SM Pro Audio TC02: Dual channel microphone preamp - Manual (Page 7)

7 Controls
4. Front Panel Controls
The SM TC01/TC02 front panel has a very simple design including input stage, compressor stage,
and output level control stage.
4.1 Input stage
80Hz low-cut (high-pass) filter switch
The low-cut (high-pass) filter switch enables and disables the 80Hz high-pass filter. Engaging this
filter effectively removes low frequency “rumble” and other unwanted noise by attenuating the sig-
nal dB below 80Hz.
Phase reversal switch
A phase reverse switch is available for reversing the phase of the signal by 180 degrees. This can
be desired in situations such as recording a snare drum from above and below the drum simultane-
ously. By reversing the phase on one of your microphone signals you will achieve a better result,
recording full range of signal without a phase cancellation occurring.
-20dB PAD switch
The PAD switch enables or disables the PAD which reduces the input signal by 20dB. Useful if
your incoming signal is too powerful and cannot be reduced prior to insertion into the TC01/TC02.
Phantom power switch
You can enable or disable phantom power each channel of input. This is required for condenser
microphones without a battery or stand alone power supply.
Rotary input control
The rotary input control sets the input gain level of the incoming signal.
LED clip indicator
The clip indicator LED illuminates when there is too much incoming signal strength.
4.2 Compressor stage
Compression on/off switch & LED Indicator
Turns the compressor stage on or off. The indicator shows the on/off status of the compressor.
Rotary compression control
The rotary compression control sets the compression ratio of the compressor. The compression
ratio expresses the difference between the input level change and the output level change. A com-
pression ratio of 6:1, for example, indicates that for every 6dB of level change on the input signal
there is only 1dB of level change on the compressed signal. The higher the compression ratio, the
smaller the dynamic range.
Rotary attack encoder
The rotary attack control allows for adjustment in milliseconds the time it takes the compressor
module to respond to the corresponding input signal before gain reduction occurs. Short attack
times quickly bring down the level of the loud, fast transients in the audio signal; long attack times
The front panel of the TC02