TL Audio Ivory 5051 (MK1)

[UndagroundSound]

Hi all,

I know there is a fair few threads about this but i would like to know some thoughts on using it for vocals. Im looking at buying one from someone off an ad and want to know the main good and bad points about it. Im using a SE X1 mic for now and i don't really want so spend too much. Any alternatives would also be appreciated.

Any experiences, reviews etc would be great.
Sam

[tex viler]

i use RODE K2 mic, and im interesed in this preamp/ch strip...
does anybody have it here? how is it?

[Blast9]

I used to have the Mk1

It breaks up in a nasty way if you push the preamp gain, so keep it "normal levels" and use output gain to make up level - If pushed it can sound "smeary" undefined and rough. I found it used to break up earlier than I would have liked, esp on drums.

But it can work well with the right vocal mic - full-bodied tone with good definition.

The general tone is fine. Its not noisy.

I like the compressor section - unobtrusive

DI is good

EQ section - I found there was some slight phase cancellation with EQ engaged. The tone got a little bit thinner on acoustic guitar, so I used to "eq" by moving the mic around

The EQ section has fixed wide Q for each mid band so it is a "general" EQ

+/- 12db I think

[jeremyglover]

they get a bad rap around here but i like mine. the build quality is excellent.
i have had mine for 8 years and carried it around with me in a backpack as i've lived and travelled in 4 different countries in that time. i've never had issues with it. to my ears the sound improves after you leave it on for a few hours.
the sound also changes quite a bit when swapping tubes. i put some jj audio tubes in there and i dig it. they can be kinda cheap on ebay so don't pay too much.

another option would be the art pro preamp but i haven't tried it.

i say go for it and sell it to me if you don't like it!

cheers, jeremy

[jeremyglover]

i also agree with blast9 ..

[Blast9]

Originally Posted by jeremyglover

...the build quality is excellent.
i have had mine for 8 years and carried it around with me in a backpack as i've lived and travelled in 4 different countries in that time...

...the sound also changes quite a bit when swapping tubes. i put some jj audio tubes in there and i dig it...

i say go for it and sell it to me if you don't like it!

cheers, jeremy

Yes good point bout the toobs - and yes... well builtthumbsup

I believe the Mk2 has higher tube plate voltage so probably more headroom

[ivansc]

I have an old Indigo stereo compressor, which I strap ahead of my vocals every time.
Had the use of an Ivory and although it is a decent enough unit, the harmonic distortion just sounds er well best way I can describe the difference is that the Ivory sounds grittier in a bad way.
As mentioned above, provided you keep the gain levels reasonable you wont have any problem getting a decent sound out of it, but don`t expect Instant Tube Magic.

I have yet to try an Ebony unit, which of course would be a very viable alternative, as would any number of other character voice channels in the same price range.

[Blast9]

Yes Indigo series was defa step up.

The Ebony series certainly looks like it has well thought-out quality improvements and features over the earlier stuff.

PS Undaground - Jules has a Mk1 for sale

[blynkmusic]

Hi everyone this is Undaground Soundz.. forgot my password a while back so started a new account.

After playing with this pre a little bit (yes i finally bought it for £150 - bargain!). Its a nice, well build bit of kit! The EQ is pretty nice and smooth but i did find the compressor a little subtle. Overall for the price i paid it was perfect, very nice front end to run my main vocal mic through.

Sam

[Blast9]

Well done! bargain!

[Peter H. Boer]

I love both my 5051 MkIs.

Although I did have them modified (higher plate voltage, better caps & opamps) and installed better tubes.

thumbsup

[peet]

Originally Posted by Peter H. Boer

I love both my 5051 MkIs.

Although I did have them modified (higher plate voltage, better caps & opamps) and installed better tubes.

thumbsup

Don't want to hijack this thread, but who did the modification for you in the Netherlands? I've got a MkI Ivory compressor that I would like to upgrade and I'm looking for a tech.

Bedankt!

Peet

[Peter H. Boer]

Originally Posted by peet

Don't want to hijack this thread, but who did the modification for you in the Netherlands? I've got a MkI Ivory compressor that I would like to upgrade and I'm looking for a tech.

Bedankt!

Peet

Machinator Home audio

Rob works magic :-)

[peet]

Originally Posted by Peter H. Boer

Machinator Home audio

Rob works magic :-)

Thanks!

Peet