The SPL GainStation 1 Preamp is a single channel preamplifier that combines Class-A clean gain with sound-shaping tube gain in a compact design that allows for free placing close to the microphone or on top of an amplifier.
The GainStation 1 is a hybrid preamplifier consisting of a discrete Class A transistor stage and tube stage. The hybrid design of the preamplifier combines the advantages of semiconductors (high dynamics with low distortion, low noise) with the musical qualities of tube sound (pleasant high/overtone spectrum, beautiful three-dimensionality).
Clean Gain
The Clean Gain stage is a balanced instrumentation amplifier built with our DMPAs (Discrete Mic Pre Amp, 60 Volt rail). In Class A mode, both end transistors always remain in a conducting state, thus avoiding crossover distortion. With a slew rate of over 100 V/µs, it is capable of amplifying even fast details and high frequencies cleanly and with low distortion.
Tube Gain
The tube gain stage is equipped with a 12 AX 7 LPS. It impresses with good noise figures and an open and clear sound image. As decoupling capacitor a WIMA MKP type is used, which is very generously dimensioned with 2.2 µF, in order to work clean and powerful also in the bass range.
HiZ/Line Input
The instrument input is a discrete impedance converter that also operates in class A mode. The core is a low-noise field-effect transistor, which is ideally suited as an impedance converter due to its very high input resistance.
Input & Output Stages
The input differential amplifiers are constructed with closely toleranced and thermally coupled transistor pairs. The output stage operates as a current amplifier, which also offers pure class A operation with over 6mA quiescent current. DC voltage components are eliminated with an active servo circuit instead of coupling capacitors.
SPL GainStation 1 Preamp Features
- Separately controllable transistor and tube preamplifiers
- The (switchable) tube stage delivers subtle to brutal tube saturation
- Only high-quality MKP film capacitors are used in the tube stage
- Peak/FET Limiter
- Polarity-reversal stage
- 48-Volt phantom power
- LED level indicator
- Switchable impedance adjustment for the microphone input (200 Ω, 1,2 kΩ & 10 kΩ)
- Discrete operational amplifiers in Class A technology instead of industrial ICs
- Amplifier slew rate of <100 V/µs
- Gas-encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts
- Resistors with 0.1 % tolerance in the entire audio path
- Power supply with double shielding, each voltage with its own winding and regulation
SPL GainStation 1 Preamp Specifications
- Frequency response:
- 1Hz-310kHz (Clean Gain 30dB, Tube Gain off)
- 1Hz-125kHz (Clean Gain 30dB, Tube Gain 1dB)
- THD+N:
- 0.0005% (Clean Gain 24dB, Tube Gain off, output level +6dB, 20-22kHz)
- 0.032% (Clean Gain 23dB, Tube Gain 1dB, output level +6dB, 20-22kHz)
- Noise:
- -95.4dBu (Clean Gain 10dB, Tube Gain off, A-weighted)
- -91.8dBu (Clean Gain 30dB, Tube Gain aus, A-weighted)
- -67.2dBu (Clean Gain 60dB, Tube Gain aus, A-weighted)
- -86.4dBu (Clean Gain 20dB, Tube Gain 10dB, A-weighted)
- E.I.N.: 127.2dB (Clean Gain 60dB, Tube Gain off, A-weighted, 40Ohm)
- Dynamic range: >130dB (20-22kHz, A-weighted)
- Common Mode Rejection: >80dB (Clean Gain 30dB, Tube Gain off, 1kHz, Input -30dBu)
- Maximum Output Level: +34dBu
- Max. Input Level: (Mic Input, Hi-Z Input): +17dBu
- Input Impedance: (Instrument Input): 1MOhm
- Output impedance: >75Ohm
- Slew Rate: >40V/µs (Clean Gain 30dB, Tube Gain off, output Level +6dB)
- Phantom power: 48V +/-2V
- Power consumption (w/o AD converter): 25W
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 106 x 122 x 271 mm; 4.17 x 4.8 x 10.67
- Weight: 2,65 kg, 5.84lbs
SPL GainStation 1 Preamp Includes
- SPL GainStation 1 Preamp
- Power Cable
- Manual
- Manufacturer Warranty
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