The tube stage of the TL Audio A2 Stereo Processor has a variable drive control, with the signal level indicated by the variable intensity “Drive” LED and “Peak” LED. Use of this feature typically introduces 1% to 10% harmonic distortion, predominately second harmonic, without changing the output level from the unit. The tube stage can be selected or bypassed as required.
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. The compressor is stereo coupled, to ensure both A and B channels are compressed identically, in order to preserve the stereo image.
The Equaliser of the TL Audio A2 Stereo Processor has 3 bands. The HF and LF controls are shelving whilst the mid control is a swept, peaking filter. The equaliser is fully discrete class A.
Comprehensive switching (via relays) allows the A2 to be configured with the equaliser pre or post the compressor, or with the equaliser in the sidechain, for deessing or frequency variable compressor effects.
A VU meter is provided on the TL Audio A2 Stereo Processor, which can be selected to either channel, and input or output signals. It may also be selected to display the compressor Gain Reduction. In this mode the meter normally indicates 0dB, falling back as the signal is compressed.
The amount of compression may be read directly from the dB scale. The meter is also provided with a “+10dB” switch, which keeps the reading on the scale when driving a high level out (to a DAW, for example). In the +10 mode, 0VU is calibrated as +14dBu out.
TL Audio A2 Stereo Processor Features
- Discrete Class A and Tube Stereo Processor
- Balanced inputs and outputs
- Stereo operation
- Switchable tube stage with rotary drive control
- 3 band EQ with swept mid
- Compressor section with variable ratio, threshold, attack, release, knee and gain make up.
- EQ switchable pre and post compression stage
- Analogue style VU metering for level / gain reduction
- +10dB metering for use with DAW
- Compatible with DO-2 card for SPDIF digital output
