A discrete Class A electronically balanced mic input amplifier is used, delivering superior audio performance with very low noise, low distortion and wide bandwidth. The mic input is suitable for low impedance (150-600 ohm) microphones, with a gain control range of +16 to +60dB. Front panel switches provide 48V phantom power, and 30dB pad for high output mic applications.
The front panel mounted jack socket is suitable for a variety of sources, including electric guitar, acoustic pickup and keyboard. The instrument input has high/low switching, and a dedicated valve input stage.
TL Audio A3 Channel Strip features Phase reverse and high pass filter switches, affecting whichever of the mic, line and instrument inputs are selected.
The tube stage 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 of the TL Audio A3 Channel Strip 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 Equaliser of the TL Audio A3 Channel Strip has 3 bands. The HF and LF controls are shelving whilst the mid control is a swept, peaking filter.
Comprehensive switching (via relays) allows the A3 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, which can be selected to either 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.
Features
- Discrete Class A and Tube Mono Channel Strip
- Quality discrete class A preamp
- DI input for high/low impedence instrument input
- Phantom Power
- 30dB Pad
- 90Hz High Pass Filter
- Phase Reverse
- Switchable tube stage with rotary drive control
- Insert send and return point for attaching additional equipment
- Direct output for short path audio via insert send.
- 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
