Valve compression is now universally recognised as one of the essential tools for todays recording engineer. The Ivory 5021 provides everything you would expect from a TL Audio compressor - first class audio quality, bags of flexibility and a price tag so modest youÆd be forgiven for thinking it was a printing error!

Extended information

Like the C-1 compressor, the 5021 uses our own special transconductance amplifier design that avoids the use of VCAs - ensuring maximum audio transparency. Attack and release times are program dependent, so that the simple 'fast' and 'slow' options save time but donÆt sacrifice flexibility.
Whether you're hitting the end stops or just providing gentle dynamic control - the 5021 delivers super-smooth results every time!

The 5021 employs two valve stages per channel, in the form of an ECC83/12AX7A twin triode valve run from a stabilised 150v DC supply. One stage is in the preamp, and the other is in the gain control element of the compressor.



Continuously variable Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Gain Make-Up & Output Gain
Attack time switchable for 'Fast' (0.5mS) or 'Slow' (20mS)
Release time switchable for 'Fast' (40mS) or 'Slow' (2S)
Automatic æHoldÆ facility reduces LF distortion
Expander/Gate with variable threshold (-20dB to æoffÆ)
Bypass switch for easy comparison of original & compressed signals
'Stereo link' switch for easy processing of stereo sources
Switchable VU meters indicate output level or gain reduction
Drive and Peak LEDs indicate internal signal levels
Front panel instrument inputs
Balanced XLR line I/O duplicated on unbalanced 1/4" jacks
Sidechain insert points for frequency conscious compression (i.e. de-essing)

Technical specifications

Balanced Line Input: Electronically balanced, unbalanced compatible, with input impedance greater than 5Kohm. Gain range -20dB to +20dB. Nominal input level +4dBu. Maximum input level +26dBu. 3 pin female XLR connector. Unbalanced Input: Input impedance greater than 5Kohm. Gain range -20dB to +20dB. Nominal input levels -10dBu. Maximum input level +12dBu. 2 pole 0.25" jack socket. Input Level Switch: Converts the balanced and unbalanced line level inputs to +18dBu and +4dBu nominal respectively. Auxiliary Input: Gain control range 40dB. Maximum input level +12dBu. 2 pole 0.25" jack socket. VU Meter: Switchable to read output level (0VU = +4dBu), or gain reduction (Compression). Output Gain Control: 0dB at centre, +/-20dB gain variation. Balanced Outputs: Electronically balanced, unbalanced compatible. Output impedance 47 ohms. Maximum level +26dBu. 3 pin male XLR connector. Unbalanced Outputs: Output impedance 47 ohms. Maximum level +18dBu into 10Kohms. 2 pole 0.25" jack socket. Output Level Switch: Converts the balanced and unbalanced line level outputs to +18dBu and +4dBu nominal respectively. Frequency Response: 10Hz to 40KHz, +0, -1dB. (Compressor On). Noise: -80dBu, 22Hz to 22KHz, line input selected at 0dBu input and output gain, with compressor on. Dynamic Range: 106dB (Line input @ 0dB gain). Sidechain Insertion Points: Unbalanced, switched 3 pin jack socket, tip = send, ring = return. Nominal level -2dBu. Output impedance 47 ohms. Return input impedance 10Kohms. Power Requirements: Rear panel selectable for 220-240V 50Hz or 110-120V 60Hz operation. Rear panel fuse 20mm, 1AT, 250V. Power consumption 20VA typical. Detachable 3 pin IEC connector, mating connector and cable supplied. Dimensions: 19" rack mounting, 2U high. 483mm wide x 88mm high x 200mm deep. Weight: 2.5Kg.
(The above specifications are subject to change without notice)