Summit Audio TLA-50 User manual

Summit Audio Model TLA-50
Tube Leveling Amplifier
POWER
BYPASS
ON
10
9
8
6
5
4
3
0
2
1
7
LINK
GAIN REDUCTION
TLA-50
TUBE LEVELER
10
9
8
6
5
4
3
0
2
1
7
GAIN
METER
MEDIUM
RELEASE
ATTACK
FAST SLOW
SLOW
RED.
FAST
OUTPUT
112+33570
VU
1008060
40
Summit Audio, Inc.
P.O. Box 223306
Carmel, CA 93922
[phone]
email: [email protected]
Operation Manual

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier 2
Introduction
The Summit Audio Tube Leveling Amplifier is a hybrid of tech-
nogies. It contains both vacuum tube and solid state compo-
nents. This combination of old and new technology produces
an incredibly warm and smooth sounding compression device
without the inherent disadvantages of the older designs.
Features
• Ease of Operation
• “Soft Knee” Characteristic
• Switch Selectable Attack and Release Settings
• Side Chain Access
• Stereo Coupling Capability
• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
• Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs
• Hand Crafted in the U.S.A.
Carefully unpack the TLA-50 and it’s power cord. Save the car-
ton and packing material for possible future use. Before pow-
ering up the unit, read this manual and observe the cautions
for HIGH VOLTAGE .
• IMPORTANT: Check the back panel to make sure the
TLA-50 is configured for the voltage used in your country.
This is done at the factory ONLY .
DANGER!
HIGH VOLTAGE

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier
3
Front Panel
Front Panel
Attack Switch
A three-position switch with Fast , Medium and Slow settings
which control the time it takes the TLA-50 to respond to the
incoming signal,
Release Switch
This three-position switch controls the time it takes the
TLA-50 to return to unity again. As with the Attack Switch,
there are three settings: Fast , Medium and Slow .
The release time setting is also controlled by the program
material. The slower the release time setting, the more the
program material determines and the release time.
Meter Switch
This control switches the front panel meter to monitor either
the output level or the amount of gain reduction taking place.
Gain
This control sets the overall gain of the TLA-50. It controls
the Output Level which can be monitored on the front panel
meter.
POWER
BYPASS
ON
10
9
8
6
5
4
3
0
2
1
7
LINK
GAIN REDUCTION
TLA-50
TUBE LEVELER
10
9
8
6
5
4
3
0
2
1
7
GAIN
METER
MEDIUM
RELEASE
ATTAC K
FAST SLOW
SLOW
RED.
FAST
OUTPUT
112+33570
VU
1008060
40

Front Panel
4
Summit Audio, Inc.
Gain Reduction
This knob controls the amount of gain reduction taking place,
and the operating point (threshold) where gain reduction
begins. The higher the amount of gain reduction, the higher
the compression ratio becomes.
Bypass Switch
This is a three-position switch. In the BYPASS mode, the
compression cell and the12AX7/ECC83 tube are removed
from the signal chain.
In the center IN position, the TLA-50 is switched into the
audio path.
In the left or LINK position, two TLA-50 units can be linked
together by connecting the Stereo Link jacks together with a
standard 1/4” cable.
Power
This switch toggles AC power on and off.
Important - Please Read!
The TLA-50 contains a vacuum tube which
generates heat.
Do not block the cooling holes on the top of the
TLA-50 and always allow adequate ventilation when
mounting the unit in a rack enclosure.

