Manual Model 2049 Stereo Compressor Kultube (Model 2049) Version 1.1 ­ 11/2004 R & D: Ruben Tilgner Manual 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 authorization of SPL. Limitations of Liability: In no event will SPL be liable for any damages, including loss of data, lost profits, cost of cover or other special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the use of the unit, however caused and on any theory of liability. This limitation will apply even if SPL or an authorized dealer has been adviced of the possibility of such damage. Sound Performance Lab SPL electronics GmbH P.O. Box 12 27 D- 41368 Niederkruechten, Germany Phone +49 - 21 63 / 98 34 0 Fax +49 - 21 63 / 98 34 20 eMail: info@soundperformancelab.com www.soundperformancelab.org © 2004 SPL electronics GmbH. All Rights Reserved. 2 Content Introduction .............................................................................................. Particular Feature, Equipment ................................................................... Hookup & Security Advices ........................................................................ Power Supply ............................................................................................ 4 4 5 5 Connections Rear Panel/Wiring ..................................................................................... 6 General Advices, Sockets & Switches ........................................................ 7 Control Elements Red. /VU, Digital Input, Softknee, De Comp. ............................................. 9 PTC-Attack, PTC-Release, Key On, Key Listen, Slave, Active ....................... 9 Threshold, Ratio, Release, Make Up Gain .................................................. 11 Tube Harmonics ......................................................................................... 12 Operation ­ Understanding and enjoying the Kultube The Threshold Control ............................................................................... 12 The Ratio Control ....................................................................................... 13 The Attack Control ..................................................................................... 14 Progressive Time Control ­ Attack ............................................................. 15 The Release Control ................................................................................... 16 Progressive Time Control ­ Release ........................................................... 17 Applications ­ Using and enjoying the Kultube Summed Signal Processing ....................................................................... 19 Single Track & Subgroup Processing .......................................................... 19 Sidechain .................................................................................................. 20 Multi Channel and 5.1 SurroundProcessings .............................................. 21 Specifications ............................................................................................ 22 Warranty .................................................................................................... 23 Your Notes ................................................................................................. 24 3 Introduction The Kultube is an extremely versatile compressor with a broad range of control facilities that cover all typical compressor applications. From improved stereo mixes in the "MIDI Studio" to surround mastering with several devices connected, all jobs can be undertaken to the highest degree of sound quality. You can, for example, choose between the hard and soft-knee characteristic and insert external devices via a side-chain input for external control. With the unique "Progressive Time Control" for attack and release, time constants can be optimised by unique circuitry that reacts both to the input signal and to the user settings - for example, fast impulses are intercepted by an attack time as fast as 20 us. In master/slave mode, any number of devices can be controlled from one master unit. The adjustable tube saturation of the output stages combined with automatic output level adjustment can produce tube sound effects that range from the delicate to the raucous whilst a useful decompressor mode can reanimate overcompressed material (such as samples). The Kultube user has a unique range of powerful compression tools always available, from subtle unobtrusive compression to very obvious `effect` compressions - it`s all possible. Used conventionally or as an effect, in the MIDI and project studio or in the professional studio, the Kultube delivers outstanding audio quality with SPL`s acclaimed musicality and user-friendliness. Applications cover those of a classic compressor for vocals and instruments, in both mono and stereo, through to stereo operation for subgroup processing, stereo mastering, multi-channel or surround projects. Particular Feature SPL has developed discrete, very high performance gain cells that are used instead of the usual VCAs and the Kultube is the first product to use them. They ensure the highest level of musicality and clarity in signal processing and demonstrate significantly improved distortion values over VCAs. Equipment · "Progressive Time Control": user optimization of attack and release times that work in conjunction with the unit`s signal responsive circuitry to provide the best attributes of manual and auto compressors at the same time · Adjustable tube saturation with output level adjustment · Selectable soft or hard knee characteristics · Unique decompression mode · Large VU meter displays gain reduction or (mono summed) output level · Switchable side-chain inputs on the front panel · Slave mode for multi-channel operation 4 Hookup & Security Advices Carefully select a place for setting up the Kultube. The unit should be situated away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Avoid installation in environments exposed to vibrations, dust, heat, cold or moisture. Keep