TL Audio Ebony A3 Mono Channel Strip

The TL Audio Ebony A3 Mono Channel Strip has 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 DO2 digital SPDIF interface for easy digital connectivity with high quality conversion.  A combination of supreme quality, unrivalled sound and stylish aesthetics - the Ebony A3 offers superior analogue processing to accompany a digital world.

 Left Front

TL Audio Ebony A3 Mono Channel Strip Features:
-Discrete Class A and Tube Mono Channel Strip
-Quality discrete class A preamp
-DI input for high/low impedence instrument input
-Phantom Power
-30dB Pad
-90Hz High Pass Filter
-Phase Reverse
-Switchable tube stage with rotary drive control
-Insert send and return point for attaching additional equipment
-Direct output for short path audio via insert send.
-3 band EQ with swept mid
-Compressor section with variable ratio, threshold, attack, release, knee and gain make up.
-EQ switchable pre and post compression stage
-Analogue style VU metering for level / gain reduction
- +10dB metering for use with DAW
-Compatible with DO2 card for SPDIF digital output

 Right Front

The TL Audio 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.

 Rear

The TL Audio Ebony A3 Mono Channel Strip's 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 nonlinearities 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 TL Audio Ebony A3 Mono Channel Strip with particularly low noise and distortion, and wide frequency response.

TL Audio Ebony A3 Mono Channel Strip Specifications:
-Mic Input:
  -Discrete Class A circuitry from input to output (unless Tube stage In)
  -Gain Range: +16dB to +60dB (-14dB to +30dB with pad)
  -Maximum Input level: +10dBu (without pad), +30dB (with pad)
  -Frequency Response: 10Hz to 40KHz, +0, -1dB, @ 40dB gain
  -Distortion (THD + Noise): 0.035%, 20Hz to 20KHz @ 40dB gain
  -Noise (EIN): -127dBu unweighted, 22Hz to 22KHz, 150 ohm source termination.
-Line Input:
  -Discrete Class A circuitry from input to output (unless Tube stage In)
  -Gain Range: -20dB to +20dB
  -Maximum Input level: +26dBu
  -Frequency Response: 10Hz to 35KHz, +0, -1dB
  -Distortion (THD + Noise): 0.03%, 20Hz to 40KHz,
  -Noise: -85dBu, 22Hz to 22KHz, @ 0dB gain at input and output.
-Instrument Input:
  -Tube input stage, plus discrete Class A circuitry to output
  -Gain Range: +8dB to +40dB (“High”), -10dB to +22dB (“Low”)
  -Input Impedance: 1Mohm (“High”), 70Kohm (“Low”).
  -High Pass Filter: -3dB @ 90Hz, second order.
-Insertion Point:
  -Pre Compressor and EQ
  -Balanced, separate Send and Return TRS jack sockets
  -Nominal Level: 0dBu
  -Noise -85dBu, 22Hz to 22KHz.
-Output:
  -Maximum Gain +15dB
  -Maximum Level: +22dBu (2Kohm load), +26dBu (10Kohm load)
  -Noise at minimum gain: -90dBu (22Hz to 22KHz).
-Tube Stage:
  -Typical Distortion: 1% to 10%, depending on “Drive” level, predominately second harmonic
  -Noise: -80dBu (22Hz to 22KHz), output gain @ 0dB.
-Compressor:
  -Threshold Range: -20dB to +10dB
  -Ratio Range: 2:1 to 20:1
  -Attack: 1ms (“Fast”), 8ms (“Slow”)
  -Release: 200ms (“Fast”), 2s (“Slow”)
  -Knee: “Hard” and “Soft” settings
  -Gain Make-Up: 0dB to 20dB.
-Equaliser:
  -LF: +/-15dB @ 80Hz, shelving
  -Mid: +/-15dB, swept 150Hz to 7KHz, Q = 0.7
  -HF: +/-15dB @ 12KHz, shelving,
  -“Pre” and “Sidechain” (Compressor) switches.
-Metering:
  -Tube “Drive” LED: Variable intensity over 10dB level range, typically corresponding to 1% to 5% THD.
  -Tube “Peak” LED: Dependant on level and drive, typically corresponding to 10% THD.
  -Output “Peak” LED: +19dBu on output.
  -VU Meter: Switchable to Input, Ouput or Gain Reduction.
  -Nominal calibration: 0VU = +4dBu.
  - +10dB switch calibration: 0VU = +14dBu.
-Power Requirements:
  -Internally set to 230V 50Hz or 115V 60Hz operation
  -Detachable IEC power cord
  -Power consumption 28VA.
-Dimensions:
  -2U, rack mounting or free-standing.
  -W x H x D = 483mm x 88mm x 200mm (19.0” x 7.9” x 3.5”), behind front panel.