TL Audio 5052 Dual Channel Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamp, Compressor, 4 Band EQ and Limiter

Inputs

Microphone and line inputs are provided on electronically balanced XLR connectors and the line input is duplicated on an unbalanced 1/4" TS phone connector.

A solid state, electronically balanced input amplifier is used to achieve very low noise, low distortion and wide bandwidth performance. An ECC83/12AX7A triode valve stage, run from a stabilized 150v DC supply, is used as a second stage voltage amplifier to obtain the classic vacuum tube sound and gradual overdrive characteristics.

Phantom power and a 30dB pad are provided on the microphone preamp stage along with a switchable 90Hz high pass filter.

A front panel instrument input is provided, thus allowing guitars, basses and keyboards to feed directly into the unit, removing the need for a separate DI box.

Output

Balanced and unbalanced line outputs are provided on XLR and 1/4" TS phone connectors that can be used simultaneously.

Metering

A pair of illuminated VU meters monitors the input level, output level, compressor gain reduction and limiter gain reduction for both channels.

A Drive LED gives a visual indication of the signal level through valve stages and thus the amount of "warming" taking place.

A Peak LED warns that clipping is about to occur, and this monitors the signal at key points in the audio path.

Compressor

Offers variable control of threshold and ratio, attack and release times and a choice of soft or hard knee compression modes.

A "Hold" facility reduces LF distortion, and a side chain insert point is provided for frequency conscious compression.

A side chain insert point is provided for frequency conscious compression.

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.

Equalizer

Four band valve EQ with a triode valve stage in each filter and providing up to 15dB of cut or boost on each band.

The LF and HF bands provide swept frequency controls with a choice of shelving or peaking response.

The LM and HM bands are fully parametric with variable control of gain, frequency and bandwidth.

An "EQ PRE" switch places the EQ ahead of the compressor in the signal path, while the "EQ S/C" switch places the EQ entirely in the compressor sidechain circuit, for frequency conscious compression.

Peak Limiter

Located after the output level control with a high ratio and a fast attack time, making it ideal for prevention of overload in digital recorders.

A threshold control is provided, along with an LED indication of when the limiter threshold is exceeded.