TC Electronic TC 1280 User manual

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 1 of 9
OWNERS MANUAL
version 2
TC 1280
STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY
Contents
FEATURES
FRONT PANEL AND FUNCTIONS
PRESETS
MIDI
REMOTE
UTILITY FEATURES
REAR PANEL
MEMORY EXPANSION
ERROR MESSAGES
DISTANCE MODE CALCULATION
HAAS EFFECT
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Page
2
3
4
4
4
5
6
7
7
8
8
9

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 2 of 9
TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY
The TC 1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY is a high resolution audio delay based on the
proprietary converter technology that made the TC2290 Dynamic Digital Delay a world
standard in the recording industry. Two independently controlled audio channels make the
TC1280 ideally suited for any system requiring precise control over audio delay. Uses include
concert delay towers, balcony delay in theatres, mastering delay, audio for video format
conversion, matching of video processing delays, etc. anywhere that high quality time delays
are desired with minimum effect to signal quality.
FEATURES:
• No degradation of signal quality .The TC digital converter technology has been acclaimed
as being "very musical and warm".
• Soft HF roll off: -3dB @ 25 kHz and -12 dB @ 33 kHz allows ALL the signal to pass thru the
device.
• Dynamic range > 100 dB is excellent for live sound performances.
• Absolute stereo phase linearity within 2 microseconds.
• Delay time increments adjustable down to 5 microseconds for exact adjustments needed
when aligning speaker driver components.
• Expandable memory up to 2 x 10 seconds.
• Front panel controls are lockable for permanent installation.
• Remote control possible via MIDI or dedicated switches. (TC0050 footswitch allows access
to presets).
• Delay times may be displayed and adjusted in time, or distance (meters or feet), or video
frames (25half or full frame, and 30half or full frame).
• Automatic relay bypass of audio should there be a loss of power.
• Non-volatile memory of delay time settings in 4 presets.

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 3 of 9
FRONT PANEL KEYS AND FUNCTIONS
UTILITY
dB dB dB
-
dB
--20
LEFT INPUT RIG HT IN PUT RIGHT OUTPUT LEFT OUTPUT PPM dB
TC 1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY
00
-10
-6
-3
-10 +10+10
+6-6
+6
+3+3 -3
-3
-9 -9
-20
-12
-0
-6
-0
8 8
-3 -20
-6 -12
mSec.
parameter
-3
-10
+3
0
OVE RLOAD
0 SOFTWARE VERSION
1 RESOLUTION (microsec./frames)
2 MIDI DE VICE/CH ANNEL NO .
3 RESET
4 DISTANC E MODE
5 SECURITYLOCK
6 PRESET SELECT
7 LAST ERROR
8 MID I ER RO R C OR RE CTI ON
METRE VALUEPARAM .
UTILITYSHOW DISTANCE
POWER
DELAY
BYPASS
value
uSec.
R
L=R
L
DELAY DELAY
MONO
FEET
MUTE LINE DOWN
UTILITY LIST
UP
<POWER> Mains power on/off switch. During start up, the unit will display the
software revision number. Note: the audio signal input is connected
directly to the output by a relay when power is not on.
LEFT INPUT Input gain of left channel. -10dB to +10dB.
RIGHT INPUT Input gain of right channel. -10 dB to + 10 dB.
LEFT OUTPUT Output volume of left channel. 0dB to mute
RIGHT OUTPUT Output volume of right channel. 0dB to mute
PPM Peak program meter for both left and right channels. When "DELAY
LINE" is adjusted for left, the PPM will display the left channel.
When "DELAY LINE" is adjusting for right, the meter will display the
right channel. When "DELAY LINE" is adjusted to L= R (left = right)
the PPM will display the audio channel which is highest.
OVERLOAD The OVERLOAD LED +3 will always display a overload on either
left or right channel.
BYPASS Delay bypass on left and right channels. Sets the delay time to 0
seconds. (This is not a relay bypass)
MUTE Mutes both channels at output.
MONO Mixes left and right inputs to a mono signal.
DELAY LINE Switches between 3 positions L, R or L=R. Left channel (L) displays
the delay time of left channel. Right channel (R) displays the delay
time of right channel. Left = right (L= R) displays the delay time of
both channels alternatively.
DELAY DOWN Decreases delay time for the displayed channel
(or both if L=R displayed).
DELAY UP Increases delay time for the displayed channel
(or both if L=R displayed).
SHOW DISTANCE
METRE
Press the "DELAY LINE" and the "BYPASS" keys simultaneously in
order to get the delay displayed in meters. Press the "DELAY LINE"
or "DELAY UP" / "DELAY DOWN" to get back to time display.
Note: If UTILITY PARAMETER 4 is set to VALUE 1 you can adjust
the delay time in SHOW DISTANCE mode
SHOW DISTANCE
FEET
As above, but press the "DELAY LINE" and the "MUTE" keys
simultaneously in order to get the delay displayed in feet.
UTILITY Please refer to UTILITY FEATURES.

