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INTRODUCTION 

 

 

New from TL Audio, The Ebony Series is a sleek looking range of discrete Class A 
processors designed to heighten your audio experience.   
 
The range consists of 3 units, all of which use Discrete Class A circuitry and have an 
optional tube stage with variable drive putting you in control of how ‘creamy’ or how 
‘cool’ your unit sounds.   
 
Hand assembled in England to the highest standards, the Ebony uses stylish, quality 
chrome knobs together with a high gloss black finish to make the exterior look just as 
smooth as the circuits sound.   
 
The Ebony Series have all the features you come to expect with TL Audio, including 
balanced  I/O,  multi  input  options,  analogue  VU  metering  and  intuitive,  precise 
controls.   
 
All units are also compatible with the TL Audio DO-2 digital SPDIF interface for easy 
digital connectivity with high quality conversion.  
 
A combination of supreme quality, unrivalled sound and stylish aesthetics - this range 
offers superior analogue processing to accompany a digital world. 
 

Why Class-A? 

 

Class  A  circuits  are  designed  with  a  constant  current  flowing  through  all  of  the 
transistors, which is sufficient to drive the peak output required from each block of the 
circuit.  This  ensures  that  every  transistor  is  kept  at  its  optimum  operating  point, 
minimising non-linearities due to changes in current and internal thermal effects, and 
eliminating the objectionable “cross-over” distortion typical of class AB circuits.  
 
Due to the higher steady state (or “quiescent”) currents used, the power dissipation of 
class  A  circuits  is  substantially  higher  than  can  in  general  be  handled  by  integrated 
circuits.  It  is  also  possible  to  design  discrete  transistor  circuits  to  operate  at  higher 
voltage  rails  than  are  available  for  audio  integrated  circuits,  adding  the  benefit  of 
greater  headroom  and  improved  dynamic  range.  For  these  reasons,  there  are  no 
integrated circuits in the audio paths of the Ebony Series. 
 

The  outstanding  audio  quality  is  reflected  in  the  technical  specification  of  the  units,  with  particularly 
low noise and distortion, and wide frequency response. 
 
 

Summary of Contents for Ebony A1

Page 1: ...T L Audio User Manual Ebony Series A1 Dual Pre Amp TL Audio Limited Letchworth England Tel 01462 492090 Fax 01462 492097 www tlaudio co uk email info tlaudio co uk...

Page 2: ...7 Audio Inputs 7 Instrument Inputs 8 Outputs 8 Ventilation 8 OPERATION 9 Microphone Input 9 Instrument Input 9 Input Gain 9 30dB Pad Switch 9 Phantom Power 9 Tube Stage Drive and Peak LEDs 10 Output...

Page 3: ...fers superior analogue processing to accompany a digital world Why Class A Class A circuits are designed with a constant current flowing through all of the transistors which is sufficient to drive the...

Page 4: ...phase connections which form a differential pair independent of the ground or earth connection Noise particularly mains hum and high frequency interference can often be present in unbalanced systems d...

Page 5: ...d a dedicated valve input stage Phase reverse and high pass filter switches are provided affecting both mic and instrument inputs The tube stage has a variable drive control with the signal level indi...

Page 6: ...rved All mains wiring should be installed and checked by a qualified electrician Ensure the mains operating voltage stated on the rear panel is correct before connecting to the mains supply Never oper...

Page 7: ...6 BLOCK DIAGRAM...

Page 8: ...taken to an approved service centre Alternate supply voltages may also require a different power cable or mains plug If in doubt consult local electrical regulations Warning attempted operation on the...

Page 9: ...as follows Pin 1 Ground screen Pin 2 Signal Phase or hot Pin 3 Signal Non Phase or cold If an unbalanced output is required pins 1 and 3 should both be connected to ground Ventilation The unit generat...

Page 10: ...normal to have to apply larger amounts of gain for less sensitive microphones such as dynamic types and similarly apply much less input gain for high output condenser mics some of which may even need...

Page 11: ...nic distortion The distortion is predominately second harmonic unless very high drive levels are used in which case the tube is eventually pushed into harsher saturation indicated by the tube Peak LED...

Page 12: ...hould now start to hear some sound and as the output is increased the red signal LEDs will start to illuminate Set the output level to a comfortable level so that you are getting a good metered level...

Page 13: ...Distortion THD Noise 0 025 20Hz to 20KHz 40dB gain Noise EIN 127dBu unweighted 22Hz to 22KHz 150 ohm source termination Instrument Input Tube input stage plus discrete Class A circuitry to output Gain...

Page 14: ...Bu on output VU Meter Switchable to Channel 1 or 2 and Input or Ouput Nominal calibration 0VU 4dBu 10dB switch calibration 0VU 14dBu Power Requirements Internally set to 230V 50Hz or 115V 60Hz operati...

Page 15: ...hip will be repaired free of charge The warranty excludes damage caused by deliberate or accidental misuse tampering operation on the incorrect mains voltage or without the correct type and value of f...

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