SPL GainStation 8 Mk2 Manual
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SPL GainStation 8 Mk2 Manual

Eight-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier
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Source
Hi Z
Mic
Hi-Pass
Off
70Hz
60 V Rail
Polarity
Class-A
Nor.
Rev.
+
Tube
Mic/Instr.
Imped. Ω
Preamplifier
200
1.2k
10k
•
Tube/
Germanium
Phantom
Limiter
48V
Off
Limiter
Off
1
dB
1180_BA_160905_E.indd 1
Source
Source
Source
Hi Z
Mic
Hi Z
Mic
Hi Z
Mic
Hi-Pass
Hi-Pass
Hi-Pass
Off
70Hz
Off
70Hz
Off
70Hz
Polarity
Polarity
Polarity
Nor.
Rev.
Nor.
Rev.
Nor.
Rev.
Imped. Ω
Imped. Ω
Imped. Ω
200
1.2k
10k
200
1.2k
10k
200
1.2k
10k
Phantom
Phantom
Phantom
48V
Off
48V
Off
48V
Off
Limiter
Limiter
Limiter
Off
Off
Off
2
3
4
dB
dB
dB
GainStation 8 Mk2
Eight-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier
Source
Source
Source
Hi Z
Mic
Hi Z
Mic
Hi Z
Mic
Hi-Pass
Hi-Pass
Hi-Pass
Off
70Hz
Off
70Hz
Off
70Hz
Polarity
Polarity
Polarity
Nor.
Rev.
Nor.
Rev.
Nor.
Rev.
Imped. Ω
Imped. Ω
Imped. Ω
200
1.2k
10k
200
1.2k
10k
200
1.2k
10k
Phantom
Phantom
Phantom
48V
Off
48V
Off
48V
Off
Limiter
Limiter
Limiter
Off
Off
Off
5
6
7
dB
dB
dB
Manual
Source
Hi Z
Mic
Hi-Pass
Off
70Hz
Polarity
Nor.
Rev.
Gain
Imped. Ω
Station
200
1.2k
10k
Mk2
Phantom
48V
Off
Model
Limiter
1180
Off
8
dB
POWER
Model 1180
07.09.16 15:44

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Summary of Contents for SPL GainStation 8 Mk2

  • Page 1 1.2k 1.2k 1.2k • Tube/ Germanium Phantom Phantom Phantom Phantom Phantom Phantom Phantom Phantom Limiter Model Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter Limiter 1180 POWER GainStation 8 Mk2 Model 1180 Eight-channel microphone and instrument preamplifier 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 1 07.09.16 15:44...
  • Page 2 Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point. WEEE Registration: 973 349 88 © 2016 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Names of other companies and their products are trademarks of their respective owners. GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 2...

  • 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 Mk2 ......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 Mk2 employs technologies that not only satisfy test equipment, but also—and most importantly—the user.
  • Page 5 Introduction Main technical features of the GainStation 8 Mk2 • 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 Mk2 is used as a preamp, musicians will immediately 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

    We recommend covering the empty rack space above the GainStation 8 Mk2 with a blind panel to reduce the amount of dust and debris sucked into the unit by its fan. The fan side of the housing must always be kept free.

  • Page 8: Rear Panel/Connections

    Rear Panel/Connections Wiring GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 8 07.09.16 15:44...

  • Page 9: General Advices

    Rear Panel/Connections General advices Again, while the GainStation 8 Mk2‘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 Mk2.

  • Page 10: Connectors And Switches

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The output connectors can deliver an output OUT 2 HI-Z/LINE IN (BAL. ) (UNBAL.) level of up to +34 dBu. Please ensure that all other equipment can handle these levels to prevent possible damage. GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 10 07.09.16 15:44...

  • Page 11: Control Elements

    A solid-state stage. A range of up to +63 dB is provided. For more information, please see “Setting levels on the GainStation 8 Mk2“ 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

    Limiter sion is also commonly encountered when using multiple micro- phones on a single sound source. POWER The GainStation 8 Mk2‘s phase reverse switching is achieved passively via a relay, pre-preamplification, to avoid additional active circuitry. GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 12...

  • Page 13: Imped. Ω, Phantom

    Imped. Ω 1.2k Phantom Phantom The GainStation 8 Mk2 provides 48 Volt phantom power for microphones requiring external current (generally condenser microphones). Such microphones are dependent upon a clean, Limiter consistent and noise-free power supply for optimal opera- POWER tion and audio quality.

  • Page 14: Limiter

    1.2k Phantom Control elements Limiter Limiter The GainStation 8 Mk2 offers two types of output level POWER limiting: Germanium and Tube. The limiter is pre-output level control, so that the limited signal can be optimally adapted to an external converter.

  • Page 15: Power Led, Led Level Display

    POWER necessary for the tube to reach operating temperature. IMPORTANT NOTE: Never disconnect the GainStation 8 Mk2 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 Mk2‘s transparent user interface allows quick, intuitive opera- tion. The unit is suited for a wide variety of applications. The following sections will provide an overview of the most impor- tant operational concepts and several application examples.
  • Page 17 Operation Combining different amounts of clean and tube gain will create various effects. The GainStation 8 Mk2 operates virtually distortion-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 tube limiter and your program material contains few fast transients, the output level can be set somewhat higher. GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 18 07.09.16 15:44...

  • Page 19: Application Examples

    Application Examples The GainStation 8 Mk2 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 alterna- tive to existing console preamps or as a stand-alone solution between source and A/D converter.

  • Page 20: Vocals/Speech

    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 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 20 07.09.16 15:44...

  • Page 21: Electric Bass

    Keyboards/Samplers/Drum Machines Electronic sound sources allow you to fully utilize the GainStation 8 Mk2‘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

    18 dB LED illumi- nates brightly in this case. Higher tube gain levels will increase the punch and loudness effect. The tube limiter is an additional creative tool on overheads. GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 22 07.09.16 15:44...

  • Page 23: Technology

    The GainStation 8 Mk2 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 All this trouble more than paid off: the final GainStation 8 Mk2 op-amp has a slew rate of over 100V/µs— several times faster than industrial op-amps. This is an abso- lute prerequisite for clean, transparent and dynamic audio.
  • Page 25 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 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 25 07.09.16 15:44...

  • Page 26: External Power Supply

    In order to provide optimal current, the GainStation 8 Mk2 was outfitted with an external power supply. Properly installed, transformer hum and interference should never be an issue and the unit should deliver clean, clear audio.

  • Page 27: Technical Specifications

    ›1 MΩ Output impedance: ›75 Ω Slew Rate (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain off, Output Level +6 dB): ›40 V/µs Phantom power: 48 V +/-2 V Power consumption (w/0 AD-Converter): 140 W GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 27 07.09.16 15:44...

  • 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 Mk2's input transformer delivers 7 dB of additional passive gain, which must be added to the printed values.

  • Page 29: Your Notes

    ............GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 29...
  • Page 30 Manual GainStation 8 Mk2, Model 1180 GainStation 8 Mk2 1180_BA_160905_E.indd 30 07.09.16 15:44...

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