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 4 of 9
PRESETS
The TC 1280 has 4 presets. Just make your delay setting, and these values will remain as a
preset until changed. Select another preset number (UTILITY PARAMETER 6, VALUE 1 - 4)
and adjust the delay time. Both are now selectable by recalling the appropriate preset number
by MIDI or by remote.
Note: The preset no. received on the MIDI IN is passed to the MIDI OUT on the same channel.
Thus allowing daisy chaining of several TC1280s, TC1380s and other MIDI equipment.
MIDI
Set the UTILITY PARAMETER 2 to the appropriate MIDI channel / device number. Recall the
desired preset by MIDI program change command.
The bypass status of the TC1280 can be set with MIDI Controller #0: value 0-63 = BYPASS,
value 64-127 = active.
MIDI SYSEX documentation is available on request. Please contact your local TC distributor.
REMOTE
By using the remote facility on the rear panel the TC 1280 can change presets and bypass
status with the TC 0050 remote pedal (Note: The TC0050 have been discontinued).
The TC0050 schematic is found below:
Note: The preset no. selected with the remote is sent as MIDI program change command to the
MIDI OUT. Thus, several TC1280s, TC1380s and other MIDI equipment can be remotely
controlled by one TC0050.

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 5 of 9
UTILITY FEATURES (extra options and settings)
You can access a whole extra group of parameters and features within the TC 1280 by simply
pressing two buttons at the same time. PARAMETER selects what type of feature you want to
adjust, and VALUE selects the choice.
PARAMETER Press "DELAY LINE" and "PARAM" simultaneously to access the
utility parameter number. Then select the parameter number by
pressing the up/down keys.
VALUE Press "DELAY LINE" and "VALUE" simultaneously to access the
utility value number. Then select the value number by pressing the
up/down keys.
PARAMETER VALUE FUNCTION
0 Read only Display the software revision
number.
1 200/500/1000 microseconds
or frame select
Delay step resolution or
frame view select.
2 0-99
0 = MIDI off
MIDI channel / device
number.
3 80 80 = Reset when turning unit
off/on.
4 0-1 0 = Show distance only. 1 =
Show and adjust distance A.
Dot in display flashes when
the display is set for
distance.
5 on/off Security lock.
6 1-4 Preset No.
7 Read only message. Displays last error

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 6 of 9
REAR PANEL
OUT
220 - 240V: T250mA
100 - 120V: T400mA
TYPE : TC 1280
NO.
SERIAL
FUSE :
IN
30W/ 50-60 Hz
MIDI
S
REMOTE R
OUT
L
OUT
MONO
OUT
RL
IN
IN
PUSH PUSH
GROUND
LIFT
L IN (left input) Left channel input. XLR balanced, pin 2 hot.
R IN (right input) Right channel input. XLR balanced, pin 2 hot.
MONO OUT Mono output: Sum of left and right inputs after input gain.
L OUT (left output) Left channel output, XLR balanced, pin 2 hot.
R OUT (right output) Right channel output, XLR balanced, pin 2 hot.
REMOTE TC 0050 remote input. Please refer to page 4.
MIDI IN MIDI input.
MIDI OUT MIDI output.
GROUND LIFT Disconnects chassis from audio ground.
FUSE External fuse holder, replace only with the correct type
according to mains voltage. Please refer to rear panel.
MAINS INLET IEC mains inlet. Make sure that the voltage selector and fuse
type set correctly according to your mains supply.

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 7 of 9
MEMORY EXPANSION
The TC 1280 can be expanded on the main circuit card in steps of 625 mS per channel by using
the CH01 memorv expansion kit.
1250 mS per channel: Install memory chip in position IC31. Switch dip switch
position 1 to ON.
1875 mS per channel: Install memory chips in position IC31 and IC32. Switch dip
switch position 2 to ON.
2500 mS per channel: Install memory chips in positions IC31 and IC32, and IC33.
Switch dip switch 1 and 2 to ON
For further expansion: Purchase the ME80 option. Instructions will come with the
option.
ERROR MESSAGES
The last error message number will be displayed if UTILITY 7 is selected. The values mean the
following:
VALUE DESCRIPTION
13 The unit has made a reset.
15 Security lock is activated.
17 You are trying to change the value of a read only parameter.
27 MIDI input error.
57 Main board and Digital board have been separated or battery
voltage is low. At power on CPU standby bit is missing, therefore a
Master reset is done. All settings = factory default.
58 Main board and Digital board have been separated or battery
voltage is low. Check also CPU. At power on checksum in non
voilating parameters is wrong, therefore a Master reset is done. All
settings = factory default.
All OTHER Mainly used for service purposes. Please contact your local TC
distributor.

