® TLAudio user manual Ivory 2 Series 5001 QUAD VALVE PREAMP TL Audio Ltd, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 1AN, UK email: info@tlaudio.co.uk web: http://www.tlaudio.co.
CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 2 PRECAUTIONS 3 INSTALLATION 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 AC Mains Supply Audio Operating Level Microphone Inputs Instrument Inputs Balanced Outputs Unbalanced Outputs Ventilation Rear Panel 4 OPERATION 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.
1. INTRODUCTION Congratulations on purchasing the Ivory 5001 Quad Valve Preamp by TL Audio! The T L Audio 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.
Finally, the optional DO-4 digital output card may be fitted which provides high quality A-D conversion of each channel output. The digital output is 24 bit SPDIF format (via two RCA phono connectors), with switchable sample rate between 44.1 & 48kHz. An external BNC wordclock input is also provided. Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the 5001. 2.
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.
unbalanced jack connectors are generally intended for interfacing to semiprofessional equipment and have an operating level of -10dBu, or about 225mV rms. Both outputs of each channel may be used simultaneously if required. Balanced interconnection is always preferable to obtain the best headroom and noise rejection, but can only be used if the other equipment in the chain e.g. the mixing console - also has provision for balanced connections. 3.3 Microphone Inputs.
- Pin 3 = Signal Non-Phase (“-” or “cold”). 3.6 Unbalanced Outputs. An unbalanced line output is provided for each channel, on a 0.25” mono jack socket. - Tip = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”). - Screen = Ground. This output functions simultaneously with the balanced output, and it is quite possible to use the balanced output as the main feed to tape, while using the unbalanced output for monitoring purposes. 3.7 Ventilation. The unit generates a small amount of heat internally.
The 4 XLR mic inputs are at the rear of the 5001. Virtually any low impedance professional microphone can be used. Condenser microphones will require the 48V phantom power to be engaged for correct operation, but before using Dynamic and Ribbon microphones ensure that the phantom power is switched off. 4.3 30dB Pad Switch. Occasionally - when using sensitive condenser microphones - the source signal may be too loud for the input preamp.
gain is increased, over the range 0dB to +12dB: this should be accompanied by a ‘thickening’ and ‘warming’ of the audio signal, as more harmonic distortion is introduced. The red signal LEDs operate as a visual indication of output level, and are calibrated at +8dB, +12dB, +16dB and +20dB respectively, making them suitable for monitoring high level output signals such as those required to drive a digital recorder or soundcard.
eliminates the need for an external DI (Direct Injection) box since the high impedance instrument input will convert the signal to a high quality balanced or unbalanced output from the 5001. The instrument input is capable of dealing with a wide variety of instruments and by varying the input gain a choice of valve effect can be employed. A low input gain will keep the instrument clean and a higher input will drive the valve stages and add the characteristic valve warmth and second harmonic distortion.
FIG 2: FRONT PANEL SIGNAL LEVEL LEDs DRIVE LED DRIVE +8 OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL +12 +16 +20 DRIVE OUTPUT 0 1 +12 +16 +20 DRIVE OUTPUT 0 2 INPUT IVORY +8 - dB INPUT dB - 16 dB 60 90Hz 48V Ø +16 +20 DRIVE OUTPUT 0 INPUT dB - 16 dB 90Hz 48V Ø 60 +12 +16 +15 +20 INPUT INSTRUMENT -30dB +8 OUTPUT 0 5001 4 +15 INSTRUMENT -30dB +12 3 +15 INSTRUMENT +8 - dB +15 QUAD VALVE PREAMP INSTRUMENT 16 dB -30dB 90Hz 48V Ø 60 16 dB 60 -30dB 90Hz 48V Ø
5. GETTING STARTED 1. Having powered up the 5001 and ensured all the gain controls are at minimum, connect its line output to the desired line input on your console, recorder or sound card. If these devices have balanced inputs, then it is preferable to use the balanced XLR output of the 5001 for maximum signal quality.
unless you are using multiple mics through the 5001 and some phase cancellation is occurring. 7. Try backing off the input gain and then steadily bringing its level up so that the Drive LED glows brighter - you should notice an audible change in sound character as the valve stage is driven harder. This variation in tone is one of the great strengths of the 5001 - you have the option of running it very clean, or nice and warm as you increase the valve drive. 6.
Crosstalk: Better than -70dB at 10KHz. (Mic inputs). Drive LED: Increasing intensity to reflect valve drive, commencing at +4dBu to full brightness at +14dBu (Output level control at 0dB). Level LEDs: Four LEDs, illuminating at +8dBu, +12dBu, +16dBu and +20dBu output level. Outputs: Balanced XLR, +4dBu nominal level. Unbalanced jack, -10dB nominal level. Output Gain Control: Rotary fader, +15dB maximum. Maximum Output Level: +26dBu (XLR), +12dBu (Jack).
Should the 5001 require service, it must be taken or posted to an authorised dealer. 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. The 5001 is supported by a limited warranty for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During this period, any faults due to defective materials or workmanship will be repaired free of charge.
