Tannoy ellipse Owner's Manual - page 11
4.2:
ASP
The Analogue Signal Processing used in Tannoy Ellipse comprises high and low order frequency dividing networks, fixed and
variable equalisation, and tuned LC correction filters. This elaborate circuitry is used to achieve a flat frequency response and
exceptionally accurate time-alignment across the frequency spectrum. It's easy to appreciate that flat frequency response is
desirable in a monitor, but why time alignment?
WHAT'S THE POINT OF TIME-ALIGNMENT?
Different musical sounds are largely distinguished by their attack; the first instants of the dynamic envelope let you identify what
instrument is playing. This is transient, non-repetitive information; it requires a system with a clean impulse response to deliver
the transients in the right time order, so that a recording of a triangle will sound like a guy standing in front of you playing a
triangle.
Also, in a Stereo mix, or a multi-channel mix for that matter, the apparent position of sounds - voices, instruments, reverberation
etc. - is dependent on complex phase / time relationships between the components of those sounds emanating from each
channel, as much as their relative magnitude. In other words, the stereo image is a time-domain phenomenon. The better the
time-domain data is preserved, the more precisely stereo position can be created and resolved. Witness the striking stereo
imaging of a pair of correctly set-up Ellipses. You can locate the central phantom image much more firmly, and the sensation
of sounds, especially reverbs, seeming to come from far outside the stereo pair will be pretty noticeable, even distracting when
you're not used to it.
Furthermore, the fact that the Tannoy Dual Concentric™ is effectively a point source of sound, means that the flat frequency
response and time-alignment of frequency bands don't just happen on axis, but are well maintained off-axis. It's very important
that the reverberant field is also free from peaks and cancellations in the response.
Compression and limiting have been consciously omitted to preserve dynamics. That means that it is possible for you to drive
Ellipse systems into clipping, or drive unit over-excursion; and abuse can result in damage. But, it is a professional system and
you want to hear the true dynamics of your work, so Tannoy's view is that any limiting should be applied by the engineer and
not imposed by the monitors. That's the only way to assess whether you need it.
4.3:
MULTI-FUNCTION LED WITH VLF INDICATOR
The front baffle houses a multi function LED below the Dual Concentric™. This LED can give three colours of indication:
LED Coloured RED:
• The system is powering up (2 seconds on switch-on).
• The LF power amp is clipping (short flashes only please) or:
• Fault condition, such as a blown output transistor (rare); or the internal heatsink temperature has exceeded 70
°
C., (possible
through insufficient ventilation). In the case of overheating, switch off for 10-15 minutes and resume, making sure plenty of
cool air can get to the back of the speaker. If the system repeatedly gets hot and shuts down under moderate use, a fault
must have developed. Please contact your supplier.
LED Coloured GREEN:
Switched ON; the monitor is operating normally.
LED Coloured YELLOW:
Subsonic, or Very Low Frequency signal is present. The Ellipse's 6th order low frequency alignment incorporates a steep low-
cut filter (LF hi-pass) to stop excessive cone movement and waste of available amplifier power.
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