TL Audio 5052 - Manual (Page 26)

connector at one end split into two mono jack or XLR connectors - one for send
and one for return). The most likely positions that insert points are located on a
mixer are in the channel, group and stereo master sections. Patching the 5052 into
the channel insert point means that any signal passing through that channel will pass
directly though the 5052. Compressing a vocal already recorded on your multitrack
recorder, for instance, can be achieved by connecting the multitrack outputs to the
channel tape return inputs of your console, then connecting one channel of the 5052
into the relevant console channel insert point. The off-tape signal will then be fed
into the 5052’s line input via the the mixer insert ‘send’ connection. The line output of
the 5052 connects back to the insert ‘return’ connection, thus returning the
processed signal to the mixer and ensuring continuous signal flow.
Group insert points are used to process sub-grouped signals such as drums or
backing vocals. It’s common to mix an entire drum kit to a stereo group, and then use
a pair of group faders to control the overall level, rather than having to adjust each
individual drum level. If you then wish to compress the overall stereo kit signal, you
can connect a stereo linked 5052 to the relevant group insert points, using the same
‘send and return’ technique as the channel insert.
Having processed individual tracks while recording, it is common to apply some
compression to the stereo mix while mastering it to 2 track tape, DAT or CDR.
Doing this will help fatten the sound further and control levels. Like the channel and
groups, the stereo L/R mix buss will normally have a pair of insert points to facilitate
this. If not, the 5052 can be connected in-line with the mixer’s main stereo outputs,
ahead of the master 2 track recorder. The latter method may be preferable as this
allows the processors to be connected with balanced connectors (the insert points
are usually unbalanced). Connecting the 5052 to the main insert points does however
allow the 5052 processing to be monitored as the processor is looped into the
output stage of the mixer. If the 5052 is connected in-line, to hear the results of the
processing the 2 track mastering machine needs to be monitored. This is possible by
connecting the mastering recorder to the mixer’s 2-track return inputs and
monitoring these returns on the mixer.
The optional DO-2 digital output will allow a stereo high quality A/D conversion at
24-bit from the 5052 on a coaxial SPDIF output. The DO-2 can feed directly into
digital recorders such as Digital Multitrackers, Hard Disk Recorders, DAT
Recorders, Minidisc and CD-Recorders, bypassing any A-D conversion stages on
the way. When connecting the DO-2’s SPDIF output it is advisable to use cables less
than 5 metres in length and of high quality. The digital output can be used
simultaneously with the 5052’s analogue outputs.