Sound Performance Lab 2049 User Manual
Manual
Model 2049
Stereo Compressor
Kultube (Model 2049)
Manual
Version 1.1 – 11/2004
R & D: Ruben Tilgner
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. Bo x 1 2 2 7
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
Introduction .............................................................................................. 4
Particular Feature, Equipment ................................................................... 4
Hookup & Security Advices ........................................................................ 5
Power Supply ............................................................................................ 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
Content
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 f all inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or suppor t
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 ra ck ( especially important when touring).
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.
Power Supply
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
Rear Panel/Wiring
The Kultube can optionally be equipped with a 24 bit/96 kHz converter module
Connection to console:
Insert Sends > Analog Inputs
Insert Returns > Analog Outputs
Connector for external
processing units (e. g.
Equalizer)
Pin wiring Stereo Jack Connector:
Tip = Hot (+) Ring = Cold (-) Sleeve = GND
Pin wiring XLR Output:
1 = GND 2 = Hot (+) 3 = Cold (-)
2
3
1
Further Kultubes
as slaves in multi-
channel link mode
Pin wiring XLR Input:
1=GND 2=Hot (+) 3=Cold (-)
1
3
2
6
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
2
Alternatively unbalanced signals can be connected with mono Jack connec-
tors to the balanced Jack sockets.
1
3
unbalanced
2
1
3
balanced
1=GND
2=hot (+)
3=cold (-)
1
Output
2
3
unbalanced
1
2
3
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
Sockets & Rear Switch
Sidechain inputs
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 u se 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
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