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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for SPL IRON
Summary of Contents for SPL IRON
- Page 1 IRON Mastering Compressor Manual...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Content IRON Version 1.1 – 11 / 2015 Package Contents Introduction Operating Principles of a Compressor IRON Mastering Compressor Technical Aspects 120 Volt Technology 120 Volt Technology - Diagram Innovating Compression Signal Flow Installation First Steps Voltage Selection General Information... -
Page 4: Iron
Unless stated otherwise, everything herein corresponds to the technical status at the time of delivery of the product and user manual by SPL electronics GmbH. The design and circuitry are under continuous development and improvement. Technical specifications are subject to change. -
Page 5: Introduction
An authentic sound can only be achieved with the original unit. IRON Mastering Compressor The IRON mastering compressor is not a copy of a classic unit, but rather an original con- cept in itself. Our goal was to conceive a compressor that provided a pleasant, melo- dic-sounding, transparent compression, inspired on the vintage compressors of the radio era. -
Page 6: Technical Aspects
Technical Aspects 120 Volt Technology SPL‘s goal was to push analog signal processing to the limits. That‘s why we combined the best possible components with a high-grade optimized circuit design. We have been using the in-house developed 120-volt technology - the highest-ever ope- rating voltage used for audio applications - in all our products from the Mastering series for years. -
Page 7: 120 Volt Technology - Diagram
10 dB higher. THD measurements of the SPL op-amps show a difference of more than 3 dB compared to the OPA134 at 36 V — in terms of sound pressure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than 50%. -
Page 8: Innovating Compression
The pair of parallel connected tubes has been specially matched for the IRON. In order to guarantee that tube selection and pairing is perfect, we use the Weigl Roe Test for PC. The optimal selection of the tubes guarantees that all IRONs have the same sonic characteristics. -
Page 9: Signal Flow
Technical Aspects Signal Flow ThefollowingdiagramdepictsthesignalflowwithintheIRONcompressor.Itismeantto clarify how it works and to show the relation between its different parameters. The audio signalflowisinblueandthecontrolvoltagesignalflowisingreen. Input Side Chain EQs Attack Release Output Output Gain Input Gain Rectifier Audio Control Voltages Variable-µ / Sharp Cut-off Tube –... -
Page 10: Installation
The IRON should not be installed in close proximity to equipment that emits magnetic fieldsoremanatesheat.Avoidexposuretoheat,moisture,dust,andvibrations.Dono install the IRON close to any power amps or digital processors. Instead, install it in a fully „analog rack” where any interferences can be avoided (Word Clock, SMPTE, MIDI etc.). -
Page 11: General Information
General Information Ground Lift switch to avoid ground loops On the rear panel of the IRON mastering compressor is also a „GND LIFT“ (Ground Lift) switch to avoid any ground loops. Ground loops take place when gear connected in the same network have different potentials. -
Page 12: Cabling: Rear Side
Cabling: Rear Side XLR inputs and outputs We used exclusively Switchcraft/Neutrik XLR input and output plugs to guarantee perfect connectivity in the studio. They provide an optimal connection thanks to their electrome- chanical design and large contact surface. The image shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conduc- tors or wires. - Page 13 C AUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK D O N O T O P E N AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE • NE PAS OUVRIR IRON WA R NIN G TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK. Serial DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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Page 14: Control Elements
Control Elements IRON VU 0 mastering VU +10 compressor AirBass Tape Roll-Off TUBE BIAS TUBE BIAS Auto Link Byp. High High – – – VoltAIR Sound Performance Lab Model 1520 120V DC Audio Rail Input Output Threshold Tube Bias Attack... -
Page 15: Input
Only signals that exceed the threshold level are compressed. Signals whose level is be- neath the threshold value are not processed. The Threshold parameter of the IRON can be adjusted in 41 steps with the detent potentiometer. Do note, however, that the intensity ofthecompressiondependsalsoontheInput,TubeBias,Rectifi er,Attack,Release,and Side Chain EQs parameters. -
Page 16: Tube Bias
Fast to Slow. The IRON does not offer the possibility to set an exact Attack time, since it is not a cons- tant value and it depends on the rest of the parameters. -
Page 17: Release
Control Elements Release The Release parameter determines how fast the compressor eases processing the signal and returns to a 1:1 ratio once its level has fallen bellow the threshold. Similarly to the Attack time, the Release time can also be set in six steps from Fast to Slow. Likewise, exact Release time settings are not possible. -
Page 18: Side Chain Eqs
In the last position, an external signal, fed through the corresponding jack on the rear of the IRON, is used to trigger the compressor. Please use only TS (mono) plugs to connect outboard gear to the rear jacks of the IRON. -
Page 19: Auto Bypass
Control Elements Auto Bypass To be able to make an objective judgment of the processed material, it is best not to have to be toggling between the original and processed signals by yourself, but rather have it done automatically. Plus, the fact that you do not have to move from the sweet spot and can concentrate better on the music to optimally assess the processing is a huge advan- tage. -
Page 20: Link
The CAL trimmer allows you to calibrate the display of the Gain Reduction on the VU-me- ter. The IRON‘s Gain Reduction VU-meter ought to show 0 dB after the warm-up phase. 0 dB on the VU-meter correspond to an output level of 0 dBu. -
Page 21: Time Values
Time Values Timevaluesdependingontherectifiers AlthoughtheAttackandReleasetimescanbeconsideredfixedintervals,thecontrol-time behavior and operating mode of the tubes is very different depending on the music. That is why these values should not be considered absolute values. The following chart should give an overview of the dependence of the control times of the input signal and the cho- senrectifier,withthesameuseoftheSideChainEQPreset(EQ1).AttackandRelease were measured and switched in sequence from Fast (A + R Position 1) to Slow (A + R Posi- tion 6). -
Page 22: Specifications
Specifications Measurements Frequency Range (40 kHz = -3 dB) ..10 Hz- 40 kHz CMRR (bei 0 dBu) ........1 kHz: › 80 dB / 10 kHz: › 65 dB THD & N (0 dBu) ........› 82 dB Noise (A-weighted) ........ - 98 dBu Total Harmonic Distortion 10 dBu: 0,3 % at 100 Hz, 0,06 % at 1 kHz, 0,02 % at 15 kHz 0 dBu: 0,01 %... -
Page 23: Security Advices
Such actions can lead to dange- rous electrical shocks or fire! Ventilation The vent openings on the unit are meant to avoid the IRON from overheating. You should never cover nor block these openings. Power Supply Power the unit exclusively with the voltage rating specified on the unit. -
Page 24: Notes On Environmental Protection
Security Advices Controls and switches Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes. Repairs Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a quali- fied technician when you think repairs are needed –... -
Page 25: Contact
Fon +49 (0) 21 63 98 34 0 Fax +49 (0) 21 63 98 34 20 E-Mail: info@spl.info Follow us on our Blog, Youtube, Twitter and Facebook: Website & Blog: spl.info Videos: youtube.spl.info Twitter: twitter.spl.info Facebook: facebook.spl.info Declaration of CE Conformity The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community.
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