Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Manual
Model 9844
Vacuum Tube Microphone Preamplifier
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
GoldMike Model 9844 Manual By Hermann Gier and Wolfgang Aichholz Version 1.4 - 5/2000 The information in this document has been carefully verified and is assumed to be correct. However Sound Performance Lab (SPL) reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time. Changes without notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or full without the authorisation of SPL. Limitations of Liability: In no event will SPL
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
Contents Foreword .................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ............................................................................................ 4 Hookup ..................................................................................................... 5 Installation & Connections ................................................................. 5 Power Supply ......................................................
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Introduction The GoldMike is another jewel in the SPL Tube series. Like all SPL tube processors, the GoldMike combines the unique sonic qualities of tube technology with state-of-the-art manufacturing, meti- culous component selection and high-tech conception. This latest product, a dual-channel tube microphone preamplifier with superb sonic qualities, is particularly suited for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. You will be surprised by not only its precision but also the natural impact
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Hookup Carefully select a place for setting up the GoldMike. The unit should be situated away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Avoid installing your GoldMike in environments exposed to vibra- tions, dust, heat, cold or moisture. Keep the unit away from trans- formers or motors or any other unit that could generate large variations in power supply or cause electrical interferences. Do not install the unit in close proximity to power amplifiers or digital processors. You may consider placing
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
The following graph shows the correct wiring for connecting un- balanced signals to the balanced XLR connectors. VERY IMPORTANT Phantom power must be switched off before unbalanced signals are connected! Otherwise short circuits cause damages! Power Supply Built around a torroidal transformer, the power supply allows for a minimal electromagnetic field with no hum or mechanical noise. The supply voltage can be set to 230 V/50 Hz or 115 V/60 Hz. A stable, low ripple torroidal power Check your cou
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Tech Talk Advantages of the SPL dual-stage preamplifier The GoldMike's engine is the newly designed SPL dual-stage preamplifier. During the first stage of amplification the signal is amplified by a semi-conductor circuit while the second stage applies tube electronics. We achieve a high common-mode-rejec- tion by using laser trimmed components. Likewise, minimal noise The GoldMike combines superb and distortion figures distinguish our high-quality preamp. signal-to-noise specs with not only Anal
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Tech Talk Sound optimization already during recording: FLAIR circuitry The FLAIR circuitry enhances the presence of vocals and acoustic instruments, FLAIR makes these elements cut better through a mix. It has proved to be superior in double-blind tests. Once a signal completes the semi-conductor amplification stage, it is then split and fed into the tube stage and the FLAIR electronics. The FLAIR circuit is built from a unique valve/inductor/capacitor The FLAIR circuitry hybrid. It operates in a
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
Control elements 7 1 2 3 4 6 5 1 The MIC GAIN knob controls the input signal's amplification. The MIC GAIN range extends to 72 dB of gain.The levels should be adjusted for a meter reading around 0 VU to get the best signal-to-noise perfor- mance. Please note that the meters show only an rms/average The VU meters show level, so keep your GoldMike from pegging the meters' needles. a rms/average signal When adjusting the MIC GAIN, consider the type of microphone (dynamic, condenser or ribbon) and
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
By pressing the REVERSE button, you invert the microphone's REVERSE 3 polarity.When the REVERSE button is released (status LED off ) the signal is in phase. Pressing it switches the signal out-of-phase (LED on). Tips on how to use the phase Reasons for reversing the phase: reverse 1. You are recording a vocal or voice-over and the vocalist cannot hear him or herself very well in the headphones. Reversing the phase effectively reverses the polarity between microphone and monitor signal, thus enab
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
6 FLAIR True to SPL's philosophy, the GoldMike features the sound enhan- cing FLAIR circuitry. More than simply a frequency-range manipu- lating tool, the FLAIR circuitry is also a timebase shifting (phase) Circuitry enhances presence and device that enhances a sound's harmonic content. The close rela- boosts cut-through tion between frequency- and amplitude-timebase and the source signal's dynamics remains intact. FLAIR boosts the frequency range from 1.5 kHz to 20 kHz. The Manipulates frequenc
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Audio Specifications Frequency Response: ...................................... 10 Hz - 100 kHz, +/- 0.5 dB Common-Mode-Rejection at -20 dBu:...... 1 kHz: -80 dBu ... 10 kHz: -73 dBu Harmonic Distortion Input level Gain THD -30 dB ................................... 30 dB ................... 0.175 % -60 dB ................................... 60 dB ................... 0.2 % Signal-To-Noise Ratio Signal-to -Noise ratio: Gain A-weighted 72 dBu -62.4 dBu 60 dBu -71.8 dBu 30 dBu -85.6 dBu Dynamic R
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
Warranty SPL electronics GmbH (hereafter called SPL) products are warranted only in the country where purchased, through the authorized SPL distributor in that country, against defects in material or workmanship. The specific period of this limited warranty shall be that which is described to the original retail purchaser by the authorized SPL dealer or distributor at the time of purchase. SPL does not, however, warrant its products against any and all defects: 1) arising out of materials or wor
