Summit Audio Model TLA-50 Tube Leveling Amplifier FAST 4 SLOW 5 6 3 MEDIUM SLOW FAST TLA-50 TUBE LEVELER ATTACK 4 40 7 2 8 60 75 3 80 100 1 0 1 5 6 VU 3 2 +3 7 2 8 LINK BYPASS ON POWER RELEASE RED. OUTPUT 9 1 0 METER 10 GAIN Operation Manual Summit Audio, Inc. P.O. Box 223306 Carmel, CA 93922 (831) 728-1302 email: sound@summitaudio.
Introduction The Summit Audio Tube Leveling Amplifier is a hybrid of technogies. It contains both vacuum tube and solid state components. This combination of old and new technology produces an incredibly warm and smooth sounding compression device without the inherent disadvantages of the older designs.
Front Panel Front Panel FAST 4 SLOW 5 6 3 MEDIUM SLOW FAST TLA-50 TUBE LEVELER ATTACK 4 40 7 2 8 60 75 3 80 100 1 0 1 5 6 VU 3 2 +3 7 8 2 LINK BYPASS ON POWER RELEASE RED.
Front Panel 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.
Rear Panel Rear Panel PUSH CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER MODEL TLA-50 20 WATTS MAX OUTPUTS 100V 50/60 HZ FUSE 115V 50/60 HZ SUMMIT AUDIO INC. +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL. CARMEL, CA USA SIDE CHAIN INSERT LINK INPUT +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL. 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.
Rear Panel 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. 2. 3. Connect a standard 1/4” cable between the two units. Set the controls on both units the same. Set the BYPASS switch on the front panel to LINK.
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. Four Easy Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Set the Gain Reduction control to 0 and adjust the Gain control for 0 VU on the meter. Switch the attack to slow and the release to fast. Adjust for the desired amount of gain reduction and recheck the output level. Try different attack and release settings, depending upon the program.
Applications 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. Insert Connection TLA-50 PUSH CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER MODEL TLA-50 20 WATTS MAX OUTPUTS 100V 50/60 HZ FUSE 115V 50/60 HZ SUMMIT AUDIO INC. +4 BAL.
Applications Basic In-line Connection of the TLA-50 Inline Connection TLA-50 OUTPUTS 100V 50/60 HZ FUSE 115V 50/60 HZ SUMMIT AUDIO INC. MIC PREAMP PUSH CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER MODEL TLA-50 20 WATTS MAX +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL. CARMEL, CA USA SIDE CHAIN INSERT LINK OUTPUTS 100V 50/60 HZ FUSE INPUT +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL. PUSH CLASS A -TUBE PREAMP MODEL 20 WATTS MAX 115V 50/60 HZ SUMMIT AUDIO INC. +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL. CARMEL, CA USA Input INPUT +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
Applications 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. TLA-50 20 WATTS MAX OUTPUTS 100V 50/60 HZ FUSE 115V 50/60 HZ SUMMIT AUDIO INC. TLA-50 PUSH CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER MODEL TLA-50 +4 BAL. -10 UNBAL.
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. Side Chain Ring TLA-50 PUSH CLASS A -TUBE LEVELER MODEL TLA-50 20 WATTS MAX OUTPUTS 100V 50/60 HZ FUSE 115V 50/60 HZ SUMMIT AUDIO INC. +4 BAL.
Applications Warming: Set the TLA-50's gain reduction 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. 12 Summit Audio, Inc. 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.
Circuit Explanation Circuit Explanation DIFFERENTIAL INPUT DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT BYPASS COMPRESSION CELL GAIN 12AX7/ECC83 AMPLIFIER SIDE CHAIN INSERT STEREO INTERCONNECT SIDE CHAIN Tip Ring GAIN REDUCTION ATTACK RELEASE 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.
Electrical Connections Electrical Connections Input Note: The Input connector accepts either a 1/4” phone plug or an XLR connector.
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 600Ω or 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.
Summit Audio, Inc. P.O. Box 223306 Carmel, CA 93922 web page: www.summitaudio.com email: sound@summitaudio.com Please fill in and mail your warranty card today. We would like to know a little bit about you. We will provide periodic updates, links, announcements and even free stuff. Be sure to include your email address if you have one. Thanks. TLA-50 Op Rev.