the unit away from transformers or motors or any other unit that could generate large variations in power supply or cause electrical interferences. Do not install the unit in proximity to power amplifiers or digital processors. You may consider placing it in a rack containing other analog gear. Such placement can prevent interference from Word Clock, Smpte, MIDI, etc. · Do not open the case. You may risk electric shock and may damage 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 dampness. · In case of lightning unplug the unit. Please unplug the cable by pulling on the plug only; never pull on the cable. · Never force a switch or knob. · To clean the case use a lint-free cloth. Avoid cleaning agents as they may damage the chassis. Manufactured in standard 19" EIA format, it utilises two rack units. · Please support the back of the unit whenever it is being mounted into a 19 inch rack (especially important when touring). Power Supply Built around a torroidal transformer, the power supply allows for a minimal electromagnetic field with no hum or mechanical noise. The power supply`s output side is filtered by an RC circuit to extract noise and hums caused by your power service. 6000 µf capacitors smooth out the positive and negative half waves. An additional power supply filter is placed before the power switch to eliminate disturbing influences. All signal processing components are supplied with two separate current regulators to exclude influences from the remaining components. The 220 v current for the tube stage power is smoothed out with 200 µF and stabilized precisely by current regulators. A current limiting ensures a sparing warm up phase. The anode current is switched on after warm up. Both measures ensure a remarkable extension of the tube`s lifetime. The supply voltage can be set to 230 V/50 Hz or 115 V/60 Hz. Check your country`s power requirements for the appropriate setting. An AC power cord is included to feed the IEC-spec, 3-prong connector. Transformer, AC cord and IEC-receptacle are VDE, UL and CSA approved. The main fuse is rated at 315 mA for 230 v and 630 mA for 115 v. Chassis ground and AC ground can be physically disconnected with the "GND Lift" switch on the rear panel to eliminate hums. 5 Connections The Kultube can optionally be equipped with a 24 bit/96 kHz converter module 6 Further Kultubes as slaves in multichannel link mode Connector for external processing units (e. g. Equalizer) Connection to console: Insert Sends > Analog Inputs Insert Returns > Analog Outputs 1 3 2 2 1 Pin wiring XLR Input: Pin wiring XLR Output: 1 = GND 2 = Hot (+) 3 = Cold (-) Pin wiring Stereo Jack Connector: Tip = Hot (+) Ring = Cold (-) Sleeve = GND Rear Panel/Wiring 3 1=GND 2=Hot (+) 3=Cold (-) General Advices Again, while Kultube`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 Kultube or any other equipment turn off all power. 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: Connections Input balanced unbalanced Output balanced unbalanced 2 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 2 1 3 2 1= GND 2 = hot (+) 3 = cold (-) Alternatively unbalanced signals can be connected with mono Jack connectors to the balanced Jack sockets. Sockets & Rear Switch Analog XLR and RCA jacks Symmetrical XLR and RCA jacks are used for analog in- and outputs. An analog mixing console is generally connected here (Insert Send/Return). Since the RCA and XLR jacks are wired in parallel, unbalanced operation of the RCA jack will have the same effect on the XLR jack and vice-versa. The Kultube is configured for a nominal level of +4dBu and can handle an input level of max. 25 dBu, with max. +23 dBu available on the output. It is recommended to drive the Kultube with a signal level of between 0 dBu and 12 dBu ­ this being the optimum drive range for signal processing in which also the signal-to-noise ratio is the best. Connections 7 Connections Sidechain inputs Sockets & Rear Switch This jack is used as a sidechain input for connecting an external audio signal to control the Kultube (e. g. an equalizer for frequency dependent processing). It is configured as a stereo RCA jack, with the left channel on the tip and the right channel on the ring. Ideally you should use a normal insert cable that combines a stereo RCA plug (connected to the Kultube) and two mono RCA plugs (connected to the control device). When using an equalizer you can connect its inputs to the unused jack inputs on the Kultube. In this way both the equalizer and the Kultube get the same signal, since the XLR and RCA jacks are wired in parallel. To use the sidechain input, activate the KEY ON switch on the front panel. To monitor the signal, activate the KEY LISTEN switch. For other notes on using the sidechain function, see the section on page 20. Multi Channel Link The MULTI CHANNEL LINK jacks can be used to connect multiple Kultube units for multi-channel operation, so that they can be used together with a master unit. Before connecting the link cable, determine which is the master unit and connect the link cable to the MASTER jack. All linked devices are connected only through the SLAVE jack. CAUTION ­ NOTE WARNING: Always define only one master device! Never connect more than one device through the MASTER jack ­ otherwise components may be destroyed! After you have made the cable connections, the SLAVE switch on the front panel of each slave unit must be activated. From now on all functions of all slave units are controlled by the master. See page 21 for additional information about multi-channel operation. Hum? Ground Lift! Hum can be eliminated with the GND/LIFT switch on the rear of the unit (isolates the internal ground from chassis ground). Hum can occur for example when the Kultube is connected to devices having a different ground potential. Hum problems can also be avoided however by consistently installing balanced wirings. For this reason the GND lift function is by default not activated. 8 Switches Control Elements Please note also the information on various controls under ,,Understanding ...