.
3.7Balanced Output.
The output is via a balanced, 3 pin male XLR connector. The mating connector should be wired as follows:
- Pin 1 = Ground (screen).
FIG 2: FRONT PANEL
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INPUT SELECTOR SWITCH |
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EQUALISER FREQUENCY |
VU METER |
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SWITCH |
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INPUT |
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COMPRESSOR |
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EQUALISER |
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METER |
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MIC LINE |
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ATTACK |
RELEASE |
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120 250 |
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500 |
1K |
2K2 |
3K6 |
5K |
8K |
O/P |
O/P+10 |
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MIC |
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INST |
SLOW |
FAST |
SLOW |
FAST |
60 |
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500 |
250 |
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2K2 1K5 |
5K |
2K2 |
12K |
I/P |
G/R |
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48V |
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SOFT |
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Hz |
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Hz |
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Hz |
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Hz |
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5051 |
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HARD |
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LINE 0dB |
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MIC |
THRESHOLD |
RATIO |
GAIN |
KNEE |
GATE |
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LF |
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LM |
HM |
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HF |
OUTPUT |
MONO VALVE |
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-30dB |
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IVORY |
INPUT |
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INSTRUMENT |
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0 |
5 |
MAKE-UP |
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-40 |
-20 |
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0 |
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0 |
0 |
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0 |
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0 |
PROCESSOR |
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1:5 |
12 |
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1:10 |
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EQ |
EQ LINK |
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ON |
PRE |
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16 dB 60 |
90Hz |
+20 |
dB -20 1:1.5 1:30 |
0 dB 20 |
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OFF dB |
-10 |
-12 |
dB +12 |
-12 |
dB +12 -12 |
dB +12 |
-12 |
dB +12 |
- oo |
dB +15 |
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DRIVE |
PEAK |
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COMP |
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SHUT |
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POWER |
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ON |
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INSTRUMENT INPUT |
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COMPRESSOR CONTROLS |
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GATE |
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EQUALISER |
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OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL |
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INPUT GAIN CONTROL |
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THRESHOLD |
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CUT/BOOST |
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CONTROL |
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CONTROL |
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FUSE T1AL 250V 230V~25VA 115V~25VA
DIGITAL OUTPUT (OPTIONAL)*
WARNING - ATTENTION |
SPDIF OUTPUT |
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. |
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FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION |
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AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY |
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WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING OF FUSE. |
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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
JACK: TIP = +VE, SLEEVE = GND.
XLR: PIN 1 = GND, PIN 2 = +VE, PIN 3 = -VE.
FIG 3: REAR PANEL
SAMPLE RATE SELECTOR SWITCH (OPTIONAL)*
W/CLOCK INPUT (OPTIONAL)*
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W/CLOCK |
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IN |
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kHz |
44.1 |
48 |
+4dBu
BALANCED OUTPUT
-10dBu UNBALANCED
CAUTION |
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Manufactured by TL Audio Limited, England. |
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RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK |
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5051 MONO VALVE PROCESSOR |
SERIAL NUMBER |
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DO NOT OPEN |
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ATTENTION |
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RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRONIQUE |
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NE PAS OUVRIR |
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INSERT: TIP = SEND, RING = RETURN, |
BALANCED INPUT |
MIC INPUT |
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SLEEVE = GND. |
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S/CHAIN |
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UNBALANCED |
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INSERT |
LINK |
INPUT |
INPUT |
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LEVEL |
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LINK: TIP = +VE, SLEEVE = GND. |
-10dBu |
+4dBu |
NOTE: CONNECT TO SECOND 5051 |
+4dBu |
+18dBu |
LINK SOCKET ONLY. |
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IEC INLET |
LINE OUTPUTS |
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INPUT LEVEL SWITCH |
INPUTS |
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SIDECHAIN INSERT |
STEREO LINK CONNECTOR |
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POINT CONNECTOR |
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* VIA DO-2 DIGITAL OUTPUT CARD
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