SPL
GainStation 1
Single channel microphone and instrument preamplifier Input makes all the difference. Modern audio production relies increasingly on digital systems for recording and mixing processes (DAW's, digital consoles etc.). But still digital systems 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. 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 – like with the GainStation 1. Its very compact
design allows for free placing also outside of a rack (e. g. close to the
microphone). Musicians can place the GainStation 1 easily on a rack or
amplifier.
The SPL
GainBag to transport GainStation 1, a microphone and cable. Most notable features of the GainStation 1:
In our humble opinion, the time and energy invested in the development of the GainStation 1 was well worth it. The result is an extremely compact, unusually flexible preamplifier that delivers audio quality usually found only in units costing much more. We believe we just may have set a new record in the sound per cubic centimeter category. | The Channel One is a complete channel strip with all the tools onboard for recording voices, instruments and digital or analog audio sources with the highest sound quality: a transistor/tube preamplifier, a de-esser, a compressor/limiter with noise gate, an EQ section and a headphone monitor.
The concept of the Channel One is as the ideal recording tool – for hard disk tracking as well as for analog environments. Intelligent automation ensures intuitive, fast operation and guarantees the finest recording results. Sound On Sound (UK), Paul White: "Until you've tried something that works this well, the words 'smooth' and 'detailed' won't have nearly as much meaning as after playing with the Channel One. If you're wondering where that elusive 'produced' vocal sound is hiding, look no further – it's in here!" | Like its successful predecessor, the GoldMike Mark2 retains a hybrid solid state and tube construction to combine the best of both worlds. The transistor stage is composed of single transistors in a class A design. The circuitry is fully discrete, and each transistor is completely optimized for its specific task. You will not find any IC’s in this preamplifier stage because they cannot be optimized for this specific application to the degree we aimed for. This all new discrete class A transistor stage is a genuine innovation in the entire preamplifier market at this price level. • Frequency response ‹10Hz bis 90kHz (-3dB) • THD+N (Input level -30dBu, 30dB Gain) 0,016% • Noise (A-w., R=40Ohm, 30dB Gain) -91,2dBu • Dynamic range (30dB Gain) 110dB • E.I.N. 128dBu • Max. output level (sym., XLR+Jack) +26,8dBu • Slew rate solid state stage 200V/µs The GoldMike MK2's new features provide an amazing tonal flexibility and versatility, making it a perfect dual-channel frontend for any modern production environment. • Discrete Class A solid stage • Tube drive in three different intensity levels • Flair presence enhancement in two switchable settings • Switching inserts • Pre-output limiter stage (extremely fast diode-based operation, perfect for A/D converter protection) • VU metering with three different, switchable display ranges • Front panel instrument input, separate rear-side microphone and line inputs • Phantom power, phase reverse, pad and high-pass filter (50Hz) • Options include 24/96 AD converter and in/output transformers by Lundahl |
The Track One is a complete mono channel strip for the high-quality recording and processing of vocals and instruments and in spite of its high level of performance, it is very competitively priced. It is ideal for the fast and reliable recording of vocals or acoustic instruments but also suitable for live performance and AV post-editing.
Features • Preamp stages optimized for all microphone types and instruments • SPL‘s De-Esser • Compressor/limiter stage • 3-band EQ stage • Output stage with metering • Balanced XLR and Jack connectors (parallel use possible) • Options: A/D converter and Lundahl input transformer Ideally suited... • for high quality recordings • for HD recording (with A/D converter option) • for vocal processings in studio or live applications • for installations, „one man show“ entertainment etc. | Increase your track power eightfold in only 2U—Thanks to exceptional headroom throughout its design and the superb signal regulation of its limters, the GainStation8 is the perfect front end for multi-track recordings or AD converters. Nowadays typical preamps are designed on an either-or basis — either solid state or tube. With these designs the engineer has a non integrated and thus often frustrating choice between a pure, neutral solid state recording or one unavoidably influenced by tubes. While the engineer may find solutions for one application with one microphone, a preamplifier for different situations, mics and instruments must provide a commensurate range of choices—like the GainStation preamps. A combination of 63dB solid state and an independently controllable 26dB tube circuitry (which can also be deactivated) ensures a complete sound palette panorama. In any situation the engineer now can achieve his goals with one front end for best-of-both-worlds results. • Separated Solid state and tube preamps. The tube preamp can be used additionally to the solid state stage to add tube saturations, for clean recordings it can be switched off. • Peak/FET Limiter • Switchable Mic Input Impedance (200 Ohms, 1,2 & 10 kOhms) • 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. • All switching functions are handled by encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts. • A no-compromise power supply with extensive additional shielding and seven separately wound and regulated voltages • Lundahl input transforner option, also for single channels or channel pairs | The new, proprietary SPL RackPack modular system allows for free configuration of an analog rack fully loaded with all SPL specialties. Whether eight-channel preamp, effects rack or personal channel strip, the