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SOURCE
22 24
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
21
21
19
26
19
26
18
29
18
29
16
32
16
15
35
15
Clip
HI PASS
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38
14
50
Off
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41
13
Hz
18
46
12
12
11
54
11
54
10
63
10
63
9
PHASE
GainT
18 20
18 20
16
Nor. Rev.
16
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21
0
12
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Station
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7.5
7.5
-30
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24
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IMPED
ΩT
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4
4
24.5
1.2k
dB
200
10k
25
2.5
2.5
1
1
25.5
Discrete High-Gain Preamplifier
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
-9 -8
48V
Off
-9 -8
Ultra fast wideband
-10
-10
-12
-6
-12
-6
-14
-5
-14
-5
Input Amplifiers
-16
-16
-2.5
-2.5
0
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LIMITER
-20
2
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Off
Fet
Peak
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-22
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dB
dB
SOURCE
SOURCE
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
22 24
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Hi Z
Mic
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26
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29
18
29
32
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32
16
32
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35
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Clip
Clip
HI PASS
HI PASS
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14
38
14
38
50
50
Off
Off
41
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13
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Hz
Hz
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18
46
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46
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54
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63
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63
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PHASE
PHASE
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18 20
Nor. Rev.
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Nor. Rev.
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0
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7.5
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IMPED
ΩT
IMPED
ΩT
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24.5
4
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4
24.5
1.2k
1.2k
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10k
dB
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10k
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2.5
2.5
25.5
1
1
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PHANTOM
PHANTOM
48V
Off
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48V
Off
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-5
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-2.5
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-2.5
0
0
0
-18
-18
LIMITER
LIMITER
2
-20
2
-20
2
Off
Off
Fet
Peak
Fet
Peak
3.5
-22
3.5
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3.5
5
5
5
-24
-24
-25
5.5
-25
5.5
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
Eight-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier
SOURCE
SOURCE
Hi Z
Mic
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
Clip
HI PASS
HI PASS
14
38
14
38
50
Off
50
Off
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
18 20
18 20
Nor. Rev.
16
Nor. Rev.
16
0
12
21
0
12
21
0
9
9
22
22
23
7.5
23
7.5
-30
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IMPED
ΩT
IMPED
ΩT
.
.
4
4
24.5
24.5
1.2k
1.2k
dB
200
10k
dB
200
10k
dB
25
25
2.5
2.5
1
25.5
1
25.5
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
48V
Off
-9 -8
48 V
Off
-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
-25
5.5
-25
5.5
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
GainStation 8
Manual
SOURCE
SOURCE
SOURCE
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
Hi Z
Mic
22 24
Hi Z
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
50
Off
Off
13
41
13
41
Hz
Hz
18
18
46
46
12
12
11
54
11
54
10
63
10
63
9
9
PHASE
PHASE
PHASE
18 20
18 20
Nor. Rev.
16
Nor. Rev.
16
Nor. Rev.
12
21
0
12
21
0
9
9
22
22
23
23
7.5
7.5
-30
-30
6
24
6
24
IMPED
ΩT
IMPED
ΩT
IMPED
.
.
4
4
24.5
24.5
1.2k
1.2k
1.2k
200
10k
dB
200
10k
dB
200
25
25
2.5
2.5
1
25.5
1
25.5
25.8
25.8
26
26
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
PHANTOM
48 V
Off
-9 -8
48V
Off
-9 -8
48 V
-10
-10
-12
-6
-12
-6
-14
-5
-14
-5
-16
-16
-2.5
-2.5
0
0
-18
-18
LIMITER
LIMITER
LIMITER
-20
2
-20
2
Off
Off
Fet
Peak
Fet
Peak
Fet
-22
3.5
-22
3.5
5
-24
5
-24
-25
5.5
-25
5.5
-26
6
-26
6
dB
dB
Made in Germany
Mic
Class A
Class A
50
Hz
60-Volt Amplifiers
ΩT
.
10k
POWER
Off
Off
Peak
ModelT
2388
Model 1180

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Summary of Contents for Sound Performance Lab GainStation 8

  • Page 1 Ultra fast wideband Input Amplifiers -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 LIMITER LIMITER LIMITER LIMITER LIMITER LIMITER LIMITER LIMITER Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak Peak ModelT 2388 GainStation 8 Model 1180 Eight-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier...
  • Page 2 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...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Imped. Ω, Phantom ............ 13 Limiter ............... 14 Power LED, LED Level Display ........15 Operation ..............16 Setting levels on the GainStation 8 ......16 Limiter ............... 18 Application examples ........... 19 Vocals/speech ............20 Acoustic instruments/orchestra ........ 20 Acoustic guitar with pickup ........
  • Page 4: Introduction

    To this end, the GainStation 8 employs technologies that not only satisfy test equipment, but also—...
  • Page 5 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.
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7: Before You Begin

    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.
  • Page 8: Rear Panel/Connections

    Rear Panel/Connections Wiring GainStation 8...
  • Page 9: General Advices

    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.
  • Page 10: Connectors And Switches

    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...
  • Page 11: Control Elements

    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.
  • Page 12: Source, Hi Pass, Phase

    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.
  • Page 13: Imped. Ω, Phantom

    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.
  • 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

    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.
  • 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 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.
  • Page 18: Limiter

    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...
  • Page 19: Application Examples

    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.
  • Page 20: Vocals/Speech

    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...
  • Page 21: Electric Bass

    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.
  • Page 22: Drums/Snare-Drum

    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...
  • Page 23: Technology

    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.
  • Page 24 Technology handles current conversion. GainStation 8...
  • Page 25 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.
  • Page 26: External Power Supply

    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...
  • Page 27: Technical Specifications

    +17 dBu Input Impedance (Instrument input): ›1 MΩ Output impedance: ›75 Ω Slew Rate (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain off, Output Level ›40 V/µs +6 dB): Phantom power: 48 V +/-2 V Power consumption (w/0 AD-Converter): 140 W GainStation 8...
  • Page 28: Dimensions/Weight

    (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.
  • Page 29: Your Notes

    ............GainStation 8...
  • Page 30 Manual GainStation 8, Model 1180...

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