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier
5
Rear Panel
Rear Panel
A.C. Receptacle
The TLA-50 is factory wired for either 100, 115 or 230
Volts AC. Before connecting AC power make sure the
TLA-50 is wired for the voltage used in your country.
+4 Balanced Output
Balanced outputs provide superior noise immunity in the
studio and when using long cable runs. +4 dBm corresponds
to 0 VU. The output connector is wired as follows:
Pin 1= Ground, Pin 2 = (+) Signal, Pin 3 = (-) Signal.
-10 Unbalanced Output
Connect the unbalanced output to equipment with unbal-
anced inputs. 0 VU on the meter corresponds to -10dBm
Side Chain Insert
The side chain insert jack allows an equalizer to be inserted
in order to perform frequency selective compression.
A separate signal can also be connected to the tip of the jack
in order to duck the signal running through the TLA-50.
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH

Rear Panel
6
Summit Audio, Inc.
Stereo Link
Two TLA-50’s can be linked to process stereo signals. When
two units are linked in this way, the leveling action will be the
same on both units. The TLA-50 providing the most
compression will always control the other unit.
To “stereo link” two units:
1.
Connect a standard 1/4” cable between the two units.
2.
Set the controls on both units the same.
3.
Set the BYPASS switch on the front panel to LINK.
Balanced Input
The dual purpose input jack accepts XLR plugs for balanced
inputs and standard 1/4” plugs for unbalanced inputs. Input
impedance is 20K
Ω . Maximum signal input level is +26dBm.

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier 7
Basic Operation
Important: For proper
operation of the
TLA-50 (or any vacuum
tube device for that
matter), allow the unit to
warm up with power on
for 15 minutes before
use.
Important: Do not block
the cooling holes and
allow adequate
ventilation.
Four Easy Steps
1.
Set the Gain Reduction control to 0 and adjust the Gain control
for 0 VU on the meter.
2.
Switch the attack to slow and the release to fast.
3.
Adjust for the desired amount of gain reduction and recheck
the output level.
4.
Try different attack and release settings, depending upon the
program.
As the amount of gain reduction is increased, the processed audio follows a
smooth reduction curve, thereby changing the compression ratio.
If a large peak is detected, the unit will automatically increase
the compression ratio to keep the audio output controlled.
INPUT LEVEL
OUTPUT
LEVEL
No Gain Reduction

Applications
8
Summit Audio, Inc.
Applications
Tracking, Live Sound Mixing
Plug the TLA-50 into the insert jack or patch bay of your
mixing console. If you’re using an external microphone
preamplifier, connect the TLA-50 directly after the preamp.
To TipTo Ring
Channel
Insert
TLA-50
Mixer
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH
Signal Out of Mixer
Signal Return to Mixer
Tip Ring
TLA-50 Input TLA-50 Output
INSERT CABLE
Signal is sent out on tip of plug and
returned to mixer via ring of plug.
Insert Connection

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier
9
Applications
Basic In-line Connection of the TLA-50
Input Output
Channel
Input
TLA-50 MIC PREAMP
Mixer
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE PREAMP
MODEL
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH
Inline Connection

Applications
10
Summit Audio, Inc.
Compressing a Stereo Mix
Insert a 1/4”cable into two TLA-50's link jacks, set the
attack and release switches and gain reduction on both units
to the same settings. Put both units in link mode. The
channel with the strongest signal will lead both units.
De-essing
Plug a TRS insert cable into the side chain jack on the back
of the TLA-50. Plug the send (tip) of the insert cable to the
input of an EQ, and the return (ring) of the cable to the EQ
output. Boost the frequencies on the EQ that you want to
compress (de-ess).
TLA-50
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH
TLA-50
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH
Set controls to the same settings on both units .
1/4" mono phone cable
To Tip To Ring Side Chain
Insert
TLA-50EQUALIZER
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH
Input Output

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier
11
Applications
Ducking
Send the output of the “lead”program material into the side
chain return after inserting the TLA-50 on the “background”
program material.
Example
Send the output of a vocal mic into the side chain, with the
TLA-50 inserted on the lead guitar track. As the singer uses
the vocal mic, the lead guitar will decrease in amplitude.
To TipTo Ring
Channel
Insert Vocal Channel Out
Lead Guitar
Channel
Side Chain
Ring
TLA-50
OUTPUTS
CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER
MODEL TLA-50
SUMMIT AUDIO INC.
CARMEL, CA USA
115V 50/60 HZ
100V 50/60 HZ
INPUT
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
LINK
INSERT
SIDE
CHAIN
+4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
20
WATTS
MAX
FUSE
PUSH

