Avalon VT-737SP Operation Manual
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Avalon VT-737SP Operation Manual

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AVA L O N
D E S I G N
P
C
A
M
R
S
U R E
L A S S
U S I C
E C O R D I N G
Y S T E M S
V T - 7 3 7 S P
P u r e C l a s s A M o n o V a c u u m T u b e / D i s c r e t e
P r e a m p l i f i e r , O p t o - c o m p r e s s o r & E q u a l i z e r
Operation Manual
© 2016 Avalon Industries Incorporated. Release 2.0

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Summary of Contents for Avalon VT-737SP

  • Page 1 P r e a m p l i f i e r , O p t o - c o m p r e s s o r & E q u a l i z e r Operation Manual © 2016 Avalon Industries Incorporated. Release 2.0...
  • Page 2 V T - 7 3 7 S P Operation Manual Avalon Industries, Inc., 3715 Cahuenga Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 Tel: 949-492-2000 www.avalondesign.com...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    4.3 Unbalanced Operation ..19 7.0 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) ..39 4.4 Using the Vt-737sp ..19 4.4.1 Using the Mic Preamplifier..19 8.0 Trouble Shooting .

  • Page 6: Introduction

    The Vt-737sp is hand built in the U.S.A using the signal directly to the audio recorder or DAW only the finest active and passive electronic (ditigal audio workstation) input, completely components available.

  • Page 7: Overview

    The Vt-737sp is designed to completely bypass the mixing board during input to deliver the purest and An added feature of the Vt-737sp is its cleanest signal possible to your recording side-chain fuction for frequency selective com- device.

  • Page 8: Features

    Low Mid • Vacuum tube opto-compressor band. • Four-Band active-passive equalizer The output stage of the Vt-737sp is another • Two-band EQ side-chain filter twin-triode vacuum tube stage driving a • Variable high-pass filter on all inputs balanced low-noise Class A DC-coupled output amplifier.

  • Page 9: Unpacking And Inspection

    Introduction 1.3 Unpacking and Inspection Keep the packaging materials in case you need Your Vt-737sp was packed carefully at the factory. Check to make sure that the shipping to ship your unit for warranty service. carton contains the following items:...

  • Page 10: Quick Start-Up

    Vt-737sp that will not be 3. Turn on the power and wait for one minute discussed here.

  • Page 11: Setup Guide

    Quick Start-up 2.1 Set-up Guide Page 10 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...

  • Page 12: Tips

    The LOW MID controls operate in the same LINE INPUT in the rear of your Vt-737sp. If pos- manner as the HI MID but cover a lower range sible, run directly out of the Vt-737sp to moni- of frequencies.

  • Page 13: Safety And Grounding

    6. Press in SC->MIDS. You are now routing the or ground connection. The Vt-737sp is for use 10K frequencies that were being boosted into with an AC supply as selected by the AC volt- the compressor.

  • Page 14: Ac Voltage Selection

    Warning! No ground adaptor should ever be used with this unit. 3.3 AC Voltage Selection Before connecting the Vt-737sp to the AC supply, check the OPERATING VOLTAGE located on the rear of the chassis in the AC inlet connector.

  • Page 15: Rack Mounting And Cooling

    Vt-737sp in a rack enclosure. If not shipped in its original pack- The Vt-737sp is designed to be mounted in a ing, the Vt-737sp should be transported in a standard 19” equipment rack. As vacuum tubes floating-type shock-mounted flight case.

  • Page 16: Operation And Controls

    Boosts overall gain of the input/preamplifier The following chapter describes the details of section by +8dB in Line mode and +18dB in Mic your Vt-737sp and how to operate each func- or Instrument modes. The HIGH GAIN switch tion. fuctions with any selected INPUT position. This...
  • Page 17 Inserts both of the mid band filter sections of the equalizer into the compressors’ control A microphone that requires phantom power path, allowing for frequency-selective com- will not work unless the +48V switch is pression applications (e.g. de-essing vocals). engaged. Page 16 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...
  • Page 18 While there is no signal going Hz (HIGH MID) into the Vt-737sp, press in the METER switch Sets center frequency of high mid filter sec- and make sure the compressor is bypassed tion.

  • Page 19: Rear Panel Description

    The OUTPUTS are a low impendance elec- tronically balanced circuit which terminates Unbalanced 1/4” phone jack. Used for linking to a male XLR-3 connector. compressor sections of two Vt-737sp’s for stereo operation. All XLR connectors are wired: LINE OUTPUT Pin 1 ground Male XLR-3 connector, line output of unit.

  • Page 20: Unbalanced Operation

    4.3 Unbalanced Operation 1. Turn the INPUT selector switch to the desired input source (MIC, INSTRUMENT or LINE) and The Vt-737sp can also be used in unbalanced plug in to the corresponding input. system by grounding the unused input or 2.

