User manual SUMMIT TLA-100A

[. . . ] Printed in the U. S. A. Doc. # 1085A01 INTRODUCTION The Summit Audio Tube Leveling Amplifier is a hybrid of technologies. This combination of old and new technologies produces an incredibly warm and smooth sounding compression device without the inherit disadvantages of the older designs. Features are as follows: · EASE OF OPERATION · "SOFT KNEE" CHARACTERISTIC · SWITCH SELECTABLE ATTACK AND RELEASE SETTINGS · SIDE CHAIN ACCESS · STEREO COUPLING CAPABILITY · BALANCED INPUT · 990 BALANCED OUTPUT STAGE · HAND CRAFTED IN THE USA Having found this manual, carefully unpack the TLA-100A and its power cord. Before powering the unit read this manual, observing the cautions for HIGH VOLTAGE. [. . . ] The TLA-100A also sounds great if inserted directly in line after the preamplifier. DE-ESSING Plug a TRS insert cable into the side chain jack on the back of the TLA100A. Plug the send (tip) of the insert cable to the input of an EQ, and the return (ring) of the cable to the EQ output. Boost the frequencies on the EQ that you want to compress (de-ess). DUCKING Send the output of the "lead" program material into the side chain input after inserting the TLA-100A on the "background" program material. Example: Send the output of a vocal mic into the side chain, with the TLA100A inserted on the lead guitar track. As the singer uses the vocal mic, the lead guitar will decrease in amplitude. CIRCUIT EXPLANATION The TLA-100A features a vacuum tube amplifier driving an electronically balanced 990 output stage. All the signal amplification in the audio path takes place in the tube circuit. The 990 amplifiers provide a low output impedance for driving cables and 600 loads. The 990 is a high performance op amp made of discrete parts, and then potted for thermal stability. The input is electronically balanced, and directly feeds the unique compression cell. The SIDE CHAIN allows for stereo coupling, or the insertion of an equalizer. Due to the combination of tube and solid state circuitry long term drift of the compression circuit is minimal and tracking of two TLA-100As stereo linked is within . 3dB. 5 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS INPUT: (This TLA-100A is wired as a pin 2 hot device. Units made before March 1st, 2003 come factory wired with pin 3 hot. ) Unbalanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ Connect to Pin 1 Balanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ (-) Signal OUTPUT: Unbalanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ Connect to Pin 1 Balanced: 3 pin XLR Connector Pin 1 ­ Ground Pin 2 ­ (+) Signal Pin 3 ­ (-) Signal SIDE CHAIN: Tip ­ Signal output (to EQ) Ring ­ Signal input (from EQ) Sleeve - Ground Set the rear panel switch for the proper position. STEREO LINK: Tip ­ Signal Sleeve ­ Ground Use the shielded patch cord with ¼" plug Note: When running an unbalanced output it is best to connect pin 3 to pin 1 in the connector that plugs into the TLA-100A. The TLA-100A contains heat generating devices, ample ventilation needs to be provided. Good ventilation will give long, trouble free operation. THINK TUBES!!The output is electronically balance or unbalanced using 990 operational amplifiers. Standard 19" by 3. 5" (two units of rack space). INPUT: PANEL SIZE: DEPTH BEHIND PANEL:10. 5" in addition to users I/O cabling. POWER: 35 watts. 1 x 12AX7A Vacuum Tube 2 x high reliability 990 operational amplifiers 13 x integrated circuits 3 x transistors 1 x compression cell 16 Lbs. COMPONENTS: SHIPPING WEIGHT: To operate this unit on 115 volts, switch the line voltage selector on the back of the unit to read 115 volts and confirm that the external fuse (mounted in chassis) is a [3 AG ½ Amp slow blow]. To operate this unit on 230 volts, switch the line voltage selector on the back of the unit to read 230 volts and confirm that the external fuse (mounted in chassis) is a [3 AG ¼ Amp slow blow]. 7 OPERATION The first step in the operation of any device using a vacuum tube is to apply power and let the unit fully warm up (15 minutes). After warm up, set the Gain Reduction control to 0 and adjust the Gain control for 0 VU on the meter. Now adjust for the desired amount of Gain Reduction and recheck the output level. [. . . ] The TLA-100A will generate a significant amount of heat; therefore, it is necessary to have good air flow to prevent damage to your TLA-100A or any other pieces of gear housed in the rack with it. The tubes in your Summit Audio TLA-100A have been intensely screened for desired distortion and gain characteristics. We recommend that you do not replace the tubes with "guitar amp" tubes. Please consult your dealer about availability of appropriate replacement tubes. [. . . ]