User's Guide Gain Station Power SOURCE Mic Hi Z -30 0 dB 9 18 Clip HI PASS 50 Hz Off AD OVL 48V Limit PHASE Rev. Nor. IMPED. PHANTOM LIMITER 10k 1.2k 200 On Off Peak Off +Fet C 19 21 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 O NG LEA 22 24AIN dB 12 16 26 9 29 32 7.5 35 6 38 4 41 2.5 46 1 54 b 63 tO e+ Tu e F ff BE GAIN TU 18 2021 U -10 -9 -8 -6 E -12 -5 -14 22 -2.5 -16 23 24 -18 0 24.5 -20 2 3.5 25 -22 25.5 5 -24 25.8 5.5 -25 -26 26 6 TPUT LEV L dB dB Mic: +7dB w/transformer Class A 60-Volt Amplifiers Discrete High-Gain Preamplifier / Model 2272 GainStation 1 Models 2272, 2273 Single channel microphone and instrument preamplifier User's Guide GainStation 1 Version 1.0 ­ 6/2003 Designer: Ruben Tilgner Models 2272, 2273 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 products and reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time without prior notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL. SPL electronics GmbH Sohlweg 55 41372 Niederkruechten Germany Tel. +49 (0)2163 983 40 Fax +49 (0)2163 983 420 Email: info@soundperformancelab.com www.soundperformancelab.com © 2003 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Names of other companies and their products are trademarks of their respective owners. 2 GainStation 1 Contents Introduction .................................................................. Before you begin .......................................................... 4 7 Rear panel/connections ................................................ 8 Wiring ....................................................................... 8 General advices ......................................................... 9 Connectors and switches ........................................... 10 Optional AD Converter ............................................... 11 Converter-related connectors .................................... 12 Control elements .......................................................... Clean Gain, Tube Gain, Output Level .......................... Source, Hi Pass, Phase .............................................. Imped. , Phantom .................................................... Limiter ....................................................................... POWER-LED, LED Level Display, AD OVL ..................... 14 14 15 16 17 18 Operation ..................................................................... 19 Setting levels on the GainStation 1 ............................. 19 Limiter ....................................................................... 20 Application examples ................................................... Vocals/speech ......................................................... Acoustic instruments/orchestra ................................ Acoustic guitar with pickup ....................................... Guitar amps ............................................................. Electric Bass ............................................................ Keyboards/samplers/drum machines ........................ Tube distortions with GainStation 1 ........................... Drums/Snare-Drum .................................................. Kick-Drum ................................................................ Toms ........................................................................ Overhead ................................................................. Technology 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 ................................................................... 26 ................................................ 30 Technical Specifications Dimensions/weight ....................................................... 31 ...... 31 Optionen/Information on Lundahl input transformers Warranty Notes ...................................................................... 32 ........................................................................... 33 GainStation 1 3 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 the mixing domain cannot compete with the open, transparent sound of the best analog gear. So today more than ever, your input signal has to sound as good as possible--the quality of your original tracks will largely define the end result. Lifeless or dynamically lacking signals are often over-processed with EQ, compression and other effects in an attempt to compensate--often an extremely tedious process in the digital domain that doesn`t always produce the desired results. Attacking this problem on the preamplification front, with the goal of noticeably improving a signal and sending it along its path with a healthy foundation, requires a great deal of thought and engineering effort. To this end, the GainStation 1 employs technologies that not only satisfy test equipment, but also--and most importantly--the user. Components and circuits were carefully chosen and designed on the basis of extensive measurements and listening tests. In short, developing the GainStation 1 was a major undertaking that required immense amounts of time and experience. Another important goal in designing the GainStation 1 was that the case itself should optimally adapt itself to modern production environments. It was to be as compact as possible, allowing easy transport and ergonomic placement in virtually any situation. A free-standing case which does not need to be rackmounted has several advantages: not only are the inputs and outputs always easily accessible, but the unit can also easily be placed on top of an amp, outboard rack or even some keyboards, on your desk next to your laptop, or in direct proximity to a microphone to allow for maximum operational comfort and minimum cable lengths. 