The Ebony A2 from TL Audio is a dedicated stereo audio processor featuring discrete Class-A circuitry and a switchable tube path for added tonal variation. The unit consists of a comprehensive compressor section and a three band EQ. An output gain control effectively acts like an output fader, and is very useful when recording direct to tape or a hard disc DAW/recorder.
The compressor has continuously variable threshold, ratio and gain make-up, and switched settings for hard or soft knee, and fast or slow attack and release times. In order to preserve the stereo image the compressor is stereo coupled. The equalizer has 3 bands with shelving high frequency and low frequency controls, while the mid-band is a swept, peaking filter. The EQ is fully discrete class A.
Using relays, comprehensive switching allows the Ebony A2 to be configured with the EQ pre or post the compressor, or with the EQ in the side-chain, for de-essing or frequency variable compressor effects. The inputs and outputs are balanced and ground free, although unbalanced operation is supported.