Introduction; Getting To Know The Unit; Using The Discrete Transistor Input - Focusrite Platinum ToneFactory Manuel D'utilisation

Introduction

The ToneFactory™ is a combined microphone
preamplifier, dynamics unit and equaliser, for
recording and mixing down instruments. When
recording, do not assume you have to route your
signal through a mixing desk: simply connect a
microphone into the ToneFactory™ and connect the
output of the ToneFactory™ directly into your
recorder (such as a DAT machine or PC sound card).
This form of direct recording will ensure you record
the cleanest signal at the highest quality since it
removes the possiblility of noise that can be added to
the signal when routing through a mixer.
Although designed specially to give a great sound with
instruments such as guitar, the ToneFactory™ is sufficiently
flexible that it can also be used when recording and mixing
down other instruments such as drums or even vocals.
There are six separate parts to the ToneFactory™:
Discrete Transistor Input
Filters
Opto-Compressor
Tone Controller
Parametric Equaliser
Noise Gate
To ensure the cleanest signal path to your recording
medium, all ToneFactory™ functions apart from the
Discrete Transistor Input can be switched out of the audio
path when not in use.
The signal meters for the Opto-Compressor and the Noise
Gate are always active, even when they are switched out of
the audio path.This allows you to see how each part will
affect the signal before it is switched on.

Getting to Know the Unit

When you are getting to know the unit, use it on a track
that you are familiar with (for example, you could run a
favourite CD through the unit); working with a familiar
track makes interpretation of the results easier. Note,
however, that tracks are already compressed for CD, so you
may find it hard to hear the results of using the Opto-
Compressor. If this is the case, try using samples instead (if
you have access to them), or record your own track
uncompressed and then play it back through the
ToneFactory™.
The easiest way to learn the creative power of the
ToneFactory™, particularly if you are not familiar with all
of its separate parts, is to try each control in turn. Finally
try them all together to see the creative potential of using
all the power in the ToneFactory™!
C O N N E C T I N G T O C D
Do not turn all gain & level controls to
!
maximum at any one time.
Using the Discrete Transistor
Input
This part of the unit is a preamplifier, for setting the
incoming signal to a suitable level.
is the instrument input to the unit.This is a high
Instr IP –
impedance input, that allows you to connect an electric
guitar or bass without loading the pickups, or connect a
synth with low output.
are used to select the input socket into the
Mic, Line, Inst –
unit. Since only one of these buttons can be active at
any time, you can connect up to three items to the unit
and use the buttons to switch between them.
sets the level of the signal.With an input signal
Gain –
coming into the unit, slowly adjust the Gain control
until the SIG LED starts to light. Continue adjusting the
Gain control until you reach the optimum position, as
shown by the SIG LED and the O/L (overload) LED.
should be lit whenever there is sound coming
SIG LED –
into the unit.
may light occasionally, but only if the input signal
O/L LED –
gets particularly loud. If the O/L LED stays on
continuously for any period, or if you hear the unit
distort during loud peaks, you should reduce the setting
of the Gain control.
E n g l i s h
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