TL Audio A2 - Manual (Page 17)

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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 A2 can be connected in-line with the mixer or
soundcard’s main stereo outputs.
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 A2 to
the main insert points does however allow the A2 processing to be monitored as the
processor is looped into the output stage of the mixer. If the A2 is connected in-line, to
hear the results of the processing the signal being fed into your DAW or mastering
machine needs to be monitored.
The optional DO-2 digital output will allow a stereo high quality A/D conversion at
24-bit from the A2 on a coaxial SPDIF output. The DO-2 can feed directly into digital
recorders such as Soundcards, 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 A2’s analogue outputs.
Now we’ll assume that the A2 is connected via its line inputs/outputs to the master
insert points of a mixer.
1. The first stage is to set up the gains of the A2. With the compressor and EQ stages
switched out, start with the A2 input gain at minimum and output gains at 0dB.
2. Gradually bring up the A2 input gain until the chosen source material generates a
healthy reading on the A2 VU (when set to ‘I/P’). Then switch to meter ‘O/P’ and
check that around 0VU is being produced, and adjust the A2 output level controls if
necessary. If you decide to switch in the valve stage, then to get the most benefit from
the valve it’s normal to keep the Drive LED glowing most of the time, with the Peak
LED illuminating on transient peaks only. For a cleaner sound you can back off the
tube warmth control and thus reduce the drive to the tube stage, which will cause the
Drive LED to glow much less frequently.
4. Now depress the Compressor ‘On’ switch, and using the compressor controls you
will need to adjust settings to suit the mix you are listening to. A good starting point is
set the Attack and Release to ‘Fast’, Ratio to 1:3, Knee to ‘Soft’, and Threshold to
+20dB.
5. As you start turning the Threshold control clockwise towards 0dB, the Ebony A2
meter should now register that some gain reduction is taking place. Aim to get around
a maximum 3-4dB of gain reduction occurring as a starting point, by lowering the
Threshold further if necessary. You should also notice that increasing the Ratio setting
causes more gain reduction to occur. (make sure you have set the meter to ‘g/r’ –
gain reduction).
6. When gain reduction is taking place, you should notice that the output level is