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127th AES Convention Coverage (New York, NY Oct. 9-12)
PRESS RELEASE
TL Audio's "Valve Classics" Tube Processors on Display at AES
December 03, 2001
Advertisement HHB will immediately commence U.S. distribution of the entire TL Audio Valve Classics range of high-end, tube-driven audio processors. The line includes the PA-1 Pentode Preamplifier, EQ-2 Dual Parametric Valve Equalizer, C-1 "soft-knee" Compressor, the already popular VP-1 Valve Processor and the reissued Limited Edition EQ-1 Dual Valve Equalizer. "TL Audio is a company absolutely devoted to the creation of the best-sounding tube processors in the world. With years of design expertise and constant product refinement, TL Audio has advanced the art of outboard tube processing and maintained state-of-the-art fidelity, significantly contributing to the resurgence of tube processing in the modern recording studio," comments David Beesley, President of HHB USA. "HHB is very excited to offer this comprehensive range of TL Audio products to the US market." The entire TL Audio Valve Classics series enjoys a distinctly British design, with each unit manufactured in the U.K. The series features a solid, raven blue 6mm CNC milled aluminum front panel, General Electric US military specification ECC83/12AX7A tubes, gold-plated ceramic tube bases and circular backlit VU meters where applicable. The TL Audio Valve Classics all run from well-regulated 250V DC internal power supplies. The EQ-2 offers two channels of fully parametric 4-band tube equalization. Each channel features variable high- and low-cut filters and a peaking/shelving switch on the low- and high-frequency bands. Frequency selection is provided through continuously variable controls allowing for the precise tuning of an audio signal. The EQ-2 also features a pair of the TL Audio mic preamps with switchable phantom power to enable high-quality direct-to-tape microphone recording. A pair of front-panel auxiliary inputs enable a guitar or keyboard to directly access the EQ-2. A stereo mode switch automatically applies channel A controls to both channel A and B, yielding effortless and accurate EQ of stereo sound sources or mixes. The C-1 is a polished soft knee-type dual-channel compressor. Audio sources from two integrated microphone preamps with switchable phantom power or front-panel instrument inputs receive compression treatment that caresses and controls a signal while maintaining performance identity. Where other products can sound harsh and "bully" a signal, the C-1 adds roundness and warmth, quickly becoming an indispensable part of the recording chain. The C-1 features a low-noise solid-state preamp followed by two tube stages per channel. The first tube stage acts as a voltage amplifier with the second stage forming part of the gain control element. The gain control is performed by a sophisticated proprietary transconductance stage that improves transparency and minimizes distortion. The PA-1 is a dual-channel pentode preamp that yields a superior sound over the vast majority of console-based and standalone preamps. The internal circuitry has been honed to deliver sonic detail with a smoother frequency response around the valve stages and to provide extra output gain for easy interfacing with digital recorders. The unit features a transformer-coupled mic input with switchable 48V phantom power followed by a low-noise, high-gain EF86 Pentode tube. Two further triode tube stages are incorporated in each channel with separate input and output level controls to give the ability to drive the tube stages harder for increased warmth while being able to simultaneously control the overall output level. TL Audio's usual high-drive solid-state output stage completes the signal chain. The proliferation of digital recording systems on all levels has inspired the creation of the VP-1, the definitive analog front-end and voice processor. The VP-1 combines the best elements of the PA-1 pentode preamp, C-1 compressor and EQ-2 parametric equalizer to create a truly flexible front end for any audio system. The VP-1 features both tube and Class A preamp stages, tube and optical compression circuits, expander/gate functions, de-esser functions, an optical peak limiter and optional 24/96 digital output. In 1998 TL Audio ended production of the EQ-1 Dual Valve Equalizer; one of their most successful products ever, in order to evolve the line and introduce the currently successful EQ-2 Parametric Equalizer. For 2001, satisfying pent-up demand, TL Audio is reissuing the Limited Edition EQ-1 Dual Valve Equalizer. Only 500 units are scheduled for worldwide production. The popularity of the EQ-1 2-channel, 4-band equalizer lies in its simplicity. Each EQ band offers a choice of four carefully selected switched frequencies. Simply select a frequency, then cut or boost it. The EQ-1 will effectively add warmth to digital audio recordings or sweeten and shape overall mixes quickly and effortlessly. The EQ-1 also features an 8-band mono mode, extending its flexibility in the recording studio. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.tlaudio.co.uk/.
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