Sound Performance Lab 9842 User Manual

Page 1
Model 9842
Manual
Dynamic Effect Processor
Transient
Designer
Page 2
R & D:Rubern Tilgner Written by Hermann Gier and Paul White Version 3.1 - 6/2005
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 authorisation 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 authorised dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damage.
Sound Performance Lab
P.O.Box 12 27
D- 41368 Niederkrüchten,Germany
T el +49-2163-98340
Fax +49-2163-983420
E-Mail:info@soundperformancelab.com
www.soundperformancelab.com
© 2000 SPL electronics GmbH.All rights reserved.
Transient Designer
Model 9842
Manual
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Transient Designer
3
Contents
Dear customer, Thank you for the confidence you have shown towards SPL elec-
tronics GmbH by purchasing the SPL T
RANSIENT DESIGNER, a highly
innovative Dynamic Processor manufactured to a high standard. As you would expect from an SPL unit, the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER
combines exemplary technical specifications with intuitive usabi­lity and unrivalled audio performance.Even though the T
RANSIENT
DESIGNER is very simple to use, please read this manual through carefully at least once to ensure you have all the information you need to get the best out of your new purchase.
We wish you every success with your new T
RANSIENT DESIGNER.
Your Sound Performance Lab-Team
I would like to start with my thanks to all our staff, particularly Ruben Tilgner,who created the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER.The importance
of their exceptional qualification and talents cannot be overesti­mated.
Our products are often tested and compared in many publica­tions, as well as by our customers themselves, and constantly attract praise for the high standard of audio performance they achieve.I would like to pass on this broad appreciation to those, who deserve it - my excellent colleagues.
Hermann Gier
Foreword
Thanks
Foreword ...................................................................................................... 3
Thanks ........................................................................................................... 3
Introduction................................................................................................. 4
Operation Safety......................................................................................... 5
Connections ................................................................................................ 6
T ech T alk ....................................................................................................... 7
Differential Envelope T echnology®....................................................... 7
The attack control-circuitry..................................................................... 7
The sustain control-circuitry................................................................... 7
Connection to digital systems ............................................................... 8
Control Elements .............. ACTIVE .....................................................10
.... SIGNAL LED (Sig.LED)..........................10
... ATTACK ....................................................10
.. SUSTAIN ...................................................11
. LINK ..........................................................11
Applications ....................... Connections ..........................................12
...... Drums & Percussion .............................13
..... Guitar & Bass ..........................................14
.... Backings ..................................................14
... Keyboard, Sampler ...............................14
.. Movie Post Pro ......................................14
. Mastering? ..............................................14
Power Supply...............................................................................................15
Specifications ..............................................................................................16
Warranty........................................................................................................17
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Transient Designer
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The new TRANSIENT DESIGNER provides a revolutionary concept for dynamic processing rendering controls such as Threshold, Ratio and Gain superfluous. The T
RANSIENT DESIGNER's automation is
highly developed, so that while the processing going on inside the box may be very complex,the user has to deal with just a few intuitive controls.SPL's Differential Envelope Technology® is the first solution for level-independent processing of envelopes allo­wing transients to be accelerated or slowed down and sustain prolonged or shortened. The degree of dynamic processing required to do this couldn't be duplicated even using a chain of several conventional compressors, yet only two controls per channel are required to allow the user to completely reshape the attack and sustain characteristics of a sound.
Attack can be amplified or attenuated by up to 15dB while Sustain can be amplified or attenuated by up to 24 dB, enabling weak drum sounds to be made much more percussive and powerful,or for over-percussive transients to be softened.All the necessary time-constants (Attack, Decay and Release) are auto­mated and optimised adaptively in a musical manner according to the characteristics of the input signal. This results in natural sounding signal processing and fast operation.
