Summary of the content on the page No. 1
F
T
L
e
u
t
b
E
O
N
e
N
f
V
f
I
+
I
A
E
A
L
G
G
T
User’s Guide
Gain
Station
Power -30 0dB 9 18 Clip AD OVL 48V Limit
SOURCE HI PASS PHASE IMPED. Ω PHANTOM LIMITER
Mic 50 Rev. 10k On Peak
Hz
1.2k Off
Hi Z Off Nor. 200 Off +Fet
22 18 -9
21 24 16 20 -10 -8
19 12 -12
26 21 -6
18 9 -14 -5
29 22
-2.5
16 32 7.5 23 -16
15 35 6 24 -18 0
14 38 4 24.5 -20 2
2.5 3.5
13 41 25 -22
12 46 1 25.5 -24 5
11 54 25.8 -25 5.5
10 63 26 -26 6
dB dB dB
Mic: +7dB
w/transformer
C Class A lass A
60-Volt Amplifiers
Discre
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
User’s Guide GainStation 1 Models 2272, 2273 Version 1.0 – 6/2003 Designer: Ruben Tilgner This user's guide contains a description of the product. It in no way represents a guarantee of particular characteristics or results of use. The information in this document has been carefully compiled and verified and, unless otherwise stated or agreed upon, correctly describes the product at the time of packaging with this document. Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its p
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
Contents Introduction .................................................................. 4 Before you begin .......................................................... 7 Rear panel/connections ................................................ 8 Wiring ....................................................................... 8 General advices ......................................................... 9 Connectors and switches ........................................... 10 Optional AD Converter .......
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
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. Especially digital equalizers and other aspects of
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Introduction To accommodate portability, the optionally available SPL GainBag ensures safe transport of the GainStation 1 and offers additional storage for cables and an average-sized micro- phone. For more permanent installations, up to four GainStation 1‘s can be rack-mounted in one optionally available 3-unit rack space mounting frame. Main technical features of the GainStation 1 • Custom-designed and built, fully discrete, class A op-amps (no off-the-shelf stuff here). The GainStation
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Introduction This cutting-edge technology ensures that signals recorded with the GainStation 1 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. A bassist using the GainStation 1 as a preamp will immediately notice
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Before you begin It makes good sense to think about where you place your GainStation 1 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. It should also be kept away from transformers, motors, power amplifiers and digital processors. In addition, please: • Do not open the case. You may risk el
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Rear panel/connections Wiring S/P-DIF signal to DAW, S/P-DIF signal for external HD recorder etc. synchronization POWER VOLTAGE/FUSE MAINS INPUT ON 230 V – 50 Hz/315 mA WARNING: TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC 115 V – 60 Hz/630 mA SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE OFF CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR 24/96 AD DIG. OUT SYNC INPUT SAMPLE RATE OPTICAL SPDIF LOCK SPDIF x2 44.1 48 AD IN 2 PUSH AD IN 1 MUTE ANA. 2nd signal i
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
General advices Rear panel/connections Again, while the GainStation 1‘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. Before connecting the GainStation 1 or any other equipment turn off all power. IMPORTANT: Adjust the voltage setting on the back so that it VOLTAGE/FUSE 230 V – 50 Hz/315 mA corresponds with the power conditions. 115 V – 60 Hz/630 mA The following gr
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
Rear panel/connections MIC INPUT Dynamic, condenser or tube microphones can be connected to the MIC input. The 48 V switch provides the phantom power necessary for some microphones (see also „Control elements/ Phantom“ on page 16). The MIC input can also be used as a balanced connection for professional audio equipment with a maximum output level of +20 dBu. IMPORTANT NOTE: Always switch the phantom power (48 V) off before connecting anything other than phantom-powered condenser microphone
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Rear panel/connections POWER POWER ON The POWER switch turns the GainStation 1 on (indicated by the blue POWER LED on the front panel) or off. OFF 24/96 AD Converter (optional) 24/96 AD DIG. OUT SYNC INPUT SAMPLE RATE OPTICAL SPDIF LOCK SPDIF x2 44.1 48 The optional 24/96 Converter module (model 2376) provides a digital output for the GS1 in the form of an S/P-DIF output with RCA and optical connectors (in parallel). The converter trans- mits 24-bit signals. The module is based on a 24-bit co
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Rear panel/connections AD IN 2 AD IN 2 AD IN 1 If the optional 24/96 AD converter module is installed, this input MUTE can be used to convert an external analog signal. To avoid clip- ping, the input level should not exceed +12 dBu (+12 dBu corre- sponds to full digital gain of 0 dBfs). Excessive input levels are indicated by the AD OVL LED. If no connection is made here, the output signal of the GS1 is routed to both channels of the converter. TIP: AD IN 2 can also be used as an insert for e
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
Rear panel/connections SYNC INPUT SYNC INPUT The SYNC input allows you to feed an external signal into the LOCK SPDIF converter to control the sample rate. Connect an S/P-DIF output from your master source (e.g. sound card) to the SYNC input. The AD converter will automatically convert to the same sample rate that is received. The 2376 is not equipped to accept Word Clock for synchronization. The yellow SYNC LOCK LED illuminates when a valid sync signal is present at the SYNC input, and th
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
F T L e u t b E O N e N f f V I + I A E A L G G T Control elements CLEAN GAIN 22 21 24 19 26 18 29 16 32 This potentiometer controls the amount of preamplification 15 35 14 38 provided by the class A solid-state stage. A range of up to +63 dB 13 41 12 46 is provided. For more information, please see „Setting levels on 11 54 10 63 dB the GainStation 1“ on page 19. Mic: +7dB w/transformer IMPORTANT NOTE: If a Lundahl input transformer is installed, add 7 dB to the printed values. TUBE GAIN 18
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
Control elements SOURCE SOURCE Mic This switch allows you to select between the MIC and HI-Z/LINE Hi Z 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. This is normal and no cause for concern. HI PASS HI PASS 50 Hz This switch activates the integrated high-pass filter, which oper- Off ates at a 50-Hz center frequency and
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
Control elements IMPED. Ω IMPED. Ω 10k This 3-way switch allows you to select between three input 1.2k 200 impedances for the MIC input. The effect varies depending on the microphone used. With dynamic microphones, a lower impedance setting will also reduce the input level—this effect is less pronounced with good condenser microphones. We recom- mend the 10 k (Ω) setting for most applications, although some microphones may benefit from a different setting. PHANTOM PHANTOM On The GainStation
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
Control elements LIMITER LIMITER Peak The GainStation 1 offers two types of output level limiting: Off +Fet PEAK and FET. The limiter is pre-output level control, so that the limited signal can be optimally adapted to the internal or external converter. The peak limiter operates with special diodes that convert signal peaks into a type of saturation. Depending on the signal, this allows levels to be effectively and subtly limited. This type of limiting works very quickly, reliably limiting
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
Control elements Power POWER-LED This LED indicates that the GainStation 1 is connected to the proper AC current and switched on. 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. -30 0dB 9 18 Clip LED Level Display The level display shows the peak level before output level control. A special circuit allows the LED‘s to vary in brightness to display in-betwee
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
Operation In spite of its quality and flexibility, the GainStation 1‘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. Setting levels on the GainStation 1 Start with the limiter switched off. With a representative signal present at either the MIC or HI-Z input, set the desired combi- nation of Clea
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
Operation Combining different amounts of clean and tube gain will create various effects. The GainStation 1 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. If you activate the tube stage and increase the gain setting slowly, you will notice that once you reach a certain level, harmonic distortion ente
