LENNARD AUDIO Stereo LocFi User manual
Introduction
Thanks for purchasing our LocFi. We hope you enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed
designing and building it.
LocFi is a ‘dynamic distortion unit’ based on the Shure Level-Loc PA Limiter from the 60’s.
Featuring a unique character, this JFET based limiter provides the same aggressive
compression from the original, with added functions which allow you to shape the effect
from subtle texture to highly distorted and pumping sound.
Now in Stereo Rack format, the device is built in a 1u. Rack, using XLR Input & Output
connectors and Low-Noise internal PSU.
It’s designed to provide characteristic sound, while being able to get different results and
not being a ‘one trick horse’. It works great on drum room tracks, but it’s not limited to them,
i.e. some of the prototypes users reported successful application on voice tracks, applying
a small amount of the processed signal just to give a gritness layer and a bit of colour. With
a unit like this, experimentation is the key.
Installing the unit
Before plugging the unit to mains power, check the rear voltage switch position is set for
your local voltage (110VAC 60Hz. or 220VAC 50Hz.)
The audio input and output uses XLR connectors to receive and send balanced signals.
Although we highly advise using balanced cables, the unit will work with unbalanced input
and will feed unbalanced devices through it’s output, just keep in mind the 6db’s loss when
using unbalanced cables.
Although all our products are built, tested and packed conscientiously, some problems may
occur during transport. If you find any problem or malfunction please unplug the unit and
contact us to [email protected] to find a solution or replace the unit.
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Signal Diagram
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Control Description
Input: Attenuator to set the input level to the limiter, given the threshold is fixed (actually it’s
defined by Crush switch), at higher input levels the effect becomes more evident, so you
can choose between drive the limiter at the right level to get just some hard compression or
hit it harder to get a trashy, smashed sound
Crush: Adjusts the sensitivity of the limiter, with three positions; High, Medium & Low, we
can understand this as a threshold control, so we can determine how much limiting is
happening.
Release: Three Release times, from Slow to Fast, allows you to adjust the recovery time of
the limiter. Note this control has drastic effects on signal, as it lets you get both highly
dynamic and pumping effects as well as a sustained layer of overcompressed sound.
Output: Limiter output attenuator. This, used along with the Blend function, allows to set
the amount of processed signal mixed with the original source
Bypass: Disables the limiter, feeding the input signal straight to the output.
Blend: Adds a copy of the input signal, mixing it with the limiter output allowing parallel
processing in the box with no delay or phase issues.
Specs And Measurements
Input Impedance 10kΩ
Output Impedance 600Ω
Max. Input Level +18dBu
Max. Gain 40dB
Max. Out Level +28dBu
Freq. Response +/- 1dB 20Hz-20Khz
THD @ +4dBu no compression 0.04%
THD@ +4dBu 6dB Gain Reduction 0.25%
S/N Ratio 78 dBu
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Recall Sheet
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Warranty and Legal
All our products have 5 years of warranty. Warranty will be avoided in case of misuse,
unauthorized repairs or modifications as well as damages caused by not following health
and safety rules described in this document. Warranty coverage doesn’t include shipping
costs.
This document and all its content is property of Lennard Audio and could be changed
without further notice.
Health and Safety Considerations
Please, read this chapter carefully and follow all the guidelines explained here.
Never connect the unit to an unknown condition power source. Ground or Earth connection
should be perfect in order to avoid safety issues.
Only use this device in a clean environment, with controlled temperature and humidity.
Keep the device away from any source of liquid, moisture or vibration. Avoid direct sunlight
and maintain an optimal ventilation.
Special care should be given to the power and signal cables, don’t run them where they
could be pierced, stepped on or damaged by mechanical stress.
This device should be operated only by trained personnel who can understand and follow
all the guidelines presented in this chapter.
To clean the device start by unplugging both signal and power cords. Use a clean piece of
soft cloth and, only if needed, use a lightly wet cloth and the dry the remaining moisture
using a clean dry cloth. Never use any kind of chemical of solvents to clean it.
Never, under any condition, try to open, modify or repair the unit yourself. Only Lennard
Audio or authorized technicians should attempt to service the unit.
Don’t turn on the unit if it shows physical damage, the cables connected to it are not in
perfect condition or if it has been hit due to a fall or any similar situation.
Failure to comply with any of these rules will result in the immediate revocation of the
warranty.
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Technical Support
For any doubt about installation or usage, as well as claim warranty, you can contact us via
email in [email protected]
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