A4 - TL Audio
Contents
1. Yer Lo eee em ee TL Audio Limited Letchworth England Tel 01462 492090 International 44 1462 492090 Fax 01462 492097 International 44 1462 492097 www tlaudio co uk email info tlaudio co uk 152. Either the jack or D Sub inputs should be used they are not mixed together The D Sub inputs are connected to the normally closed contacts on the jack sockets therefore an input connected to the jack socket will override the input from the D Sub When using jack inputs a 3 pin TRS jack plug should be used These may be wired to accept balanced or unbalanced connection as follows Balanced inputs Sleeve Ground screen Tip Signal Phase or hot Ring Signal Non Phase or 14 Unbalanced inputs Sleeve Ground screen Tip Signal Phase or hot Ring Ground or connect screen and ring together Note When using unbalanced connection on 3 pin plugs the ring must be linked to the sleeve to avoid possible reduction in level and or increase in noise alternatively a 2 way mono TRS jack may be used The D Sub connectors are wired to the audio industry standard as follows Connector 1 Connector 2 Phase Non Phase Ground Channel 1 Channel 9 24 12 25 Channel 2 Channel 10 10 23 11 Channel 3 Channel 11 21 9 22 Channel 4 Channel 12 7 20 8 Channel 5 Channel 13 18 6 19 Channel 6 Channel 14 4 17 5 Channel 7 Channel 15 15 3 16 Channel 8 Channel 16 1 14 2 Insertion Points The insertion points on the stereo mix are balanced with separate send and return sockets They are half normalled i e a plu
3. 1 Audio User Manual Ebony Series A4 Summer TL Audio Limited Letchworth England Tel 01462 492090 Fax 01462 492097 www tlaudio co uk email info tlaudio co uk CONTENTS CONTENTS civcccctivcdsvsccneddescesecseccesedstecssscassccvsccscecsecessdcvadccdccsadecsdatecatscavedabsechaceesecuacsscestesetteatedetsectdcorsecsecessecs 2 INTRODUCTION ESEE 3 WHY 55 4 WHY TUBES 4 WHY BATANCED VO 4 PRECAUTIONS 6 BLOCK DIAGRAM 7 INSTALLATION 8 Mansi SUDOV ea hhh ae eee ee ey ah eee eae eee eee Se ee 8 Heth Bib cute Us duth cue date lth das cute Susan 8 Insertion Points ehh eth Bel uh BES ARABIA OE a IBA IAD 9 Balanced XLR OUUU 10 10 Ventilo Massara se teeth te AM BI AY Bue SUE
4. improved dynamic range and greater headroom The outstanding audio quality is reflected in the technical specification of the units with particularly low noise and distortion and wide frequency response Why Tubes Valves or Tubes have long been associated with excellent audio quality recognised as adding warmth or depth to a signal Driving the valves harder results in an increasing level of mainly second harmonic distortion which is responsible for the characteristic overdriven valve sound The Ebony Series feature variable drive valve circuits which may be switched into the audio paths or bypassed completely The valve drive control varies the signal level through the valve stage without affecting the overall gain from input to output It is therefore possible to vary to the degree of harmonics added by the valve from subtle 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 Why Balanced I O Balanced I O Inputs and Outputs are always preferable to unbalanced connection in an audio system A balanced signal consists of signal phase and non phase connections which form a differential pair independent of the ground or earth connection Noise particularly mains hum and high frequency interference can often be present in unbalanced systems due to small differences in ground potential or circul
5. OU Bare BEM SU Bie BUT AM Daag BUEN SU Base Su Ses 10 OPERA TION wisssisissssciccncsccencesciesssesscesscedsscessctsstessedectcscssecdsccasssesccesssesseodssceassbectsecetecdescasecesssetssdessesssntsassssstes 11 Input eh es RAN 000 11 Rk 11 AN PUL SWEN S 11 Tube Stage Drive and Peak LEDS 11 Control 11 12 Output GAN 12 sess EEN 12 5 13 2 14 ne D AYA L GA VENEESI E E N A E E AE EE A A E AE A E E AEE 15 INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Ebony A4 Summer 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
6. Point Drive LEDs Tube Peak LEDs Master Level Output Peak LEDs Outputs Maximum Level Frequency Response Distortion Hum and Noise VU Meters SPECIFICATIONS Balanced via 3 pin TRS jack or 25pin D Sub per 8 channels Input impedance greater than 10Kohm Nominal Level 4dBu or 10dBu switched in banks of 8 channels 3dB at centre Attention when panned fully left or right 60dB Switchable tube stage on stereo mix pre insertion point Warmth control varies THD from typically 0 3 to 10 predominately second harmonic Balanced via separate 3 pin TRS jack send and return Nominal level 4dBu or 10dBu Variable intensity from 04 to 12dBu indicating increasing Tube drive Illuminates when tube stage is overdriven into clipping Maximum Gain 6dB Located above VU meters illuminate at 22dBu on output at 4dBu nominal level or 8dBu at 10dBu nominal level Balanced via 3 pin XLR connectors Nominal level 4dBu or 10dBu 26dBu Input to Output 04 gain and 4dBu nominal level 0 1dB 10Hz to 25KHz 0 012 at 1KHz 0 05 20Hz to 20KHz At 4dBu input and output and 04 gain tube stage out 83dBu unweighted at 04 gain and 4dBu nominal level Illuminated moving coil 4dBu or 10dBu 10dB switch shifts to 14dBu or OdBu 13 Dimensions 2U rack mounting or free standing 483mm W x 220mm D x 88mm 19 0 x 7 9