4 GainStation 1 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 microphone. 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`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. · An almost entirely DC-coupled signal path, making signaldegenerating condensers unnecessary. · An optimized layout guarantees the shortest possible signal paths, while generously proportioned grounding surfaces ensure low impedance and maximum shielding. · All switching functions are handled by encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts. · All resistors are within 0.1% tolerance and were selected after extensive listening tests. · A no-compromise power supply with extensive additional shielding and seven separately wound and regulated voltages. The power supply is of primary importance to audio quality; its importance should not be underestimated. · A tube stage utilizing premium MKP foil condensers and a select 12 AX7 LPS tube for clear, dynamic audio. GainStation 1 5 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 intonation. 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 that he hears and feels what he is playing much better, which leads to improved playing and a better recording. The track will have more punch and dynamics, greatly improved presence and almost palpable detail. In short, the instrument sounds incredibly authentic and alive. Beta-tests with the GainStation 1 showed that all instrumentalists enjoyed playing more and in many cases were truly amazed at what their trusty instrument was capable of. Given this improvement in the input signal, one is much less inclined to equalize and compress--in many cases you will probably find that you can do without additional processing, which not only saves an enormous amount of time and processor power, but also has an extremely positive effect on the final result. The GainStation 1 itself offers effective sound-shaping capabilities at recording, most notably via the tube stage, which can be completely bypassed or continuously added to the preamp circuit, allowing everything from extremely subtle ,,warmth" to a very noticeable tube saturation effect. The integrated limiter can be used to protect an internal or external AD converter from clipping, or for example to add punch to drum tracks, which in turn reduces or in many cases even eliminates the need for subsequent compression. Put simply, the more tracks are recorded with the GainStation 1, the more solid and transparent--and easier to mix--the entire recording will be. 6 GainStation 1 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 electric shock and damage to your equipment. · Leave repairs and maintenance to a qualified service technician. Should foreign objects fall inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or support person. · To avoid electric shock or fire hazards, do not expose your unit to rain or moisture. · In case of lightning, unplug the unit. · Always unplug the cable by pulling on the plug only; never pull on the cable. · Never force a switch or knob. · Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the case. Avoid cleaning agents as they may damage the unit. GainStation 1 7 Rear panel/connections Wiring S/P-DIF signal to DAW, HD recorder etc. S/P-DIF signal for external synchronization POWER ON VOLTAGE/FUSE MAINS INPUT 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 PUSH 44.1 48 XLR Wiring: 1 = GND/ 2 = (+)/ 3 = (­) Jack: Tip = (+)/Ring = (­)/ Sle. = GND AD IN 2 AD IN 1 MUTE 2nd signal input of the optional A/D converter ANA. OUT 2 HI-Z/ LINE INPUT ANA. OUT 1 MIC INPUT Microphone Made in Germany Instruments, Line signals Converter, (HD) recorder or mixing console Pin wiring of TRS connectors Tip = hot (+), Ring = cold (-), Sleeve = GND PUSH 2 3 1 Pin wiring of the XLR microphone input 1 = GND, 2 = hot (+), 3 = cold (-) 1 3 2 Pin wiring of the XLR analog output 1 = GND, 2 = hot (+), 3 = cold (-) 8 GainStation 1 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 corresponds with the power conditions. The following graph shows the correct wiring for connecting unbalanced signals to the balanced XLR connectors: VOLTAGE/FUSE 230 V ­ 50 Hz/315 mA 115 V ­ 60 Hz/630 mA Output balanced unbalanced 1 3 2 1 3 2 1=GND 2=cold (+) 3=hot (-) The HI-Z/Line Input connector is designed for unbalanced signals only. The TRS output connector (see ,,Analog Out ...