The T
RANSIENT DESIGNER uses envelope followers to track the
curve of the natural signal so that optimum results are guaran­teed regardless of the input signal's dynamics. Because of the level-independent processing inherent in Differential Envelope Technology®, manual threshold adjustments are not required.In order to maintain the cleanest possible signal path,the T
RANSIENT
DESIGNER uses the excellently specified THAT 2181-VCA s,which are especially natural sounding, transparent and create minimal distortion. High amplitudes are processed without damping of high frequencies or reducing bass.
For stereo operation the LINK function connects channel pairs (1,2 and/or 3,4) such that both channels are controlled by the same side-chain voltage so as to maintain a coherent and stable stereo image. When operating in LINK-mode, the control elements of the first (or third) channel, including the ACTIVE switch,control the second (or fourth) channel,too.Each channel is equipped with a relay hard bypass circuit to ensure a minimum signal path when the process is bypassed.
The Signal-LEDs provide a simple and positive means to quickly monitor the signal flow,which is particularly important if the four channels are connected to a patchbay.
The T
RANSIENT DESIGNER is a
revolutionary Dynamic Processor based on level­independent sound proces­sing that makes it possible to radically change the attack and sustain characteristics of any musical sound in a crea­tive way.
Transients can be accelerated or slowed down and sustain may be prolonged or shor­tened.
This is made possible by the use of adaptively optimised time-constant parameters.
SPL's Differential Envelope Technology® for level-inde­pendent processing.
The latest VCA-technology preserves audio transparency and minimises distortion.
There are four independent channels of signal processing in the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER,
though channels may also be linked for stereo operation.
The unit features a relay hard bypass and Signal-LEDs to simplify metering.
Introduction
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Transient Designer
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Packaged in a standard 19" EIA format and occupying 1U (44,45mm) of rack space,the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER can be installed in
a standard rack,but it is recommended that the rear of the case be supported, especially in touring applications. The T
RANSIENT
DESIGNER should not be installed near units which produce strong magnetic fields or extreme heat. Do not install the T
RANSIENT
D
ESIGNER directly above or below power amplifiers or digital
processors.I f possible,the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER should be placed in
an 'analogue rack' where the majority (or all) of the equipment installed is analogue. Check that the voltage details quoted on the back panel are the same as your local mains electricity supply.
• Use a small,flat bladed screwdriver to set the voltage selector to the voltage for the area in which the unit will be used.
• Never cover up the ventilation slots on the top side of the unit.
• If, during operation, the sound is interrupted or indicators no longer illuminate,or if abnormal odour or smoke is detected,or if liquids are spilled on the unit, immediately disconnect the power cord plug and contact your dealer .
• Only clean your T
RANSIENT DESIGNER with a soft,lint-free cloth.Use
only standard cleaning agents. Never use alcohol or paint thinner,because they may damage the finish.
Important security advices
Operation Safety
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Transient Designer
6
Before connecting the TRANSIENT DESIGNER switch power off at all connected units.
The T
RANSIENT DESIGNERis fitted with XLR-connectors for balanced
operation.The following illustration shows the pin-wiring:
T o ensure optimal signal quality ,SPL has developed a new hybrid­component balanced input/output stage using all laser-trimmed resistors with a tolerance of 0.01%.This approach has resulted in an exceptionally high CCMR (common mode rejection);-80dB at 1kHz and -75dB at 10kHz.
Should the need arise to use the XLR connectors in an unba­lanced system,pin 3 of the XLRs should be grounded. The follo­wing illustration shows how to properly unbalance a balanced signal:
Rear panel TRANSIENT DESIGNER, model 9842
Connections
2
1
3
1
2
3
Pin wiring: XLR output
1 = GND, 2 = hot (+), 3 = cold (-)
Pin wiring: XLR input
1 = GND, 2 = hot (+), 3 = cold (-)
XLR Wiring: 1 = GND/ 2 = (+)/ 3 = (–)
Input 4 Output 4Input 3 Output 3Input 2 Output 2Input 1 Output 1
Serial #
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Output 4 Input 4 Output 3 Input 3 Output 2 Input 2 Output 1 Input 1
Germany
Made in Germany
41372 Niederkrüchten
SPL electronics GmbH
Sound Performance Lab
GND LIFT
WARNING
DISCONNECT MAINS
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT
OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE
BEFORE REMOVING COVER.