7. a standard 19 rack occupying 2U of space 10 OPERATION Input Gain stage The input gain is set to mirror the line level signal fed into the channel upon input the signal is a true representation of the input from your console or DAW Channel Pan Control A pan control is present for each input channel to control the stereo position of the signal fed into it this is ideal for combining stereo and mono feeds on different channels Input switching Input switches are located on the left hand side of the front panel Input channels 1 8 and 9 16 can be independently switched between 4 and 10dB input levels to cater for balanced and unbalanced situations There is also the facility to independently switch the insert points and the master output level between 4 and 10dB Tube Stage Drive and Peak LEDs These LEDs indicate the drive level to the tube or valve stage The Drive LED is a variable intensity indicator starting to glow when the tube harmonic distortion is around 1 and being fully illuminated at approximately 5 harmonic distortion The distortion is predominatelly second harmonic unless very high drive levels are used in which case the tube is eventually pushed into harsher saturation indicated by the tube Peak LED Tube Drive Control The tube stage is only active in the circuit of the A4 when switched on Once activated into being part of the circuit the amount of tube sound or even harmonic d
8. ating ground currents loops between units where the signal phase only is taken as an absolute value with respect to ground A correctly designed balanced interface should have both phase and non phase signals of equal magnitude and source impedance but should allow either of the phase and non phase signals to be connected to an arbitrary electrical point e g ground without changing the differential level Therefore if for instance the non phase signal is shorted to ground by an unbalanced input on a piece of equipment then the phase signal should double in magnitude to compensate Such an arrangement is referred to as floating or ground free Balanced signals require 3 pin connectors such as XLR s or TRS jack plugs carrying the phase and non phase signals plus a screening ground connection Naturally the Ebony Series features balanced ground free signals for all line inputs and outputs as well as insertion points where present The range is also compatible with unbalanced equipment as described above Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the Processor PRECAUTIONS The TL Audio Ebony Summer 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 mains operating voltage s
9. g inserted into the send socket to derive an additional output will not break the signal path through the channel but a plug inserted into the return socket will override the signal through the channel Mating plugs may be wired for balanced or unbalanced connection as follows Balanced sends and returns using stereo TRS Jack connectors Sleeve Ground screen Tip Signal Phase or hot Ring Signal Non Phase or 14 Unbalanced send and returns using stereo TRS Jack connectors Sleeve Ground screen Tip Signal Phase or hot Ring Ground screen Alternatively a mono TRS Jack may be used for unbalanced signals wired hot to tip screen to sleeve Balanced connection is always preferable in an audio system where the equipment being connected supports it It is possible to mix balanced and unbalanced connections example using unbalanced sends and balanced returns with no loss in level Balanced XLR Outputs The outputs are via balanced 3 pin male XLR connectors The mating connectors should be wired as follows Pin 1 Ground screen Pin 2 Signal Phase or hot Pin 3 Signal Non Phase or cold If an unbalanced output is required pins 1 and 3 should both be connected to ground Level Selection There are 4 switches located at the left side of the front panel which configure the operating level of
10. istortion introduced is then controlled on the A4 via the rotary knob control tube warmth This makes it very easy to control how much colour you would like to introduce to your summed signal and gives you the choice to stay neutral too 11 Insertion Points A balanced master insert point is provided on the back panel This would be ideal to use with a stereo compressor EQ or dedicated mastering processor to give a complete back end and mix down mastering solution An insert bypass button is also provided on the front panel of the unit to quickly and easily A B anything you do on the additional outboard equipment inserted Output Gain This controls the level of the Ebony A4 output and the level of the summed signal The A4 Summer provides up to an additional 6dB of gain at the fully clockwise position 10 Metering Two analogue VU meters are provided to monitor the output for the left and right channels Red peak LEDs are also present at the top of the unit above the VU meters these will illuminate at 22dBu on outputs at 4dBu nominal level or 8dBu at 10dBu nominal level level can be switched using the buttons on the right hand side of the front panel as mentioned above The meter is also provided with a 10dB switch which keeps the reading on the scale when driving a high level out to a DAW for example In the 10 mode OVU is calibrated as 14dBu out 12 Inputs Pan Controls Tube Stage Insertion
