Related Manuals for TL Audio Ebony A3
Summary of Contents for TL Audio Ebony A3
- Page 1 T L Audio User Manual Ebony Series A3 Mono Processor TL Audio Limited, Letchworth, England. Tel 01462 492090, Fax 01462 492097. www.tlaudio.co.uk email: info@tlaudio.co.uk...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................3 -A?............................4 LASS ?..............................4 UBES I/O?..........................5 ALANCED BLOCK DIAGRAM............................6 PRECAUTIONS ............................7 INSTALLATION............................8 AC Mains Supply............................. 8 Mic Input..............................8 Line Input..............................9 Instrument Inputs............................. 9 Insertion Point............................9 Output.............................. - Page 3 Metering:..............................23 Power Requirements: ..........................23 Dimensions: ............................23 SERVICE ..............................24...
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Page 4: Introduction
INTRODUCTION The TL Audio Ebony Series of audio processors are a sleek looking range of discrete Class A processors designed to heighten your audio experience; they use signal paths constructed from discrete transistor “Class A” circuits, with switchable variable drive tube stages, putting you in control of how ‘creamy’... -
Page 5: Why Class-A
The Equaliser has 3 bands. The HF and LF controls are shelving whilst the mid control is a swept, peaking filter. Comprehensive switching (via relays) allows the A3 to be configured with the equaliser pre or post the compressor, or with the equaliser in the sidechain, for de- essing or frequency variable compressor effects. -
Page 6: Why Balanced I/O
warming to crunchy overdrive, with a single control. The signal level through the valve is displayed by the variable intensity “Drive” LED and the “Peak” LED. Where instrument inputs are present on the Ebony models, dedicated valve input stages are used. Switchable to high or low sensititivity (and impedance), these input stages represent the ultimate quality for the first stage of instrument amplification. -
Page 7: Block Diagram
BLOCK DIAGRAM... -
Page 8: Precautions
PRECAUTIONS The T L Audio Ebony Series units require 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 mains operating voltage stated on the rear panel is correct before connecting to the mains supply,... -
Page 9: Installation
INSTALLATION AC Mains Supply. The unit 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. -
Page 10: Line Input
Line Input. A second 3-pin XLR connector is provided for connection to a line level source. The signal may be balanced or unbalanced, and connections may also be made as follows: Balanced inputs: - Pin 1 = Ground (screen). - Pin 2 = Signal Phase (“+” or “hot”). - Pin 3 = Signal Non-Phase (“-”... -
Page 11: Output
- Screen = Ground. Unbalanced equipment may be interfaced with the processor insertion point, by wiring the plugs with ring and screen connected together. The insertion point is “half normalled”, i.e. a plug inserted into the Send socket will provide an additional signal output, without breaking the signal flow within the processor. -
Page 12: Operation
The Instrument input allows high impedance instruments such as guitars or a bass etc to connect directly into the Ebony A3 and eliminates the need for a DI (Direct Injection) Box. For even better performance you also have a button at the input stage to enable you to switch between high and low impedance instrument inputs. -
Page 13: 30Db Pad
30dB Pad. Occasionally – when using sensitive condenser microphones – the source signal may be too loud for the input preamp. In this situation, to avoid any overloading or distortion of the mic preamp stage, the 30dB pad can be used to reduce the input gain to a more manageable level. -
Page 14: Overview Of Compressor Operation
With the Ebony A3, you have pristine Discrete Class A audio with the added benefit of a valve stage that can be activated into the input stage of the signal path; this then offers a warmth, clarity and presence just not obtainable with solid state or digital products. -
Page 15: Attack And Release
‘minus’ value as you rotate the control clockwise. The reason for this is as you turn the Threshold control on the Ebony A3 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’... -
Page 16: Gain Make Up
Knee The Knee switch enables the Ebony A3 to be operated in two different modes - soft Knee or hard Knee. Soft knee mode offers a gentle compression curve around the threshold point, and is traditionally employed to yield a more subtle, musical type of compression effect. -
Page 17: Lf Band
This control effectively acts like an output fader, and is very useful when recording direct to tape or hard disc through the Ebony A3. You may find that some digital recorders require a good deal of input level in order to register a 0dB reading on their meters (+18dBu analogue usually matches 0dBFS in the digital domain). -
Page 18: Digital Output
The Ebony A3 provides a further 15dB of gain at the output fader to drive digital recorders. It is important to distinguish the difference between the output gain knob and the gain make-up knob in the compressor section. The gain... -
Page 19: Getting Started
(not mic) input of your console, recorder or sound card. A common mistake is to plug the Ebony A3 line output into the XLR mic input of a console. This will cause the console mic inputs to overload very easily and may result in a loss of quality. -
Page 20: In Use
The digital output can be used simultaneously with the Ebony A3’s analogue output. In Use Having connected the Ebony A3, it’s time to put it into action! Here’s a simple step- by-step guide: 1. We’ll assume that a condenser microphone is connected to the Ebony A3 mic input, and the +48V phantom power is engaged. - Page 21 each control to see how it affects the sound. If in doubt, aim to use compression gently as it can be difficult to compensate for over-compression, if you later decide that too much effect was used. On the other hand there are no rules, so if extreme settings get you the effect you are after, the choice is yours.
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Page 22: Specification
SPECIFICATION Mic Input: Discrete Class A circuitry from input to output (unless Tube stage In), Gain Range: +16dB to +60dB (-14dB to +30dB with pad), Maximum Input level: +10dBu (without pad), +30dB (with pad), Frequency Response: 10Hz to 40KHz, +0, -1dB, @ 40dB gain, Distortion (THD + Noise): 0.035%, 20Hz to 20KHz @ 40dB gain, Noise (EIN): -127dBu unweighted, 22Hz to 22KHz, 150 ohm source termination. -
Page 23: Insertion Point
Insertion Point: Pre Compressor and EQ, Balanced, separate Send and Return TRS jack sockets, Nominal Level: 0dBu, Noise -85dBu, 22Hz to 22KHz. Output: Maximum Gain +15dB, Maximum Level: +22dBu (2Kohm load), +26dBu (10Kohm load), Noise at minimum gain: -90dBu (22Hz to 22KHz). Tube Stage: Typical Distortion: 1% to 10%, depending on “Drive”... -
Page 24: Metering
Mid: +/-15dB, swept 150Hz to 7KHz, Q = 0.7, HF: +/-15dB @ 12KHz, shelving, “Pre” and “Sidechain” (Compressor) switches. Metering: Tube “Drive” LED: Variable intensity over 10dB level range, typically corresponding to 1% to 5% THD. Tube “Peak” LED: Dependant on level and drive, typically corresponding to 10% THD. -
Page 25: Service
Please record the following details, and retain proof of purchase date: Serial Number......Date purchased......Dealer......... TL Audio Limited, Letchworth, England. Tel: 01462 490600. International +44 1462 490600 Fax: 01462 490700. International +44 1462 490700 www.tlaudio.co.uk email: info@tlaudio.co.uk...
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