  • Page 21: Using The Opto-Compressor

    5. Turn PREAMP GAIN control fully counter clockwise (minimum). 6. Press in the HIGH GAIN switch. The opto-compressor of the Vt-737sp has all of 7. Slowly turn the PREAMP GAIN control fully the standard features of an outboard compres- clockwise while feeding input signal.

  • Page 22: Linking Two Vt-737Sp's

    4.4.3 Linking Two Vt-737sp’s Two Vt-737sp’s can be linked for stereo opera- tion. The compressor sections of both units are linked and controlled by one set of controls. It is important to make sure that the pair of The equalizer section of the Vt-737sp has been Vt-737sp’s that are being used together...

  • Page 23: Using The Side Chain

    The following explains how to adjust your The HI-Q buttons toggle between two pre-select- Vt-737sp to “focus-in” and get rid of the sibi- ed values of a measurement called “Q”. “Q” lance or annoying “sss” sounds on vocals stands for “quality factor”, a technical term...

  • Page 24: Applications

    5.1 Typical Setups meter should show -3dB to -10dB or more at the “sss” frequencies only. Much of the power in the Vt-737sp lies within Now you can go back and switch the its flexibility. The Vt-737sp can be used in every SC->MIDS out and sweep and listen and also...

  • Page 25: Mixdown - Tape Based

    5.2 Application Settings Figure 5.1.3 - Mixdown on DAW The following are a few example settings for the Vt-737sp to be used as starting points for specific applications. You will most likely need to adjust the settings given here for your...

  • Page 26: Vocals

    VU Meter Gain Reduction: -3dB to -5dB (adjust preamp gain, threshold and com- pression to get more or less gain reduction) Note: For a “punchy” singer use faster attack. For a tighter sound use faster attack and faster release. Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 25...

  • Page 27: Vocals With De-Ess

    SC->Mids: In Meter: In Compressor: In Equalizer: In Attack: 7 O’clock Release: fast VU Meter Gain Reduction: -3dB to -5dB (adjust preamp gain, threshold and com- pression to get more or less gain reduction) Page 26 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...

  • Page 28: Bass Guitar

    Treble Hz: N/A EQ->Comp: Out Meter: In SC->Mids: Out Equalizer: In Compressor: In Attack: fast Release: fast VU Meter Gain Reduction: -5dB (adjust preamp gain, threshold and com- pression to get more or less gain reduction) Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 27...

  • Page 29: Acoustic Guitar

    High Mid Hi-Q: N/A Compressor (by-passed) Threshold: N/A High Mid x10: N/A Compression Ratio: N/A Treble (level): +4dB EQ->Comp: N/A Treble Hz: 32kHz Meter: Out SC->Mids: Out Equalizer: In Compressor: Out Attack: N/A Release: N/A Page 28 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...

  • Page 30: Electric Guitar

    SC->Mids: Out Meter: Out Equalizer: In Compressor: Out Attack: N/A Release: N/A Recording note: To obtain these settings, a dynamic microphone was placed off center, three inches from the speaker of the guitar amplifier. Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 29...

  • Page 31: Acoustic Piano

    Recording note: To obtain these settings, a large diaphram condenser microphone was VU Meter Gain Reduction: -2dB placed 3 feet from center of piano strings. (adjust preamp gain, threshold and compres- sion to get more or less gain reduction) Page 30 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...

  • Page 32: Snare Drum

    Treble Hz: 20kHz SC->Mids: Out Meter: In Equalizer: In Compressor: In Attack: fast Release: fast VU Meter Gain Reduction: -3dB (adjust preamp gain, threshold and compres- sion to get more or less gain reduction) Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 31...

  • Page 33: Kick Drum

    Treble Hz: 10kHz Meter: In SC->Mids: Out Compressor: In Equalizer: In Attack: fast Release: fast VU Meter Gain Reduction: -3dB to -5dB (adjust preamp gain, threshold and compres- sion to get more or less gain reduction) Page 32 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...

  • Page 34: Drum Overheads/Cymbals

    Attack: 7 O’clock Release: slow Note: Use High Pass Filter to remove kick VU Meter Gain Reduction: -2dB and tom muddiness. (adjust preamp gain, threshold and com- pression to get more or less gain reduction) Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 33...

  • Page 35: Basics

    6.2 Balanced vs. Unbalanced The information does not necessarily apply directly to the Vt-737sp, but many of the topics An unbalanced connection is a two-wire discussed will help you understand how to system. One wire carries the audio signal, better utilize your Vt-737sp.

  • Page 36: Cables And Connectors

    (also known as a condenser). Microphone is a generic term that is used to refer to any element which transforms Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 35...