11. onic distortion predominately second harmonic without changing the output level from the unit This even harmonic distortion gives the colour and sound that tubes are famed for The tube stage can be selected or bypassed as required A VU meter is provided which can be selected to either input or output signals The meter is also provided with a 10dB switch which keeps the reading on the scale when driving a high level out to DAW for example In the 10 mode OVU 18 calibrated as 14dBu out Why Class A Class A circuits are designed with a constant current flowing through all of the transistors which is sufficient to drive the peak output required from each block of the circuit This ensures that every transistor is kept at its optimum operating point minimising non linearities due to changes in current and internal thermal effects and eliminating the objectionable cross over distortion typical of class AB circuits Due to the higher steady state or quiescent currents used the power dissipation of class A circuits is substantially higher than can in general be handled by integrated circuits It is also possible to design discrete transistor circuits to operate at higher voltage rails than are available for audio integrated circuits adding the benefit of greater headroom and improved dynamic range For these reasons there are no integrated circuits in the audio paths of the Ebony Series so that they enjoy this
12. tated on the rear panel is correct 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 531435 ANOS FIGURE 1 BLOCK DIAGRAM 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 Please note that when using this unit with alternate supply voltages in foreign countries for example the internal wiring of 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 If the wiring needs to be changed the unit must be taken to an approved service centre 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 Inputs The Ebony Summer has individual TRS jack socket inputs for each of the 16 channels plus two 25pin D Sub connectors carrying the inputs for 8 channels on each
13. the Summer s inputs and outputs providing greater flexibility of interconnection to other equipment The switches select a nominal operating level of either 4dBu or 10dBu for inputs 1 8 inputs 9 16 the insertion point and the outputs 4dBu is traditionally the standard level for connecting professional equipment whereas 10dBu is usually associated with semi pro equipment It is essential that the level switches are correctly set to obtain the optimum headroom and signal to noise ratio for the Summer and the overall studio setup If unsure of the switch settings when an input signal appears to clip easily it suggests that the relevant switch needs changing to 4dBu but if the signal seems low level the switch should be changed to 10dBu Similarly if the insert or output seems too low the relevant switch should be changed to 4dBu but if the following equipment is being easily overdriven the switch should be set to 10dBu Ventilation The unit generates a moderate amount of heat internally which should be allowed to dissipate by convection through the grills in the front and side panels which must not be obstructed Do not locate the unit where it will be subject to external heating for example in the hot air flow from a power amplifier or on a radiator or in direct sunlight Ensure that air is able to circulate freely around and under the unit The Summer has been designed for operation free standing or mounted into
14. x 3 5 approx Shipping weight 6Kg Power Requirements Internally set to 230V 50Hz or 115V 60Hz operation Detachable IEC power cord Power consumption 36VA These specifications are typical figures subject to normal production tolerances They do not represent guaranteed limits for any particular piece of equipment Specifications are subject to change without notice 14 SERVICE Should the unit 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 This equipment 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 The warranty excludes damage caused by deliberate or accidental misuse tampering operation on the incorrect mains voltage or without the correct type and value of fuse fitted It is the user s responsibility to ensure fitness for purpose in any particular application The warranty is limited to the original purchase price of the equipment and excludes any consequential damage or loss Please record the following details and retain proof of purchase date Serial Date
15. you in control of how creamy or how cool your unit sounds These techniques provide very high quality uncoloured audio with the option to add valve warmth at the touch of a button Hand assembled in England to the highest standards the Ebony uses stylish quality chrome knobs together with a high gloss black finish to make the exterior look just as smooth as the circuits sound The Ebony Series have all the features you come to expect with TL Audio including balanced I O multi input options analogue VU metering and intuitive precise controls A combination of supreme quality unrivalled sound and stylish aesthetics this range offers superior analogue processing to accompany a digital world The Ebony Series A4 Summer is a 16 channel unit accepting balanced or unbalanced line inputs switchable between 4 and 10dB via TRS Jack or DSUB connector Each channel has individual Pan control and there is also master gain control and balanced insert points with bypass A tube stage may be switched into the master signal path with variable drive control The block diagram of the processor is shown in fig 1 A discrete Class A electronically balanced input is used delivering superior audio performance with very low noise and wide bandwidth The tube stage has a variable drive control with the signal level indicated by the variable intensity Drive LED and Peak LED Use of this feature typically introduces 1 to 10 harm
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