1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Sound Performance Lab Manuals
  4. Amplifier
  5. Gain Station 8 2383
  6. User manual

Sound Performance Lab Gain Station 8 2383 User Manual

Eight channel microphone and instrument preamplifier
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
SOURCE
22 24
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
21
21
19
26
19
26
18
29
18
29
16
32
16
35
15
15
Clip
HI PASS
14
38
14
Off
50
13
41
13
Hz
18
12
46
12
11
54
11
54
10
63
10
63
9
PHASE
Gain
18 20
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
16
16
12
21
0
12
21
9
22
9
22
7.5
23
7.5
Station
-30
6
24
6
IMPED
Ω
.
4
4
24.5
dB
1.2k
200
10k
2.5
25
2.5
1
25.5
1
Discrete High-Gain Preamplifier
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
Off
-9 -8
48V
-9 -8
Ultra fast wideband
-10
-10
-12
-6
-12
-6
-14
-5
-14
-5
Input Amplifiers
-16
-16
-2.5
-18
0
-18
LIMITER
-20
2
-20
Off
Fet
Peak
-22
3.5
-22
5
-24
-24
5.5
-25
5.5
1
-25
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
SOURCE
SOURCE
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
21
21
19
26
19
26
18
18
29
29
32
16
32
16
32
35
35
35
Clip
15
Clip
15
HI PASS
HI PASS
38
14
38
14
38
Off
50
Off
50
41
13
41
13
41
Hz
Hz
18
18
46
12
46
12
46
11
54
11
54
10
63
10
63
9
9
PHASE
PHASE
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
16
16
0
12
21
0
12
21
9
22
9
22
23
23
7.5
23
7.5
-30
-30
24
6
24
6
24
IMPED
Ω
.
IMPED
.
Ω
24.5
4
24.5
4
24.5
dB
1.2k
dB
1.2k
200
10k
25
25
200
10k
2.5
25
2.5
25.5
1
25.5
1
25.5
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
Off
Off
48V
-9 -8
48V
-9 -8
-10
-10
-12
-6
-12
-6
-14
-5
-14
-5
-2.5
-16
-2.5
-16
-2.5
0
-18
0
-18
0
LIMITER
LIMITER
2
-20
2
-20
2
Off
Off
Fet
Peak
Fet
Peak
3.5
-22
3.5
-22
3.5
5
5
5
-24
-24
2
-25
5.5
3
-25
5.5
4
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
Eight channel microphone and instrument preamplifier
User's Guide
SOURCE
SOURCE
Hi Z
Mic
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
22 24
21
21
19
26
19
26
18
29
18
29
16
32
16
32
15
35
15
35
Clip
Clip
Clip
HI PASS
HI PASS
14
38
14
38
Off
50
Off
50
13
41
13
41
Hz
Hz
18
18
18
46
46
12
12
11
54
11
54
10
63
10
63
9
9
9
PHASE
PHASE
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
16
16
0
12
21
0
12
21
0
9
9
22
22
7.5
23
7.5
23
-30
-30
-30
6
24
6
24
IMPED
Ω
IMPED
Ω
.
.
4
4
24.5
24.5
dB
1.2k
dB
1.2k
dB
200
10k
200
10k
2.5
25
2.5
25
1
25.5
1
25.5
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
Off
Off
48V
-9 -8
48V
-9 -8
-10
-10
-12
-6
-12
-6
-14
-5
-14
-5
-16
-16
-2.5
-2.5
0
0
-18
-18
LIMITER
LIMITER
-20
2
-20
2
Off
Off
Fet
Peak
Fet
Peak
-22
3.5
-22
3.5
-24
5
-24
5
5.5
-25
5.5
-25
5
6
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
GainStation 8
SOURCE
SOURCE
SOURCE
Hi Z
Mic
Hi Z
22 24
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
21
21
19
26
19
26
18
29
18
29
16
32
16
32
15
35
15
35
Clip
Clip
HI PASS
HI PASS
HI PASS
14
38
14
38
Off
50
Off
50
Off
13
41
13
41
Hz
Hz
18
18
46
12
46
12
11
54
11
54
10
63
10
63
9
9
PHASE
PHASE
PHASE
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
Nor.
Rev.
18 20
Nor.
16
16
12
21
0
12
21
0
9
9
22
22
7.5
23
7.5
23
-30
-30
6
24
6
24
IMPED
Ω
IMPED
Ω
IMPED
.
.
4
4
24.5
24.5
1.2k
dB
1.2k
dB
1.2k
200
10k
200
10k
200
2.5
25
2.5
25
1
25.5
1
25.5
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
Off
Off
48V
-9 -8
48V
-9 -8
48V
-10
-10
-12
-6
-12
-6
-14
-5
-14
-5
-16
-16
-2.5
-2.5
0
-18
0
-18
LIMITER
LIMITER
LIMITER
-20
2
-20
2
Off
Off
Off
Fet
Peak
Fet
Peak
Fet
-22
3.5
-22
3.5
-24
5
-24
5
5.5
5.5
-25
7
-25
8
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
Made in Germany
Mic
50
Class A
Class A
lass A
Hz
60-Volt Amplifiers
Rev.
Ω
.
10k
POWER
Off
Peak
Model
2388
Model 2383

