TL Audio 5001 - Manual (Page 9)

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. 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. The 30dB pad only
applies to the microphone input.
4.4 Phantom
Power.
Phantom power may be applied to the microphone socket by depressing the
+48V switch. Do not attempt to connect any microphone that does not require
phantom power, or any other equipment such as a DI box, to an input socket
that has phantom power switched on, as damage may result.
CAUTION: Never switch phantom power on or off, or plug /
unplug a microphone with phantom power applied
unless the output level control is turned down.
Failure to do so may result in a thump in your
monitor loudspeakers or PA system.
4.5 Input
Gain.
The gain of the mic preamp stage is variable from +16 to +60dB. This is a very
wide range, to cater for all types of microphone and recording situations, but
care must be taken not to apply large, sudden changes in gain which may
result in unexpectedly large output signals. It is quite normal to have to apply
larger amounts of gain for less sensitive microphones, such as dynamic types,
and similarly apply much less input gain for high output condenser mics: some
of which may even need the 30dB pad activated when recording very loud
sources.
4.6
Drive and Peak LEDs.
The yellow Drive LED provides a visual indication of the signal level through
the valve stages, and therefore the extent of “warming” or valve character
being introduced. The drive LED will gradually illuminate as the input level or