TL Audio VP-1 User Manual
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
2 PRECAUTIONS
3 INSTALLATION
3.1
AC Mains Supply
3.2 Audio Inputs
3.3
Unbalanced Line Inputs
3.4
Instrument Inputs
3.5
Insertion Points
3.6 Balanced Outputs
3.7
Unbalanced Output
3.8
Ventilation
4 OPERATION
4.1
Input Select
4.2
Input Gain
4.3 High Pass Filter
4.4 Phase Reverse
4.5 Pad
4.6 Phantom Power
4.7 Drive and Peak LEDs
4.8 Expander/Gate Section
4.9 Gate Threshold
4.10 Gate Attack and Release
4.11 Gate Meter
4.12 De-esser Section
4.13 De-esser Depth
4.14 De-esser Frequency
4.15 De-esser Bandwidth
4.16 De-esser Meter
4.17 Compressor Section
4.18 Comp. Threshold
4.19 Comp. Attack & Release
4.20 Comp. Ratio
4.21 Comp. Gain Make-Up
4.22 Comp. Knee
4.23 Comp. Opto Mode
4.24 Comp. Hold Mode
4.25 Equaliser Section
4.26 LF & HF Bands
4.27 LM & HM Bands
4.28 LM/HM Frequency
4.29 LM/HM Gain
4.30 LM/HM Bandwidth
4.31 EQ Pre
4.32 Stereo Link Operation
4.33 Ducking or Gating
4.34 Peak Output Limiter
4.35 Output Level
4.36 VU Meter
4.37 Digital Output Option
4.38 Bit Rate Select
4.39 Sampling Freq. Select
4.40 Digital Output Meter
4.41 Lock Status
4.42 Output Formats
4.43 Wordclock Input
5 USER TIPS / FAQs
6 SERVICE
7 SPECIFICATIONS
1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing the VP-1 Mono Valve Processor from TL Audio.
The VP-1 combines classic Pentode and Triode valve techniques with Class A
discrete and solid state circuitry to produce a unit providing comprehensive facilities
for all aspects of single channel microphone and instrument pre-amplification and
processing.
The VP-1 features include:
- Class A discrete and Valve pre-amplification,
- Variable High Pass Filter,
- Expander / Gate,
- Vocal De-Esser,
- Fully variable Compressor with Transconductance and Optical modes,
- 4 band Parametric Equaliser,
- Variable Threshold Optical Limiter,
- Optional digital output, selectable up to 24bit, 96Khz.
The block diagram of the VP-1 is shown in fig.1. There are four input sources:
microphone XLR, balanced line +4dBu XLR, unbalanced line -10dBu jack and front
panel instrument jack socket.
The mic input features switchable 48V phantom power and 30dB pad, and is
transformer coupled to both an all-valve pre-amp (consisting of pentode and triode
stages) and a class A discrete pre-amp, providing two of the options on the input
selector switch. The two line inputs are summed together for the third input selection,
with the instrument input available as the fourth selection. The instrument input is
front panel mounted for easy access, and is suitable for a variety of sources, including
guitar, acoustic pickup and keyboard. The input stage sensitivity for the mic and
instrument inputs is switchable in 10dB steps, followed by a +/-15dB trim control
effective on all inputs.
The input section also provides a continuously variable high pass filter to eliminate
unwanted LF noise from the input source, and a phase reverse switch. An insertion
point is provided immediately after the input section. The insertion point is
unbalanced, at a nominal operating level of -2dBu.
An expander/gate circuit is also included in the VP-1. The circuit provides variable
threshold and attack and release times, and includes a four segment LED bargraph to
indicate the gain reduction that is being applied.
De-essing of vocal sources is provided, with the depth (i.e. attenuation) of the deessing variable, along with frequency and bandwidth tuning to match the sibilant
content of the signal. This section also includes a four segment LED bargraph to
indicate the gain reduction that is being applied.
A comprehensive hybrid-valve compressor which can operate in either
transconductance mode (“voltage controlled resistance”) or optical mode (“light
dependent resistance”) is available to tailor the signal dynamics. The two modes each
provide effective compression, but with subtly different characteristics which may
suit particular source material. Hard or soft knee and optional hold switching further
augment the fully variable threshold, ratio, attack, release and gain make-up.
The VP-1 includes a four band equaliser, which utilises four triode valve stages. The
EQ may be switched to pre or post the compressor. The LF and HF bands are shelving
and feature switched frequencies, whilst the LM and HM bands are fully parametric
peaking stages with variable frequency and bandwidth. All bands have +/-15dB of cut
and boost.
The master level control is a large rotary fader, providing up to 15dB of gain. An
optical limiter with variable threshold and LED indication prevents the following
equipment from being overdriven by the VP-1.
Line level outputs are provided at +4dBu nominal level via a balanced XLR
connector, and at -10dBu nominal level via an unbalanced jack socket. An optional
digital output module is available for the VP-1, providing various output formats,
word lengths and sampling rates.
The VP-1 metering consists of an illuminated moving coil VU meter which can
display input level, output level or compressor gain reduction. In addition, a variable
intensity yellow “drive” LED indicates the signal level through the valve stages, and a
red “peak” LED monitors the headroom remaining on the input and post processed
signals.
Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the processor.
2 PRECAUTIONS
The TL Audio VP-1 processor 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 equaliser 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.
Please note that when using this unit with alternate supply voltages (in foreign
countries, for example) the position of the voltage selector switch on the rear of the
unit may need adjusting. The unit may be set for 115V (accepting voltages in the
range 110V to 120V, 60Hz AC) or to 230V (for voltages in the range 220V to 240V,
50Hz AC). The setting may be adjusted by inserting a small flat bladed screwdriver
into the slot of the switch, and sliding the switch to the left (for 115V) or to the right
(for 230V).
Alternate supply voltages may also require a different power cable or mains plug. If in
doubt, consult local electrical regulations.
Warning: attempted operation on the wrong voltage setting, or with an
incorrect fuse, will invalidate the warranty.
3.2 Audio Inputs.
The VP-1 has two female, 3 pin XLR connectors, for mic and line sources. Both are
compatible with either balanced or unbalanced signals, when the mating connectors
are appropriately wired:
Balanced inputs:
- Pin 1 = Ground (screen).
- Pin 2 = Signal Phase (“+” 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.
When using unbalanced signals, the signal ground may be obtained by linking pins 1
and 3 in the mating XLR connector. Good quality screened cable should be used,
particularly for microphone or low level sources, to prevent signal degradation and
hum or noise pickup.
3.3 Unbalanced Line Inputs.
An unbalanced line level input is provided for each channel, on a 0.25” mono jack
socket. The mating plugs should be wired as follows:
- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”).
- Screen = Ground.
3.4 Instrument Inputs.
A 2 pin (mono) jack plug is required, which should be wired as follows:
- Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”).
- Screen = Ground.
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