User manual TL AUDIO 5060

[. . . ] TLAudio user manual ® Ivory 2 Series 5060 PRESET VALVE COMPRESSOR TL Audio Ltd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 1AN, UK email: info@tlaudio. co. uk web: http://www. tlaudio. co. uk CONTENTS 1. 4. 1 4. 2 4. 3 4. 4 4. 5 4. 6 4. 7 4. 8 4. 9 4. 10 4. 11 4. 12 4. 13 4. 14 4. 15 4. 16 4. 17 4. 18 4. 19 4. 20 4. 21 5. INTRODUCTION PRECAUTIONS INSTALLATION A. C. Mains Supply Microphone Input Line Inputs Instrument Inputs Balanced Line Outputs Unbalanced Line Outputs Nominal Operating Level Ventilation OPERATION What is Compression? [. . . ] Any signal below the Threshold passes through the unit unaffected, while signals above the Threshold have their gain reduced (and are thus `compressed'). The 5060 has a variable Threshold control, adjustable between +10dBu and -20dBu. Unlike some compressors, the Threshold control on the 5060 starts at a `plus' value in the counter-clockwise position, and decreases to a `minus' value as you rotate the control clockwise. The reason for this is as you turn the Threshold control on the 5060 `clockwise (i. e. towards the negative region) then the degree of compression will increase. We think this is logical, whereas the common method of turning the control `down' to achieve more compression is not - but beware, some other compressors may work in this way!The Threshold control is only active when the Program control is set to Manual mode. In all of the Preset modes it is disabled and the Threshold value is fixed internally. 10 Figure 4 PRESETS 1. Slam Mix CONTROLS Input Gain Output Gain Gain MakeUp Threshold* Ratio* Knee* Soft Soft Hard Hard Soft Soft Soft Soft Hard Hard Soft Soft Soft Hard Hard Attack* Fast Fast Fast Fast Slow Slow Fast Fast Fast Slow Fast Fast Fast Fast Fast Release* Fast Slow Slow Fast Slow Slow Fast Fast Fast Slow Fast Fast Slow Slow Slow * The settings shown for these controls are fixed internally for each preset and are non-adjustable (except in manual mode). The Input Gain and Output Gain are user adjustable at all times, the Gain Make-up is user adjustable when the compressor is active. 4. 12 Ratio. Once the input signal has crossed the threshold, the degree of gain reduction is determined by the Ratio control. The Ratio control is calibrated in dBs and is simply the change in output level that results from a given change in input level. An uncompressed signal will have a 1:1 compression ratio - every 1dB change in input level results in the same 1dB change in output level. A compression ratio of 1:3, for instance, means that a 3dB change in input level will only give a 1dB change in output level. For more severe compression, simply turn up the Ratio control. The 5060 offers a wide range of ratios from 1:1. 5 (gentle compression) through to 1:30 (limiting). Limiting effectively clamps the input signal at the threshold level no matter how much the signal is increased: this can be useful when trying to ensure that the signal doesn't exceed a certain level - for instance to prevent a digital recorder distorting through overload. The Ratio control is only active when the Program control is set to Manual mode. In all of the Preset modes it is disabled and the Ratio value is fixed internally. 4. 13 Attack and Release. The Attack time of the 5060 is switchable between 0. 5mS (`Fast') and 5mS (`Slow'). At 0. 5mS attack, the compressor is fast enough to compress a 1kHz signal in less than half a cycle, effectively preventing the overload of any following equipment which has limited headroom, such as a digital processor, tape machine or transmitter. Fast attack times are used to compress a signal quickly, so are suitable for audio signals with sharper transients such as drums. However, if you want the initial leading edge of the signal retained (for instance the initial click of a bass guitar or bass drum) then a slower attack time can be employed, and slow attack times can also be useful on sustained sounds like synth pads. [. . . ] On average we'd say about four years. The valve itself is easily sourced and relatively inexpensive - contact your dealer for details. 6. SERVICE Should the 5060 require service, it must be taken or posted to an authorised dealer with a description of the fault. Please retain the original packing for possible future use, and ensure the unit is suitably protected during transit. The manufacturer cannot accept responsibility for damage caused during transportation. [. . . ]