Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unlock the rich, warm sound of genuine valve compression with the TL Audio Ivory 5021. Perfectly designed for the discerning audio engineer, this 2-channel tube compressor merges classic tube warmth with modern flexibility, all at a surprisingly accessible price point. Whether you're seeking to add subtle dynamics or aiming for bold, impactful compression, the 5021 delivers with remarkable clarity. Equipped with both hard and soft-knee modes, this versatile unit offers four selectable attack and release times, ensuring you can tailor the compression to suit any recording scenario.

The 5021 shines in its ability to maintain audio transparency, thanks to TL Audio's proprietary transconductance amplifier design which cleverly avoids the use of VCAs. Each channel features two valve stages, utilizing the trusted Sovtek ECC83/12AX7A twin triode valve for a sound that's as smooth as it is powerful. The inclusion of an improved optical gate design further enhances its performance, making it an indispensable tool for any studio setup. From its continuously variable controls to optional digital output, the Ivory 5021 is the embodiment of TL Audio's commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel tube compression with Sovtek ECC83/12AX7A twin triode valves
  • Continuously variable controls for Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Gain Make-Up, and Output Gain
  • Hard/soft knee compression modes for versatile dynamic control
  • Selectable attack and release times for precise sound shaping
  • Optical gate with variable threshold control
  • Bypass and Stereo Link modes
  • Front panel instrument inputs for easy access
  • Balanced XLR and unbalanced line inputs/outputs with sidechain insert points
  • Optional 24-bit stereo digital output for enhanced connectivity
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz to 40kHz, +0, -1dB
  • Dynamic Range: 106dB (Line input @ 0dB gain)

FAQs

What are the main control features of the TL Audio Ivory 5021?

The TL Audio Ivory 5021 offers continuously variable control of Input Gain, Threshold, Ratio, Gain Make-Up, and Output Gain, allowing precise manipulation of your audio signal.

How does the TL Audio Ivory 5021 handle compression?

It features hard/soft knee compression modes with selectable attack and release times, ranging from fast to slow, providing flexibility for different audio dynamics.

Does the TL Audio Ivory 5021 have any features to reduce distortion?

Yes, it includes an Automatic Hold facility designed to reduce low-frequency distortion, ensuring cleaner audio processing.

What connectivity options does the TL Audio Ivory 5021 provide?

The unit offers balanced XLR line inputs/outputs and unbalanced jack connectors, along with front panel instrument inputs and sidechain insert points for versatile connectivity.

Can the TL Audio Ivory 5021 be used in stereo applications?

Yes, it includes a Stereo Link mode that allows for synchronized operation of both channels, ideal for stereo processing tasks.

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Art pro vla II & TL audio 5021 & Plugin compressors test

Video thumbnail for Art pro vla II & TL audio 5021 & Plugin compressors test by Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Art pro vla II & TL audio 5021 & Plugin compressors test

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Video thumbnail for Mix bus compressors test (avalon vt 747,art vla II,Tl audio 5021 ivory 2 ) by Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Mix bus compressors test (avalon vt 747,art vla II,Tl audio 5021 ivory 2 )

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Video thumbnail for Snare Compressor test hardware and plugin compressors by Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Snare Compressor test hardware and plugin compressors

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Video thumbnail for tl audio 5021 klarnet Test by Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

tl audio 5021 klarnet Test

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Ömer Kadaifçioğlu

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TL Audio Ivory 5021.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners enjoy experimenting with different tubes and transformers in the TL Audio 5021, finding vintage LOMO and Lundahl transformers enhance character and gain without increasing noise.

    Source
  • Some users see value in the TL Audio 5021 as a modding platform, considering its components suitable for DIY experimentation with soldering and custom power supplies.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TL Audio 5021 is not a true tube compressor; tubes are only for the input stages, offering some tube coloring rather than full tube compression.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Art Pro VLA is noted for its flexibility as a compressor, but like the TL Audio 5021, its tubes are limited to the output stage, providing minimal coloring.

    Source
  • The TL Audio 5021 is likened to other "prosumer" gear from its era, often considered less desirable unless heavily discounted.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The TL Audio 5021 can be an affordable option for those looking to experiment with tube coloring in their recordings without investing in high-end compressors.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The TL Audio 5021 is sometimes valued more for its casing and components than its stock performance, suggesting a niche interest among DIY enthusiasts.

    Source

Other

  • The TL Audio brand has mixed reputation, with some past products noted for harsh sound quality, impacting perceptions of the 5021.

    Source

Critic Reviews

TL Audio: 5021 2-channel tube compressor | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The TL Audio Ivory 5021 is a versatile and reliable workhorse, praised for its clean sound and subtle tube character when pushed hard. Unlike other tube compressors, it avoids gimmickry, offering a broad range of musical applications. While it shines as a first compressor, its flexibility makes it a valuable addition even to high-end setups. The 5021's intuitive controls and high-impedance inputs offer precise manipulation for various instruments, though its gate feature is somewhat limited. Overall, it's a solid investment for those seeking a dependable and adaptable compressor.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ivylab

Amazing with drums

We run pretty much all of our drums through this to give 'em some extra bite!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Banks uses TL Audio Ivory 5021

Alex Banks

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The 5021 can be seen at about 0:40 in this video.

See how Toni Torres uses TL Audio Ivory 5021

Toni Torres

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Hctsound

Toni Torres utilizes the TL Audio Ivory 5021 in his HCTSOUND recording studio, as noted by HCTSound.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use TL Audio Ivory 5021, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Marshall JCM900 4100
Marshall JCM900 4100 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
AKG D190
AKG D190 Dynamic Microphones
1
Warm Audio WA76
Warm Audio WA76 Effects Processors
1
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Boss OC-3 Super Octave Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
B.C. Rich Mockingbird
B.C. Rich Mockingbird Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
SONY C-38B
SONY C-38B Condenser Microphones
1
ADAM Audio A77X
ADAM Audio A77X Active & Passive Monitors
1
Shure Beta 58A
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphones
1

Community setups

Show yours
hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

More TL Audio Effects Processors

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    ivylab
    ivylab

    Gear IQ 76