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Sohlweg 80, 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany Tel. +49 (0)2163 983 40, Fax +49 (0)2163 983 420 Email: info@spl.info, Website: spl.info The construction of the GainStation 8, Model 1180, is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community. Notes on Environmental Protection...
To this end, the GainStation 8 employs technologies that not only satisfy test equipment, but also—...
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Introduction 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.
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If the GainStation 8 is used as a preamp, musicians will immedi- ately notice that they hear and feel what they are playing much better, which leads to improved playing and a better recording.
It should also be kept away from transformers, motors, power amplifiers and digital processors. IMPORTANT NOTE: When installing the GainStation 8 in a rack, please be sure to leave about a unit (1.5 to 2 inches) of space above it to ensure sufficient circulation.
Rear Panel/Connections 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.
OUT 2 socket will also operate unbalanced. (BAL. ) IMPORTANT NOTE: The output connectors can deliver an output level of up to +34 dBu. Please ensure that all other equipment can handle these levels to prevent possible damage. GainStation 8...
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. Mic: +7dB w/transformer IMPORTANT NOTE: If a Lundahl input transformer is installed, add 7 dB to the printed values.
Phase inver- sion is also commonly encountered when using multiple micro- phones on a single sound source. The GainStation 8‘s phase reverse switching is achieved passively via a relay, pre-preamplification, to avoid additional active circuitry.
PHANTOM PHANTOM 48 V The GainStation 8 provides 48 Volt phantom power for micro- phones requiring external current (generally condenser micro- phones). Such microphones are dependent upon a clean, consistent and noise-free power supply for optimal operation and audio quality. The GainStation 8 continuously delivers precisely 48 V and a maximum of 14 mA, which will power all microphones.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Never disconnect the GainStation 8 from its external power supply while the unit is switched on. Always turn it off first and wait at least one minute, so that all current can dissipate, before disconnecting the multipin connector.
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.
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Operation Combining different amounts of clean and tube gain will create various effects. The GainStation 8 operates virtually distor- tion-free with the tube stage bypassed. The sound is clean and transparent with extreme detail and very low noise. The clean stage is ideal for most acoustic instruments, as well as jazz or classical recordings.
LED is used for calibration. If you are only using the FET limiter and your program material contains few fast transients, the output level can be set somewhat higher. GainStation 8...
Application Examples The GainStation 8 is predestined 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.
As with acoustic guitars, combining the clean and tube stages is especially effective when miking guitar amps. Higher Tube Gain settings result in more punch and loudness. The more distorted the guitar sound, the less limiting is required, since the distortion process levels dynamics. GainStation 8...
Keyboards/Samplers/Drum Machines Electronic sound sources allow you to fully utilize the GainStation 8‘s potential. The clean stage is excellent for clear, glassy sounds and pads, and a combination of clean and tube stages for most other sounds. The more dynamic the material, the more effectively you can utilize the limiter.
Using the tube stage on overheads can give the entire drum set extra punch and presence—don‘t worry if the 18 dB LED illumi- nates brightly in this case. Higher tube gain levels will increase the punch and loudness effect. The FET limiter is an additional creative tool on overheads. GainStation 8...
The GainStation 8 is based on fully discrete op-amps that operate in class A mode. Class A operation dictates that both end transistors are constantly conducting current to prevent distortion.
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Technology handles current conversion. GainStation 8...
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To facilitate selection, we assem- bled several models and subjected them to extensive listening tests. All this trouble more than paid off: the final GainStation 8 op-amp has a slew rate of over 100V/µs—several times faster than industrial op-amps.
0.1 % tolerance. The op-amp circuits use premium FKP foil condensers, which sound much more open than ceramic types and provide more natural dynamic response. All circuit boards have oversized grounding surfaces for optimal shielding. GainStation 8...
(transients), but in the end it’s a question of personal taste, applications or for example which mics are in use. The GainStation 8's input transformer delivers 7 dB of addi- tional passive gain, which must be added to the printed values.
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