TL Audio A2 - Manual (Page 14)

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band. The centre frequency is at 12kHz.
EQ On.
The ‘EQ On’ switch allows the EQ section to be bypassed for comparison of the
equalised and original, unprocessed signal.
EQ Pre.
The ‘EQ Pre’ switch places the equaliser ahead of the compressor section in the signal
path. This enables more flexibility in sound, since the compressor will become more
sensitive to any frequencies that have been boosted by the EQ section. The effect may
be compared by toggling the EQ Pre switch.
EQ Side Chain
The ‘EQ s/c’ button allows you to use the EQ section in the sidechain for de-essing or
frequency variable compressor effects.
Sidechain Operation
De-essing (the process of reducing the level of sibilant sounds in a vocal) can be
described as frequency dependent compression. The Ebony A2 can send the input
signal through its EQ unit section via its internal sidechain return; the compressor on
the A2 can then be triggered by specific frequencies in the signal. For vocals, this
range is between around 2-8 kHz. The EQ section is used to exaggerate the offending
frequencies so that when they occur the compression is triggered. It’s also useful for
cutting frequencies that you don’t want to compress.
Output Gain.
This controls the level at the Ebony A2output. The nominal level is 0dB at the centre
detented position. This control effectively acts like an output fader, and is very useful
when recording direct to tape or hard disc through the Ebony A2. 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). This is normal, since many digital recorders are designed to preserve
headroom and keep the signal well below the 0dB clip point - thus preventing the
recorder distorting. The Ebony A2 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
make-up control is only active when the compressor is switched on, whereas the
output gain control is always active but will have no effect on the compression