Applications
12 Summit Audio, Inc.
Warming: Set the
TLA-50's gain reduc-
tion to 0 with the unit
in “In” mode (not
bypassed). All audio
will then pass through
the vacuum tube
without compressing.
Adding a small amount
of compression at this
point will increase the
high frequency
response.
Using the TD-100 and TLA-50 together
For a great bass or guitar channel, try using the Summit
Audio TD-100 instrument preamp and tube direct box in
conjunction with the TLA-50.
Plug your instrument into the front panel of the TD-100
(see the TD-100 manual for more info) and run an XLR or
1/4" cable from the output of the TD-100 to the input of the
TLA-50. Use the 1/4”output of the TD-100 into the TLA-50
to go directly from the TLA-50 to your recording device, or
use the XLR output of the TD-100 into the TLA-50 and patch
the XLR output of the TLA-50 into a microphone preamp,
then into your recording device.

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier 13
Circuit Explanation
Circuit Explanation
The input to the TLA-50 is electronically balanced and directly
feeds the unique compression cell. The SIDE CHAIN allows
for stereo coupling or the insertion of an equalizer. Due to
the combination of tube and solid state circuitry, long term
drift of the compression circuit is minimal and tracking
between two TLA-50’s stereo linked is within.3dB.
The TLA-50 features a vacuum tube amplifier driving an elec-
tronically balanced output stage. All the signal amplification in
the audio path takes place in the tube circuit. The balanced
output drivers provide a low output impedance for driving
cables and 600Ωloads.
COMPRESSION
CELL
12AX7/ECC83
AMPLIFIER
SIDE CHAIN
ATTACK
STEREO
INTERCONNECT
RELEASE
GAIN
BYPASS
GAIN
REDUCTION
SIDE CHAIN
INSERT
DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT
DIFFERENTIAL
OUTPUT
Tip
Ring

Electrical Connections
14 Summit Audio, Inc.
Electrical
Connections
Input
Note: The Input
connector accepts
either a 1/4” phone
plug or an XLR
connector.
Unbalanced 1/4” jack Balanced 3-pin XLR
Sleeve - - Ground Pin 1 - - Ground
Tip - - - - (+) Signal Pin 2 - - (+) Signal
Pin 3 - - (-) Signal
Output
Unbalanced 1/4” jack Balanced 3-pin XLR
Sleeve - - Ground Pin 1 - - Ground
Tip - - - - (+) Signal Pin 2 - - (+) Signal
Pin 3 - - (-) Signal
Side Chain
Tip - - - - Signal output to EQ
Ring - - - Signal input (from EQ)
Sleeve- - Ground
Stereo Link
Tip - - - - Signal
Sleeve- - Ground
Use a shielded patch cord with 1/4”plug.

Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier 15
Specifications
Specifications
Output
+4 dBm corresponds to 0 VU. The output is electronically
balanced or unbalanced. Output impedance is 75Ω.
The recommended output load is 600Ωor greater.
Maximum output is HOT at approximately +29 dBm.
Input
The input is electronically balanced or unbalanced.
Input impedance is 20kΩ. Maximum input level is +26dBm.
Power
20 watts
115 volts
50 or 60 Hz
Fuse size is .5 amp, slo-blo for 100/115 V
Fuse size is .25 amp, slo-blo at 230 V
Dimensions
W: 8.5”, H: 1.75”, D: 8.5”(Two units fit side by side on a
standard one-space rack shelf.)
Weight
4.4 pounds (2 kg)

Summit Audio, Inc.
P.O. Box 223306
Carmel, CA 93922
web page: www.summitaudio.com
email: [email protected]
Please fill in and mail your warranty card today. We would
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to include your email address if you have one. Thanks.
TLA-50 Op Rev. D