TL Audio 5052 - Manual (Page 20)

The 5052 is equipped with a pair of illuminated VU meters. The associated Meter
switch enables this meter to monitor each one of four parameters. When switched to
‘I/P’, the meter reads the audio input level just after the preamp stage. When
switched to ‘O/P’ the meter reads the audio output level, and is calibrated to read
0VU when a +4dBu signal is reached at the main XLR line outputs of the 5052 (or -
10dBu at the unbalanced line outputs). The meter when switched to ‘Comp G/R’
(Gain Reduction) indicates the amount of compression occurring. If the signal is
below the threshold, the meter will indicate 0dB: i.e. no gain reduction. As the signal
passes through the threshold, the meter will start to indicate the gain reduction at
the compressor stage (this will be a
negative value, so the meter will move to the left,
away from 0VU). Note that this reading won’t include any extra gain make-up
applied.
The final setting on the Meter switch is marked ‘Lim G/R’, and this separately
monitors the amount of gain reduction that the limiter circuit is applying.
A separate ‘+ 10dB’ switch is provided which reduces the meter reading by 10dB
below the actual audio signal level, and this applies to both input and output level
metering. This is useful when the 5052 is being fed with large input levels - or is
producing large output levels - and the meter needle would otherwise be pressing
constantly at its end stop. This situation is normal, particularly if the 5052 is
interfacing with digital recorders or mixers where large signal levels are regularly
encountered.
4.22 Equalisation.
The 5052 equaliser section has four bands, each with continuously variable
cut/boost and frequency controls. The LM and HM bands also have a variable Q
(or bandwidth) control that means these two bands are fully parametric in operation
(see section 4.25).
Before switching the EQ into circuit, it is advisable to set the cut/boost controls to
their centre, or flat, position. Each channel of EQ is brought into circuit with the
overall “EQ-ON” push switch positioned to the far right of the unit. “EQ-ON” is
signalled by a green LED.
The four bands of EQ per channel are labelled as LF (low frequency), LM and HM
(low and high mid frequency) and HF (high frequency). However, the frequency
variation available on each band allows overlapping of two, or more, bands into the
same frequency range. This arrangement allows maximum flexibility, permitting