TL Audio 5060 - Manual (Page 4)

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1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on purchasing the Ivory 5060 Preset Valve Compressor by TL Audio!
The 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. The units offer comprehensive control facilities, whilst remaining straightforward to operate, and
represent excellent value for money.
The 5060 is a dual channel processor with a single balanced mic input and stereo line inputs/outputs on the rear panel, and
stereo instrument inputs on the front panel. The 5060 features a compressor section with 15 presets and a ‘manual’ mode,
plus a “Fat EQ” switch that, when active, applies an EQ contour to both channels. The two channels of the 5060 work in
‘linked stereo’ mode, but a mono signal can be applied to channel 1 only, making the 5060 equally powerful for both
mono/stereo tracking and final stereo mix processing. A single illuminated VU meter monitors the output level or the
compressor gain reduction for both the channels. The optional DO-2 digital output card allows 24-bit A to D conversion via
an RCA phono type SPDIF output, with selectable 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates and an external word clock connection.
The block diagram of the 5060 is shown in Figure 1. A solid state, electronically balanced input amplifier is used to achieve
state of the art performance with very low noise, low distortion and wide bandwidth. An ECC83/12AX7A triode valve stage
(run from a stabilised 100v DC supply) is used as a second stage voltage amplifier, to obtain the classic valve sound and
gradual overdrive characteristics. The preamp stage also features 48V phantom power and a high pass 90Hz filter. A Drive LED
gives a visual indication of the signal level through valve stages (and thus the amount of ‘warming’ taking place) while a
Peak LED warns that clipping is about to occur.
The compressor section offers 15 carefully prepared presets designed to work with a variety of suggested signal sources. The
compressor also has a manual mode, in which the dedicated compressor controls become active. In preset mode these controls
are disabled with the exception of the “Compressor On” switch and the “Gain Make-Up” control. Manual mode features fully
variable control of threshold, ratio and gain make-up with switchable fast/slow attack and release settings and hard/soft knee
options. Like all other TL Audio compressors, the gain control element of the 5060 is based around a special transconductance
amplifier, which avoids the use of VCAs and helps contribute to the smooth, open sound of the unit, along with the valve
stage that forms part of the preamp circuit.
After the compressor section - but prior to the output gain control - the Fat EQ facility adds a gentle boost to the low and
high-end frequencies while introducing a slight dip in the mid range frequencies. The effect of this is to add a subtle
“sweetening” or “fattening”, similar to the ‘Loudness’ button on Hi-Fi systems, thus adding a touch of “weight” to the signal.
The 5060 Mic input is provided on an electronically balanced XLR connector, and the line inputs are provided on balanced
TRS stereo 0.25” jack connectors. Balanced and unbalanced line outputs are provided (again on TRS 0.25” jack connectors)
and these can be used simultaneously. The operating level of both the line input and outputs can be shifted from -10dB to
+4dB via a rear panel switch, allowing the 5060 to easily integrate into any system. A pair of high impedance front panel
instrument inputs allow guitars, basses and keyboards to feed directly into the 5060, removing the need for a separate DI
box.
Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the 5060.