Single Channel Tube Microphone Preamp with Fully Variable Compressor
The 5050 from TL Audio, is a single channel microphone/line pre-amplifier, accepting a wide range of inputs, coupled to a compressor with fully variable parameters. Housed in a 2U rack chassis, the preamp has twin LED bargraph meters that display output level and gain reduction.
Part of the Ivory 2 Series, the unit is a hybrid valve signal processor, which utilize low noise solid state electronics in conjunction with classic valve circuitry to produce an audio processing unit that offers a high quality signal path with a unique tube audio character.
Inputs
Three input sources include a balanced microphone via an XLR connector, balanced line input via a TRS jack socket and an instrument jack socket located on the front panel, where it provides a convenient means of patching a guitar or keyboard directly into the processor.
The input stage is a hybrid valve circuit, containing one stage of an ECC83/12AX7A dual triode valve, run from a 150V DC stabilized supply.
The input gain is governed by a centre-detented control, calibrated for 0dB nominal gain from the line input sources at the centre and providing up to 60dB of microphone gain. The instrument input is also controlled by the input gain potentiometer, and will accept a wide range of sources from passive pickups through to active guitars and keyboards.
Phantom power and a 30dB pad are provided on the microphone preamp stage and a switchable 90Hz high pass filter is active on all three inputs.
Output
Balanced 1/4′ TRS socket at a nominal level of +4dBu.
Metering of the output is by an eight-segment LED bargraph.
Compressor
Offers variable control of threshold and ratio, with switchable attack and release times and a choice of soft or hard knee compression modes.
An independent gain make-up control is provided, to retain the subjective loudness of a compressed signal, plus an overall master output level control.
The output control has a nominal 0dB of gain at its centre, with up to 15dB of further gain available to achieve the high level required for some digital recorders.
Number of Channels | Single |
Inputs | 1 x XLR Microphone 1/4″ TRS phone Line 1/4″ TS phone Instrument (front panel) |
Output | 1 x 1/4″ TRS phone |
Phantom Power | +48V at 10mA maximum |
Multi Function | Compressor |
Gain Range | Mic: +16dB to +60dB Line: -20dB to +20dB |
Maximum Output Level | +26dBu |
Frequency Response | 10Hz to 40KHz, +0, -1dB |
Noise | EIN: -127dBu with 150 Ω source, 22Hz to 22kHz and maximum gain |
Dimensions | 19″ x 7 7/8″ x 3 1/2″ |
Weight | 13.25 lbs |
Specialties | Compressor with fully variable parameters |