OPERATION SECTION ­ CONTENTS 1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Introduction. Input Channel Overview. Master Section Overview. Meterbridge. Options. Precautions. Page Number 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 9 ­ 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 ­ 13 13 13 13 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 Installation. AC Mains Supply. Mic Inputs. Line Inputs. Insertion Points. Monitor Return Inputs. Tape/Direct Outputs. Meter Bridge Connection. Group Insertion Points. Group Outputs. Aux Outputs. Aux Returns. Main Stereo Output. Unbalanced Stereo Output. Master Insertion Points. Mix B Output. Control Room , Studio and Alternate L/S Outputs. Stereo 2T Returns (2TA and 2TB). External Input. Phones 1 and 2 Outputs. Meter Bridge Connection. 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Channel Module. Input Stage. Tape Return. Insert Point. Auxiliary Sends. EQ Section. Mix B Monitor Section. Main Channel Output Stage. 14 14 ­ 15 15 15 ­ 16 16 ­ 17 18 ­ 19 20 ­ 22 23 ­ 25 26 27 27 ­ 28 28 28 28 ­ 29 29 30 ­ 31 31 ­ 32 32 ­ 33 33 4. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 Master Section. Auxiliary Master Sends. Stereo Return Channels. Headphone Matrix. Oscillator. Mix B Master. Talkback Section. Control Room Monitor Section. Studio Monitor Section. Group Outputs. Master Left/Right Outputs. 5. Specifications. 34 1 1. INTRODUCTION Congratulations on purchasing the TL Audio VTC (Valve Technology Console)! The VTC is a fully modular in-line multitrack mixer that offers all the benefits of the compact 8buss/multiple tape output format but with the supreme advantage of TL Audio's critically acclaimed valve circuitry ­ which forms an integral part of the channel, monitor, group and master section signal paths. Available in configurations from 16 channels to 56 channels, and with options including patchbay, automation and comprehensive meterbridge, the VTC combines the classic warmth of valves with the functional demands of modern music production. There are hundreds of consoles on the market. But none that sound, feel or look like this one. Believe us, the VTC simply has no competition! VALVE STAGES Sited within the VTC's meter bridge section where they can stay cool, the VTC employs ECC83/12AX7A valve stages at five key points in the signal path. In common with TL Audio's highly acclaimed Classic range, each valve stage in the VTC is run from a 250v DC stabilised power source. The valve stages are located as follows: * * * * * In each channel preamp, between the mic preamp and EQ stages. In each channel tape return preamp. In each group mix amplifier. In the Mix B mix amplifier. In the main stereo L/R mix ampifier. When recording to tape via a group the signal thus passes through two valve stages (channel preamp and group mix amp), plus up to three more stages on mixdown (tape return preamp plus Mix B and L/R mix amps) - giving a total of five valve stages in the signal path. Further sub-grouping of signals will increase the number of valve stages that the audio passes through, and this can of course be used for creative effect since the character of the sound will be enhanced by these extra stages. SERIOUS DESIGN The VTC's modular design is based around separate 8 channel steel frame sections which are interconnected to create the finished console. Each channel plugs into a `mother board' ,which carries power and audio connections via two multiway connectors per channel. Each console section has its own onboard power regulation (sited in the meterbridge along with the valve pcbs) and audio is connected between each section via fully balanced signal busses. Please read this manual fully before installing or operating the VTC console. 2 1.1 INPUT CHANNEL OVERVIEW · Uncluttered Channel Preamp section containing a high quality low noise mic amp that combines an SSM 2017 solid state stage with an ECC83/12AX7A secondary valve stage, variable input gain (16 to 60dB), useful 90Hz high pass filter (12dB/octave), and switches for mic/line, phase reverse, and +48v phantom power. A Tape Return Preamp featuring an ECC83/12AX7A valve stage, +/-20dB trim control, internal -10/+4dB level matching link and channel/monitor flip switch. Six mono Auxiliary Sends accessed via four level controls. While aux sends 1 & 2 have dedicated level controls, aux sends 3/4 & 5/6 share a pair of level controls on each channel: a single shift switch governs whether the controls feed sends 3/4 or sends 5/6. Auxiliary sends 1/2 are permanently set post fader, while 3/4 (and hence 5/6) are switchable `pre' or `post' fader. A dedicated stereo send (7/8) is switchable pre/post fader, making it the obvious choice for feeding a headphone cue mix or a stereo effects unit. Sends 3/4, 5/6 & 7/8 can be assigned to the Mix B signal path via a simple and flexible switching system. Four Band EQ with LF/HF shelving and two superb fully parametric mids. The EQ can be assigned in part or totally to either channel or Mix B signal paths. 15dB of boost/cut is available on each EQ band, and the `Q' is variable between 0.5 and 5 (this corresponds to a bandwidth range of 0.2 to 2 octaves). The EQ also features an EQ `On' switch with status LED, allowing an easy comparison between flat and EQ'd signals. Separate Mix B facility with a 60mm fader, Solo, Mute and Pan. EQ can also be reassigned from the Channel to the Mix B signal path using the HF/LF and HM/LM buttons. Should a third party automation system be fitted, the Stat and Auto switches are intended for local status switching and VCA bypass respectively. In addition a Srce-Ch (Source channel) switch routes the main channel fader signal into the Mix B section as well, allowing a separate mix of the main channel signals to be set up on the Mix B faders. Signal Present and Peak LEDs are provided on both channel and Mix B sections. Main Channel with flexible and simple routing system fed from a 100mm Alps type fader. Routing is provided to each of the eight groups (in pairs), direct outputs or stereo L/R mix. The main channel also features Solo, Mute, Pan, Stat, and Auto facilities, much like the Mix B section. A versatile Tape/Direct Output system enables multitrack connection without re-patching by using the Buss switch on the main channel. When the Buss switch is not depressed, the channel signal is fed directly through to the tape output on that channel, thus acting as a direct output. When the Buss