Fuse:
115 V
60 Hz
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
400mA
230 V
VOLTAGE/FUSE
Fuse:
230 V
50 Hz
200mA
DO NOT OPEN
soundperformancelab.com
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Transient Designer
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SPL's Differential Envelope
Technology® realises level-
independent envelope
processing,so doing away
with the need for a conven-
tional Threshold control.
Two envelopes are generated
and compared - the VCA
control voltage is derived
from their difference.
Diagram1
illustrates the original curve
and both generated enve-
lopes for processing the
attack period.The envelope
follower Env 1 corresponds to
the shape of the original
curve.The attack of Env 2 is
lower.
Diagram 2
illustrates the difference from
Env 1 and Env 2, giving the
VCA control voltage.
In nearly every aspect the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER is different from
conventional Dynamic Processors or Compressors. You don't need to know how the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER works in order to be able
to use it effectively,but if you're at all curious as to what goes on inside the box,read this section while referring to the diagrams.
Differential Envelope Technology®
Differential Envelope Technology® maintains identical envelope processing from quiet to loud signals (from pianissimo to fortis­simo) without the need for the user to adjust any external para­meters. In a conventional system, low level signals would be excluded from processing. Both parameters (ATTACK and SUSTAIN) work in parallel and do not influence each other.
The ATTACK control circuitry
The ATTACK control circuitry uses two envelope generators.The first follows the shape of the original curve (Diagram1:envelope follower Env 1),while the second generator produces the enve­lope Env 2 (Diagram 1) with a slower attack.
The hatched area shows the difference between Env 1 and En v 2 (Diagram 2), and the VCA control voltage is derived from this difference.Positive ATTACK v alues emphasise attack events ,nega­tive ATTACK v alues smooth out the attack en v elopes of ev ents .
Tech Talk
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Transient Designer
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The SUSTAIN control circuitry
The SUSTAIN control circuitry includes two further envelope generators. The envelope follower Env 3 (Diagram 4), again follows the shape of the original curve.
For a longer period the envelope generator Env 4 (Diagram 4) holds the sustain level according to the peak level and the VCA control voltage is generated by the difference between Env 3 (Diagram 4) and Env 4 (Diagram 5:hatched area).
The sustain is extended at positive settings and shortened at negative settings.
Diagram 3
illustrates the shapes of the processed curves with maximum and minimum attack, compared to the original curve from Diagram 1.
Diagram 4
illustrates the original curve and both envelopes generated for processing the sustain period.The envelope follower Env 3 corresponds to the original curve.The sustain of Env 2 is extended.
Diagram 5
illustrates the difference between Env 4 and Env 3. It determines the VCA control voltage.
Tech Talk
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Transient Designer
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Diagram 6
illustrates the processed
curves with maximum and
minimum sustain compared
to the original curve from
Diagram 1.
Important advice when connecting to digital recording systems:
Each unit connected to the TRANSIENT DESIGNER should be able to handle high input levels. With maximum ATTACK values the instantaneous input level can increase by up to +15 dB. For this reason it is recommended to connect the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER to an
analogue mixing console,because these generally have enough headroom to process peak levels of more than 15dB without clipping.However,it is imperative to check the input levels of the mixer and any clip monitor LEDs at the channel inserts.
If the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER is connected directly to a ProTools 888
interface,a Yamaha O2R mixer or similar units with internal A/D­converter, ATTACK values of about +6dB may overload the converters.In such cases reduce the Input Gain of these systems to provide adequate headroom to accommodate the enhanced transients.
Tech Talk
Prevent overload
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Transient Designer
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The ACTIVE switch operates a hard-bypass relay circuit to switch the channels in and out of processing and a status LED indicates that the channel is active.
The unit also switches to relay hard-bypass automatically in the case of a power failure,either on the primary or secondary side of the power supply, or when the unit is tur ned off at the POWER switch.