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 8 of 9
DISTANCE MODE CALCULATION
The show distance value corresponding to the delay time setting is based on 344 meters/Sec or
1129 feet/Sec which is the speed of sound in air at 20°C and 60% humidity.
The equation for the delay time is:
where "c" is the speed of sound in air
A convenient formula for the speed of sound in air is:
Tin Centigrade and cin meters/sec
or
Tin Fahrenheit and cin feet/sec
The speed of sound in air at a temperature of 0 degrees C and 50% relative humidity is 331.6
m/s. The speed is proportional to the square root of absolute temperature and it is therefore
about 12 m/s greater at 20 degrees C. The speed is nearly independent of frequency and
atmospheric pressure but the resultant sound velocity may be substantially altered by wind
velocity.
Temp 12°C 14°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 22°C 24°C 26°C 28°C 30°C
Humidity 53,6°F 57,2°C 60,8°C 64,4°F 68°F 71,6°F 75,2°F 78,8°F 82,4°F 86°F
40% 339,0 340,2 341,4 342,6 343,9 345,1 346,3 347,6 348,8 350,1
60% 339,1 340,4 341,6 342,9 344,1 345,4 346,7 348,0 349,2 350,6
80% 339,3 340,5 341,8 343,1 344,4 345,7 347,0 348,3 349,7 351,0
Temp 12°C 14°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 22°C 24°C 26°C 28°C 30°C
Humidity 53,6°F 57,2°C 60,8°C 64,4°F 68°F 71,6°F 75,2°F 78,8°F 82,4°F 86°F
40% 1112 1116 1120 1124 1128 1132 1136 1140 1144 1149
60% 1113 1117 1121 1125 1129 1133 1137 1142 1146 1150
80% 1113 1117 1121 1126 1130 1134 1138 1143 1147 1152
Comment on HAAS EFFECT
- or the “principal of first arrival”. Most of us are born with the gift of being able to hear quite
easily from where in a circular sphere around us a given sound originates. As most of us are
born with two ears spaced apart, separated by a head, the direct sound from any source will
arrive at slightly different times to each ear. Even in a strong reverberant ambience our brain is
capable of ignoring the reflections and tells us the direction to the source. The Haas effect
implies also to stereophonic reproduction from only two loudspeakers.
In essence we do not "hear" the delayed sound if the subsequent arrivals are within 30
milliseconds. If the later arrivals are longer than this, two separate sounds are perceived.
The Haas effect is true even when the second arrival is louder than the first (even by as much
as 10 dB).
T45949c +=
T27320c +=
c
distance
time =

TC1280 STEREO DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY OWNERS MANUAL Rev. 2.1, Software version 2.04 Page 9 of 9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT/OUTPUT
Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Input Impedance (balanced): 20 kOhm
Max. Input Level (balanced): +22 dBu
Input Gain adj.: ±10 dB
Output Impedance
(balanced):
50 Ohm
Max. Output Level: +22 dBu
Output Gain adj.: 0 to -70 dB
Dynamic Range: > 100 dB
THD+N: < -66 dB (0.05%) @ 1 kHz, 0 dBu
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
Group Delay: < 5 µs
Digital Conversion: Dynamic Differential 18 bit resolution A D / D A
Sample Rate: 1 MHz
Processing Delay: 30 µs
CONTROL INTERFACE
MIDI: In/Out: 5 Pin DIN, SYSEX implemented
Remote: 1/4" phone jack
GENERAL
EMC Complies with: EN 55103-1, EN 55103-2, FCC part 15 class B,
CISPR 22 class B
SAFETY
Complies with: IEC 65, EN 60065
Operating Temperature:
32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Finish: Anodized aluminum front,
Plated cadmium coating steel chassis
Dimensions: 19" x 1.75" x 11.6" (483 x 44 x 294 mm)
Weight: 11 lbs. (5 kg)
Shipping Weight: 14 lbs. (6.4 kg)
Mains Voltage: 100/120/220/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (selectable)
Power Consumption: <30 W
Warranty Parts and Labor: 1 year
OPTIONS
ME80: Memory expansion card (empty, with sockets for 12 x CH01)
CH01: 1.25 sec. memory expansion
Note: Due to continuous development and standardization all specifications
are subject to change without notice.