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Gain Station 8 2383 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Sound Performance Lab Gain Station 8 2383

Summary of Contents for Sound Performance Lab Gain Station 8 2383

  • Page 1 SOURCE SOURCE Hi Z 22 24 Hi Z 22 24 22 24 Clip Clip HI PASS HI PASS PHASE PHASE Gain 18 20 Nor. Rev. 18 20 Nor. Rev. 18 20 Station IMPED Ω IMPED Ω 24.5 24.5 1.2k 1.2k 25.5 25.5 Discrete High-Gain Preamplifier...
  • Page 2 Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products and reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time without prior notice. This...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Introduction ... Before you begin Rear panel/connections ... Wiring General advices Connectors and switches Control elements ... 11 Clean Gain, Tube Gain, Output Level Source, Hi Pass, Phase Imped. Ω, Phantom ... 13 Limiter ... 14 Power LED, LED Level Display ... 15 Operation ...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction Input makes all the difference. Modern audio production relies increasingly on digital systems for recording and mixing processes (DAW‘s, digital consoles etc.). The advantages of digital audio are manifold and include affordable storage, comfortable editing, recall capabilities and automation. On the downside, digital systems still do not offer the same audio qualities and sound characteristics of high-end analog equipment.
  • Page 5 Main technical features of the GainStation 8 • Custom-designed and built, fully discrete, class A op-amps (no off-the-shelf stuff here). The GainStation‘s op-amps feature 60-Volt operating voltage—twice as high as most common op-amps—for an incredible dynamic range. • An extremely high amplifier slew rate of 200 V/microsecond, ensuring clean transmission of high-frequency signal portions and rapid transients with virtually no cut-off.
  • Page 6 Introduction This cutting-edge technology ensures that signals recorded with the GainStation 8 have more presence and substance and will easily cut through a mix even at lower levels. Extremely low-frequency signals are tight and transparent with clear into- nation. Percussive transients are interpreted more precisely, which leads to a clearer rhythmic content and in turn a more solid rhythmic performance and perception.

  • Page 7: Before You Begin

    It makes good sense to think about where you place your GainStation 8 before connecting it. It should be positioned so that you can easily reach it, but there are other considerations. Try not to place it near heat sources or in direct sunlight, and avoid exposure to excessive vibrations, dust, heat, cold or moisture.

  • Page 8: Rear Panel/Connections

    Rear panel/connections Wiring PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH PUSH Germany Made GainStation 8...

  • Page 9: General Advices

    General advices Again, while the GainStation 8‘s housing is EMV-proof and protects against HF-interference, placement of the unit is very important since it amplifies microphone signals as well as other unwanted signals. Thus, it is extremely important that the external power supply not be positioned near the GainStation 8.

  • Page 10: Mic Input

    Rear panel/connections MIC INPUT Dynamic, condenser or tube microphones can be connected to INPUT the Mic Input. The 48 V switch provides the phantom power necessary for some microphones (see also „Control elements/ Phantom“ on page 13). The MIc Input can also be used as a balanced connection for professional audio equipment with a maximum output level of +20 dBu.

  • Page 11: Control Elements

    CLEAN GAIN This potentiometer controls the amount of preamplification provided by the class A solid-state stage. A range of up to +63 dB is provided. For more information, please see “Setting levels on the GainStation 8“ on page 16. IMPORTANT NOTE: If a Lundahl input transformer is installed, add 7 dB to the printed values.

  • Page 12: Source, Hi Pass, Phase

    Control elements SOURCE SOURCE Hi Z This switch allows you to select between the Mic and Instrument inputs. Both inputs can remain connected at all times, regard- less of which input is selected. When first thrown after powering up the unit, this switch can cause a noticeable pop due to the discharge of residual current.

  • Page 13: Imped. Ω, Phantom

    IMPED. Ω This 3-way switch allows you to select between three input impedances for the Mic Input. In general, higher impedances increase levels and emphasize high frequencies, while mids and bass frequenices are dampened. Conversely, a lower impedance causes lower levels and emphasizes bass and mid frequencies. The Imped.

  • Page 14: Limiter

    Control elements LIMITER LIMITER Peak The GainStation 8 offers two types of output level limiting: Peak and FET. The limiter is pre-output level control, so that the limited signal can be optimally adapted to an external converter. The peak limiter operates with special diodes that convert signal peaks into a type of saturation.

