TL Audio 5060 User Manual

®

TLAudio

user manual

Ivory 2 Series

5060

PRESET VALVE COMPRESSOR

TL Audio Ltd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 1AN, UK

email: [e-mail] web: http://www.tlaudio.co.uk

CONTENTS

1.INTRODUCTION

2.PRECAUTIONS

3.INSTALLATION

3.1A.C. Mains Supply

3.2Microphone Input

3.3Line Inputs

3.4Instrument Inputs

3.5Balanced Line Outputs

3.6Unbalanced Line Outputs

3.7Nominal Operating Level

3.8Ventilation

4.OPERATION

4.1What is Compression?

4.2Why Valve Compression?

4.3Overview of Compressor Operation

4.4Input Source Selection

4.5Mic Gain

4.6Input Gain

4.790Hz Low Cut Filter

4.8Drive & Peak LEDs

4.9Program Control

4.10Table 1: Presets

4.11Threshold

4.12Ratio

4.13Attack and Release

4.14Gain Make Up

4.15Knee

4.16Comp On

4.17Output Gain

4.18Meter

4.19Meter ‘+10dB’

4.20Fat EQ

4.21DO-2 Digital Output Card

5.	GETTING STARTED
5.1	Connections
5.2	In Use
5.3	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6.	SERVICE
7.	SPECIFICATIONS

FIG 1: BLOCK DIAGRAM

1.INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing the Ivory 5060 Preset Valve Compressor 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 5060 is a dual channel	processor with a single	balanced mic input and stereo line inputs/outputs on the rear panel,	and

stereo instrument inputs on the front panel. The 5060 features a compressor section with 15 presets and a ‘manual’ mode, plus a “Fat EQ” switch that, when active, applies an EQ contour to both channels. The two channels of the 5060 work in ‘linked stereo’ mode, but a mono signal can be applied to channel 1 only, making the 5060 equally powerful for both

mono/stereo	tracking and	final stereo	mix processing. A single illuminated VU meter monitors the output level	or	the
compressor	gain reduction	for both the	channels. The optional DO-2 digital output card allows 24-bit A to D conversion		via
an RCA phono type SPDIF output, with selectable 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates and an external word clock connection.
The block diagram of the		5060 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 100v 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 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.

The compressor section offers 15 carefully prepared presets designed to work with a variety of suggested signal sources. The compressor also has a manual mode, in which the dedicated compressor controls become active. In preset mode these controls are disabled with the exception of the “Compressor On” switch and the “Gain Make-Up” control. Manual mode features fully variable control of threshold, ratio and gain make-up with switchable fast/slow attack and release settings and hard/soft knee options. Like all other TL Audio compressors, the gain control element of the 5060 is based around a special transconductance amplifier, which avoids the use of VCAs and helps contribute to the smooth, open sound of the unit, along with the valve stage that forms part of the preamp circuit.

After the compressor section - but prior to the output gain control - the Fat EQ facility adds a gentle boost to the low and high-end frequencies while introducing a slight dip in the mid range frequencies. The effect of this is to add a subtle “sweetening” or “fattening”, similar to the ‘Loudness’ button on Hi-Fi systems, thus adding a touch of “weight” to the signal.

The	5060	Mic input is	provided on an electronically balanced XLR connector, and the line inputs are provided on balanced
TRS	stereo	0.25” jack	connectors. Balanced and unbalanced line outputs are provided (again on TRS 0.25” jack connectors)

and these can be used simultaneously. The operating level of both the line input and outputs can be shifted from -10dB to +4dB via a rear panel switch, allowing the 5060 to easily integrate into any system. A pair of high impedance front panel

instrument	inputs allow	guitars, basses and keyboards to	feed	directly into the 5060, removing the need for a separate DI
box.
Please read	this manual	fully before installing or operating	the	5060.

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2.	PRECAUTIONS
The 5060 Preset Valve Compressor 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.

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FIG 2: FRONT PANEL

PREAMP SECTION

PRESET PROGRAM

COMPRESSOR

OUTPUT SECTION

SELECTOR

SECTION

FIG 3: REAR PANEL

SLOT FOR OPTIONAL DO-2 CARD

IEC INLET

INPUT / OUTPUT

CONNECTIONS

3.INSTALLATION

3.1AC Mains Supply.

The 5060 is fitted with an internationally approved 3-pin IEC connector. A mating socket with power cord and mains plug is supplied. 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 5060 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, 315mA 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 30VA.

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 microphones. The mating connector should be appropriately wired as follows:

Balanced inputs:

- Pin 1			=	Ground (screen).
-	Pin	2	=	Signal	Phase (also known as “+” or “hot”).
-	Pin	3	= Signal		Non-Phase (“-” or “cold”).

The single microphone input of the 5060 is automatically routed to both channels of the unit.

3.3	Line Inputs.
Each channel has a 3 pin TRS jack socket		on	the rear panel, which will accept balanced or unbalanced line inputs providing
the mating plug is suitably wired:
Balanced	inputs:
	- Screen = Ground,
	- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or	“hot”),
	- Ring = Signal Non-Phase (“-” or		“cold”).

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