Urei LA-5

Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler

Urei introduced the Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler with the specific needs of sound reinforcement professionals in mind.

Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler Details

The Urei LA-5 Audio Leveller has been finely tuned to serve as the perfect solution for safeguarding amplifiers and speakers from power overload. It accomplishes this by detecting the incoming signal and controlling the level, effectively limiting the output power to a safe, predetermined value set by the operator or installer, regardless of the input signal’s amplitude.

One of the significant advantages of the Urei LA-5 is its ability to alleviate the challenges faced by live sound mixers. Often, they grapple with the task of compensating for inconsistent microphone technique and wide dynamic ranges encountered during live performances. The Urei LA-5 steps in to alleviate this burden.

The patented detection and gain control technology employed in the Urei LA-5 align with how our auditory system perceives sound. This design choice results in exceptionally smooth control, setting it apart from conventional peak limiters.

Furthermore, the Urei LA-5 offers balanced inputs and outputs, although it can also function with single-ended connections. With high input impedance and low output impedance, it provides maximum flexibility for patching and interfacing with various audio setups.

Recent advancements in integrated circuits have further improved the LA-5’s performance, delivering an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio compared to earlier designs. This translates into cleaner and more precise audio processing.

However, it’s worth noting that the Urei LA-5’s gain reduction circuitry operates on an RMS (Root Mean Square) basis. As a result, it is not recommended for overmodulation protection in applications such as broadcast transmitters, disc or optical recorders, unless it is followed by a peak limiter like the Urei 1176 LN.

The Urei LA-5 Audio Leveller is a specialised tool tailored for sound reinforcement professionals, offering a unique combination of power overload protection, smooth control, and compatibility with a variety of audio systems, all while adhering to principles grounded in the perception of sound.

Features

  • Long-life LED Optical Attenuator.
  • Smooth, natural-sounding RMS action.
  • Simple operation — set and forget.
  • Input overload indicator.
  • True standard volume indicator (VU).
  • Space-saving half-rack size.

Specifications

  • Actual Input Impedance:
    • 40 kΩ, used as a balanced, differential input
    • 20 kΩ, used as an unbalanced, single-ended input
  • Nominal Input Sensitivity: 0 dBm or -20 dBm, switchable
  • Gain: 40 dB, maximum
  • Equivalent Input Noise: -90 dBm
  • Actual Output Impedance: Less than 50 Ω; may be used with loads of 150 Ω or higher
  • Maximum Output Level:
    • +24 dBm into a 600 Ω load
    • +20 dBm into a 150 Ω load
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.25%, 30 Hz – 15 kHz
  • Attack Time: Varies from 1 to 10 milliseconds for 63% correction, depending on the signal waveform
  • Release Time: Varies from 100 milliseconds to 1 second for 63% return, depending on duration of compression
  • Compression Ratio: Fixed at 20:1
  • Threshold of Compression: From -30 dBm to +20 dBm; front panel adjustable
  • Connections: Barrier strip and paralleled TRS jacks on rear panel
  • Power Supply: 110 V to 125 VAC or 220 V to 250 VAC (switch selectable), 50 or 60 Hz
  • Power consumption: 10 W maximum
  • Finish: Panel is 3.18 mm (1/8″) brushed, clear-anodised aluminium. Chassis is cadmium-plated steel.
  • Dimensions: 89mm x 216mm x 203mm
  • Weight: 2.95 kg

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

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