  • Page 15: Power Led, Led Level Display

    POWER Switches the unit on or off. The switch illuminates with delay, because it is fed by the 250 V anode power – don’t panic. If the tube stage is active when the unit is switched on, it can take several seconds before a signal can be heard—this time is necessary for the tube to reach operating temperature.

  • Page 16: Operation

    Operation In spite of its quality and flexibility, the GainStation 8‘s trans- parent user interface allows quick, intuitive operation. The unit is suited for a wide variety of applications. The following sections will provide an overview of the most important opera- tional concepts and several application examples.
  • Page 17 Operation Combining different amounts of clean and tube gain will create various effects. The GainStation 8 operates virtually distortion- free with the tube stage bypassed. The sound is clean and trans- parent with extreme detail and very low noise. The clean stage is ideal for most acoustic instruments, as well as jazz or clas- sical recordings.

  • Page 18: Limiter

    Operation Limiter To achieve the desired results with the integrated limiter, it is important to understand its operation. The threshold value is fixed at 20 dBu. The clean and/or tube gain settings determine the amount of limiting, so that these settings more or less work like a threshold control.

  • Page 19: Application Examples

    Application examples The advent of digital recording and the fact that more and more material remains in the digital domain from start to finish have raised demands on preamplifiers. The GainStation 8 is predes- tined to act as a premium recording front end, ensuring that signals of all kinds are preamplified with the highest quality, whether as an alternative to existing console preamps or as a stand-alone solution between source and A/D converter.

  • Page 20: Vocals/Speech

    Application examples Vocals/speech The tube stage is well suited for adding presence to vocals. Exercise caution when setting levels, particularly with the clean stage, since vocals can be extremely dynamic. The FET limiter can be very helpful here to level peaks in a subtle, musical fashion and ensure safe levels for AD conversion.

  • Page 21: Electric Bass

    Application examples Electric Bass If an electric bass is directly connected to the instrument input, a combination of clean and tube stages is usually best. In the case of extreme dynamics, the FET limiter will deliver excellent results and a tight, punchy bass sound that usually needs no additional compression.

  • Page 22: Drums/Snare-Drum

    Application examples Drums/snare drum Exercise caution when setting levels to avoid clipping. Drums are notorious for fast, powerful transients that can easily add 10 dB to the average level. In addition, few drummers (or any musicians, for that matter) are so disciplined that they don‘t play louder during a take or concert than they do during sound check.

  • Page 23: Technology

    Technology Inside the GainStation 8 The most time-consuming part of the development of the GainStation 8 was searching for, selecting and matching compo- nents, PCB‘s and IC‘s. One decisive factor in achieving impec- cable audio quality is the refusal to accept any weak spots in the chain—the insistence upon each link being as good as the next.
  • Page 24 Technology An output stage, which also operates in class A mode with over 6 mA of closed-circuit current, functions as a current amplifier. The transistors and resistors utilized also had an enormous effect on the audio quality. To facilitate selection, we assem- bled several models and subjected them to extensive listening tests.
  • Page 25 Technology The Instrument Input is a fully discrete impedance converter that also operates in class A mode. It is based on a low-noise field effect transistor that is especially well suited to this task due to its extremely high input impedance. The signal then passes to the clean gain stage.

  • Page 26: External Power Supply

    External power supply In the case of the power supply, no expense was spared. After all, the power supply is one of the primary factors in the audio quality and overall sound of any device. Just like the best coffee beans in the world will not produce a good cup of coffee with poor water, the best circuits can‘t produce a great sound with unreliable, inconsistent current.

  • Page 27: Technical Specifications

    Frequency response (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain off, output level 0 dB, +/- 0.5 dB): Frequency response (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain off, output level 0 dB, +/- 3 dB): Frequency response (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain 1 dB, output level 0 dB, +/- 0.5 dB): THD+N (Clean Gain 24 dB, Tube Gain off, output level +6 dB, 20-22 kHz, +25 dBu out):...

  • Page 28: Dimensions/Weight

    Dimensions/weight Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 88 x 237 mm Weight (w/o Lundahl transformer): 6,3 kg External power supply – dimensions: 219 x 85 x 257 mm Weight: 6,8 kg Options The following accessory is optionally available: •...

  • Page 29: Warranty

    SPL products are manufactured using carefully selected compo- nents and materials and state-of-the-art production techno- logy. Every SPL product is thorough inspected and tested before leaving the factory, including acoustic and electronic testing. SPL warrantees the SPL 24/96 AD Converter Model 2376 to be free of defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 24 months after the date of purchase.
  • Page 30 < Manual GainStation 8, Model 2383 All you need is imagination, good ears and three letters:...

Table of Contents