Congratulations on choosing the Bellari LA120 Tube Compressor/Limiter.
We recommend that you take a moment and read this manual as it
provides information that will help you in using your unit to it's fullest
potential. The LA120 provides smooth, natural compression and clear
sonic quality and performance for the working musician, studio operator
or anyone who needs a comp/limiter with the warm, smooth, analog
sound. The unit uses one
Bellari premium 7025 tube in a unique configu-
ration to give superior signal control. The unit has both XLR and 1/4"
inputs and outputs. Plus it has a Side Chain input and output for each
channel, for direct access to the detector circuits.
INSPECTION
1. Unpack and Inspect the LA120 package
Your LA120 was carefully packed at the factory in a protective carton.
Nonetheless, be sure to examine the unit and the carton for any signs of
damage that may have occurred during shipping. If obvious physical
damage is noticed, contact the carrier immediately to make a damage
claim. We suggest saving the shipping carton and packing materials for
safely transporting the unit in the future.
2. Please complete the Warranty Registration Card and return it to the
factory.
OPERATION
The compressor is one of the most important tools you can have in the
studio-- It keeps things even. In live settings, you have a huge dynamic
range to work with, but it's quite the opposite in recording. You try to keep
optimum levels high enough to get a good signal to noise ratio (in analog)
and low enough that the sound doesn't distort (clip if in digital). The
compressor keeps things nice and level--it boosts the quiet things and
attenuates (lowers the gain) the louder signals. The LA120 usess an
automatic ratio mode where it follows the mix and sets the attack and
release rates for you.
The LA120 utilizes "soft knee" compression. This means that it starts
compressing a signal that goes over the threshold at a gradual, smooth
rate. This sounds very natural on guitars, basses, vocals, whole mixes,
and similar sounds.
COMPRESSION VS LIMITING
Compression and limiting are often confused because they have very
similar characteristics. Compression is said to have a ratio of between
2:1 to 20:1, and Limiters are thought to have a ratio of 20:1 to infinity:1.
In easier terms, limiting means that once the output level reaches a
certain point, it can get no louder.
Use Compression for vocals, guitars, wind instruments, keyboards, and
other instruments where you only want small to medium amounts of gain
reduction.
Use Limiting for slapping bass guitars and drums or where you want a
real noticable effect, or where you want to set the maximum amount of
signal allowed out of the LA120.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Input Impedance
10K
Ω
balanced
1M
Ω
unbalanced
THD + Noise
<0.1% typical
S/N Ratio
90 dB
Indicators
1: Active LED
1: Analog Meter
Input/Output jacks
XLR balanced
1/4" unbalanced
Size (WxHxD):
7.6 x 1.6 x 5.4
(194mm x 40mm x 135mm)
Weight:
2.5 lbs (1.135 kg)
Power:
12 VAC 300ma
(Adapter included in U.S. models)
1
4
BLOCK DIAGRAM
THRESHOLD
COMP/LIM
OUTPUT
LEVEL
ACTIVE
SWITCH
INPUT
OUTPUT
150V
150V
2
2
Photocell
Output
Buffer
20
10 6
3 1
0
2
4
VU