  • Page 37: Preamplifiers

    The procedure is called phantom pow- range of the signal. (Avalon does not use Op ering, and the most common phantom supply amps for audio signal processing.

  • Page 38: Compression

    8 dB increase in the input level will result in a the attack control adjusts the length of time it 1 dB increase in the output level. takes for the compression to begin. Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 37...

  • Page 39: Equalization

    “Q” control for sharply or sustain longer. each frequency band. A four-band paramet- ric as found in the Vt-737sp consists of four Compressors usually have built-in metering to frequency selection controls: BASS, LOW allow monitoring of the amount of gain reduc- MID, HIGH MID AND TREBLE.

  • Page 40: Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)

    Q: Can I use the Vt-737sp as an insert for compression and EQ? Electric guitar - Fullness at 240Hz; bite at A: Yes. The Vt-737sp is perfect as an insert of a 2kHz to 3kHz recorded signal such as vocals, guitars, key- boards, acoustic piano, drums, etc.
  • Page 41 10ft in length. Q: Is the Vt-737sp durable enough for the road? Q: Will the Vt-737sp work if it is going into a recording device that is designed for -10dB A: Yes. The Vt-737sp as well as all Avalon operation? equipment is literally “built like a tank”.
  • Page 42 Class A electronics (no tubes). It features Q: Can I use the Vt-737sp live as a micro- extreme dynamic range, low noise and traspar- phone preamp? As a DI box? ent compression, perfect for tracking, mixing, A: Yes.

  • Page 43: Trouble Shooting

    Trouble Shooting 8.0 Trouble Shooting 1. Plug your input source (microphone, instru- ment or line input) into Vt-737sp; make sure to check your cable. If you experience any problems with your Vt-737sp, please make sure to first isolate the 2. Output of Vt-737sp directly to powered problem to your Vt-737sp.
  • Page 44 Trouble Shooting Tube Related Symtoms 1. Plug your input source (microphone, instru- ment or line input) into Vt-737sp; make sure to check your cable. The following list are symptoms of a failing vacuum tube. If you are experiencing these 2. Output of Vt-737sp directly to powered mon- symptoms please call your local dealer or itors or monitor system.

  • Page 45: Service And Contact Infomation

    1. Turn the unit on Because of the exceptional build quality of the Vt-737sp, the unit will perform for many years 2. Let unit warm up for at least 30 minutes to come. But just like any musical instrument, 3.

  • Page 46: Technical Information

    Information 10.0 Technical Information Hi-cut filter: Variable 6dB per octave 40Hz to 200Hz Your Vt-737sp is built to withstand many years Compressor type: optical passive attenuator of high performance music making. If you expe- incorporating twin vacuum tubes and stereo...

  • Page 47: Recall Sheets

    Technical Information 10.1 Vt-737sp Recall Sheet Page 46 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...

  • Page 48: Block Diagram

    Technical Information 10.2 Vt-737sp Block Diagram Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 47...

  • Page 49: Vt-737 (Purple) Vs Vt-737Sp

    Knobs 2. Avalon will supply at no charge, new or rebuilt Vt-737: Purple Plastic replacements for any defective mechanical switches, potentiometers or moving parts for a...

  • Page 50: Returns

    If you would rather directly with Avalon, please call the factory at 949-492-2000. To return a unit to Avalon for repair or exchange you will need to obtain a Return Authorization Avalon Industries, Inc. declares that the Number (RA) from Avalon.

  • Page 51: Appendix A - Glossary

    Decibel is calcu- channel - A single functional path in an audio lated as 10 times the log of the ratio of two circuit. powers, and 20 times the log of the ratio of two voltages. Page 50 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...
  • Page 52 - The rate at which a sound wave repeats a cycle. The number of cycles that occurs over the period of one second is called hertz (Hz). Often, the perceived range of hearing is from 20Hz to 18,000Hz. Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 51...
  • Page 53 - A sharp bend in an EQ response curve. the headroom, the more usable dynamic range a Also used in describing dynamic processors. system has. line level - A signal level that is referenced to either +4dB (professional) of -10dB (semi-pro/- consumer). Page 52 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...
  • Page 54 “sweep” or continuously vary the frequency of one or more sections. release time - Once compression has begun, the time taken for the attenuated signal to return to 63% of its original (uncompressed) level. Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 53...
  • Page 55 - A cable having only one con- ductor plus a surrounding shield, in which the shield is at ground potential. The conductor and the shield carry the signal. Page 54 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...
  • Page 56 Glossary Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual Page 55...
  • Page 57 Glossary Page 56 Avalon Vt-737sp Operation Manual...
  • Page 58 Avalon Industries, Inc., 3715 Cahuenga Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604 Tel: 949-492-2000 www.avalondesign.com...

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