RackPack system allows for free configuration of analog racks to meet individual demands in studio or live applications. The first three modules – two new preamps and the Transient Designer – are already available: The Prefrence Mic Pre is a straightforward, transformerless IC preamp, while the Premium Mic Pre offers a triple stage solid state design with discrete transistor circuitry and Lundahl input and output transformers. Based upon the preamp designs of the Atmos® Surround Recording System, the two new modules continue the tradtion SPL's first-class, proven and successful solid state preamp designs. Further modules (pictured below) will follow later in 2007, tube modules are scheduled for 2008. Images used here are drawings of the prototype versions. Specifications will be published with the availability of each module. Technical and/or conceptual changes can not be excluded until the serial versions are fixed. |
Balanced instrumentation amplifier design, transparent and low noise operation, extremely reliable. | High quality triple stage design with Lundahl input transformers and discrete high voltage transistors. | |
The DynaMaxx compressor, limiter, gate offers ease of use due to musically automated time constants and premiers the De-Compressor to regain vitality from compressed audio files. | EQ module for the bass range with 8 passive boost/cut filters and dry-/wet control. | |
EQ module for the mid/vocal range with 8 passive boost/cut filters and dry-/wet control. | The Charisma is a tube processor designed to improve the power, punch, dynamics and the subjective loudness of processed signals. | Transducer
Model 2601 Analog Speaker- and Miking-Simulator Gearwire Interview on Musikmesse 2007 Quicktime Movie The SPL Transducer is an analog cabinet and miking simulator for guitar amplifiers which was designed in a cooperative developmental effort with German guitar amp specialists of Tonehunter. In studio and on stage the Transducer replaces the guitar speaker cabinet and microphone(s) so that the time and resource-intensive microphone processing of this loud sonic source is no longer necessary. In addition the Transducer offers much more sonic flexibility and variety than a single mike and cabinet setup because it allows for varied speaker and mike simulations while allowing to retain accustomed features of individual setups (such as the ability to vary level-dependent loudspeaker characteristics and microphone distances). Main advantages Authentic sound qualities and real time response for the guitar player – in contrast to digital simulations with latencies in processing Independence from volume levels during performances or recording sessions Independence from room acoustics in recordings Provides for a live signal in recording quality without crosstalk from miking Great space and weight reduction in transport German magazine GITARRE & BASS 5/07, Report on Musikmesse Frankfurt 2007: "Of course we know about the most new products also before the fair starts, so we are more busy examining instruments and devices than looking for surprises. However, sometimes you discover a hit though, like this year in hall 5.1 at the booth of SPL, renowned manufacturer of studio gear. The developer himself demonstrated the ultimate D. I. solution for guitar amps: the Transducer. This 2 U unit elaborately recreates the load reactions of a loud speaker. Switches allow to choose from different cabinet and microphone simulations. It was impressive during our rehearsal how variable and real the Speaker Action and Miking Level controls shaped the signal. The signal quality is simply convincing, substantially better than anything in this sector up to now. Our editorial office is considering a centralized order – with a price of approximately 1100 Euro the holy grail is even affordable." Tonehunter and SPL The Transducer is a cooperative developmental effort between the guitar amp firm of Tonehunter and SPL. It brings together many years of experience from the professional music scene, combining specialized knowledge of electric guitarists and SPL‘s established international reputation in the research and development of analog studio electronics. This mutual effort of these two firms has been the basis for new ideas such as the unique Transducer concept, which has the potential to revolutionize the working life of both the electric guitarist and the recording studio engineer. |
The new Atmos system is a complete, system independent surround miking system including two mic array options: the ASM5 indoor microphone with Brauner VM1 capsules or the new SPL Pentarray with mic capsules from Microtech Gefell for indoor and outdoor applications. Ten years of experience in surround miking technology result in a reference system for surround sound in highest definition. The new Atmos Controller incorporates the five channel, remotely controllable preamplifier section, a LFE channel composer with level control and a headphone monitor. In contrast to the fully featured predecessor, the controller is now focused on basic features. This reduces costs dramatically for a pure, high definition preamp/microphone setup. The preamplifier section ensures a homogeneous preamplification over all channels for a coherent imaging of rooms and source widths. The high precision preamplifiers are based upon SPL‘s Triple Gain Stage to capture the superb sound of the mic arrays in the most transparent, noiseless and uncoloured way. Lundahl transformers provide galvanic isolation and a passive 1:5 preamplification. The ASM5 is based upon five selected and matched VM1 large diaphragm capsules. The positions of the all microphone heads are variable +/-90 degrees. The new SPL Pentarray is produced by Microtech Gefell and comes with five M930 mics with variable postions as well. Individual microphone solutions can be connected to the Atmos controller as well. The Atmos provides balanced XLR and DB25 outputs (parallel). |
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