switch is depressed, the tape output is then fed from the output of the relevant group fader (group fader 1 feeding channels 1, 9, 17, 25 etc). This is explained in greater detail in sections 3.7 and 4.9. · · · · · · · 3 1.2 MASTER SECTION OVERVIEW The VTC Master Section is a triumph of intelligent, uncluttered design and contains: · Six Stereo Effects Returns on high quality Alps 60mm faders with control of Gain, AFL, and Mute. Post fade individual routing paths to both headphone outputs are provided, complete with an associated Level control for each headphone send. A Headphone Matrix featuring two separate Phones outputs. Fed independently or in combination from Control Room, Mix B, Aux 3/4, Aux 7/8 and External sources, this is a very flexible and practical system with its own PFL. Comprehensive Control Room section which allows the CR output to be fed from any combination of L/R Mix, Mix B, 2TA, 2TB and Ext sources. It also features the easy-to-spot Monitor Level control and a PFL trim control with +/-20dB of gain. Two Solo modes are provided on the VTC: PFL or Solo In Place, with a switch in the CR section allowing Solo in Place to be selected. A switch allows the Alternate Loudspeaker outputs to be monitored, and the Control Room output can also be mono'd. The Studio Output section ­ like the Control Room (CR) output ­ can be fed from the L/R Mix, Mix B, 2TA, 2TB and Ext sources, along with a `Follow CR' facility which allows the Studio Output to automatically follow whatever source is feeding the CR output. The Studio also has its own Level control along with Solo and On/Off switches. The Oscillator is switchable between 1kHz or 10kHz and has its own Level control and On/ Off switch. The oscillator routes to both the groups and the L/R Mix. The Talkback section can be fed to any combination of Tape (groups and L/R Mix), Studio output and Phones 1&2. It has its own `Talk' switch which can be internally set for nonlatching (the default) or latching operation, and activating this switch automatically dims the Control Room output by 12dB. Master control of Mix B. The Mix B signals always feed the separate Mix B stereo output, but an assign switch also allows routing of these signals to the main L/R Mix, along with an associated level control. Group Section. Eight 100mm Alps group faders, each of which can be solo'd, fed to group and tape outputs, or routed to the L/R mix, allowing both track laying and conventional sub grouping on mixdown. When fed to the L/R mix, each group can be routed in mono equally to both left and right busses , or routed in pairs hard left or right. Master Fader (again a 100mm Alps type) allows control of the L/R Mix level, and like the channel and Mix B faders is fitted with Stat and Auto switches for use with third party automation systems. · · · · · · · · 4 1.3 METERBRIDGE The standard integral VU meterbridge allows metering of all eight group and master L/R mix outputs. The standard calibration of these meters is such that 0VU corresponds to +4dBu of output, although this calibration is adjustable (see 4.16 of Technical Section). Each meter has an associated peak LED, which is calibrated to illuminate at +18dBu of output level: again this is adjustable (again, see 4.16 of Technical Section). 1.4 OPTIONS · High quality internal or external bantam patchbay. The VTC patchbay is fully modular ­ consisting of a series of 96 way 19" patchfields - handwired using individually screened cable for maximum signal integrity. All console audio connections are brought up to the patchbay (with the exception of the mic inputs) and an additional 96 tie lines are provided. The patchbay is located at the right hand end of the console. Bar graph meterbridge. In addition to the standard VU meterbridge, an optional bridge is available that provides 16 segment LED bargraph metering of every channel and the L/R Mix. A switch in the central section of the bridge allows the channel meters to monitor the output levels `to tape' or the return levels `from tape'. The optional bridge is mounted on top of the standard version, and connected to each console section via 25 way D-type ribbon connectors. Fader and Mute automation. The VTC has been designed to allow easy integration of certain third party automation systems, which can be factory fitted prior to shipment if required. Contact your dealer for more details. · · 5 1.5 PRECAUTIONS The TL Audio VTC requires a modest amount of installation, and like all electrical equipment, care must be taken to ensure safe, reliable operation. The following points should always be observed: - All mains wiring should be installed and checked by a qualified electrician, - Ensure the correct operating voltage is selected on the rear panel before connecting to the mains supply, - Never operate the unit with any cover removed, - Do not expose to rain or moisture, as this may present an electric shock hazard, - Replace the fuse with the correct type and rating only. Warning: This equipment must be earthed. 6 2. INSTALLATION 2.1 AC Mains Supply. The mixer includes a separate T L Audio VR1000 power supply, and it is essential that only this supply is used to power the mixer. The power supply is fitted with an internationally approved 3 pin IEC connector. A mating socket with power cord is provided with the unit, wired as follows: Brown: Live. Blue: Neutral. Green/Yellow: Earth (Ground). All mains wiring should be performed by a qualified electrician with all power switched off, and the earth connection must be used. The power supply generates a certain amount of heat during use, which must be allowed to dissipate from the ventilation slots and heatsink. Never cover the power supply or locate it near a source of heat, for example a radiator or power amplifier. The PSU is fitted with a slow moving cooling fan, which may generate a very small amount of mechanical noise. The power supply should be connected to the mixer with the armoured multi core cable supplied, before connecting the supply to the mains. The connectors should be inserted and secured into place by tightening the locking rings. The cable is specially selected for the high voltage and current requirements. Do not substitute any other cable or attempt to extend the cable supplied. The connectors on this cable are polarised, so can only be plugged in one way ­ please do not try to force the connector in if resistance is felt, since it can cause damage to the connector its ...