If the T
RANSIENT
DESIGNER
is operated in the LINK mode (see 5), channel one's (or three's) ACTIVE also switches channel two (or four) in and out. Note that channel two's ACTIVE status-LED will also follow channel one's ACTIVE status.
The SIGNAL-LED indicates an incoming signal with a level excee­ding -40dB. In complex studio arrangements the LED indication helps to check if a signal actually arrives at the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER.
With the ATTACK control, the attack period of a signal can be emphasised or attenuated by up to 15 dB. For detailed informa­tion about the mode of operation of the ATTACK control please read the section 'Tech Talk' on pages 7 and 8.
5
3
4
2
1
Control elements
Signal-LED
2
Active
1
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Transient Designer
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The ATTACK control circuitry incorporates two envelope genera­tors.One follows the original curve while the second produces an envelope with a slower attack period (Diagram 1,page 7).
The difference (Diagram 2, page 7) between these envelopes results in a voltage that controls the VCA,boosting the transient for a period equal to the duration of the original transient. The amplitude of the attack is increased,if positive ATTACK values are set, while negative AT TACK values reduce the level of the attack transient. For detailed information about using the ATTACK control please refer to pages 12ff.
The SUSTAIN control increases or reduces the level of the sustain portion of a signal by up to 24dB.For detailed information about the mode of operation of the sustain control please read the 'T ech Talk' section on pages 8 and 9.
Two envelope generators work in the SUSTAIN control circuitry, too. Again an envelope follower pursues the original envelope and adapts optimally to the curve of sustain.This second gene­rator produces an envelope with extended sustain (Diagram 4, page 8).The difference between both envelopes is then used to calculate the voltage controlling the VCA, though as with the A TT A CKcircuitry,the enhancement ceases at the end of the signal being processed.
Sustain amplitude is increased for positive SUSTAIN settings and reduced for negative settings.For detailed information about using the SUSTAIN control please refer to pages 12ff.
When processing stereo material, the LINK function should be switched on so that the linked channels produce the same degree of gain change, regardless of any difference in levels of the two channels. This is necessary to maintain a coherent and stable stereo image.
The front panel controls,including the A
CTIVE switch of channel
1 or 3,function as the master controls in LINK mode.
Control elements
Sustain
4
Attack
3
Link
5
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Transient Designer
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The TRANSIENT DESIGNER is ideally suited for use in professional recording,in project or home studios and P.A.applications.
For the first time the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER provides the technology
to manipulate the attack and sustain characteristics of a signal regardless of level, and using simple controls. Usually equalisers are used to separate instruments in a mix – the tonal aspect of the signal is considered,but not the temporal aspect.By accelerating the transients or/and shortening the sustain of an instrument,the mix can be made to sound more transparent.Instruments can be mixed at lower levels,still maintaining their positions in the mix, but occupying less space.
'Front/rear-positioning' of drums or other percussive instru­ments can effectively be 're-miked' during the mix – at least,that's the subjective effect. Applied to single instruments or loops,this technology creates new sounds or adds weight and authority to existing sounds.
There are several ways to connect the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER to your
equipment. One of the most flexible options is wiring the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER to a patchbay, and if your console has swit-
chable insert points to prevent audio running through the patchbay when not required,so much the better.
Alternatively, the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER may be connected directly
to the channel or subgroup inserts.
The T
RANSIENT DESIGNER may also be connected directly to the
output stages of drum machines or samplers,if no suitable inserts are available, though it should not be connected via an effects aux send/return loop.
Diagram 7
Connecting the T
RANSIENT
DESIGNER to the channel inserts of the mixer for processing different tracks.
Diagram 8
Direct wiring between sampler or drum machine and mixer.
Channel or Subgroup Insert Sends
Channel or Subgroup Insert Returns
Multi-Track
Mixer
Sampler Output
T
RANSIENT DESIGNER Output to Mixer
Sampler
Mixer
Applications
Connections
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Transient Designer
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One of the most interesting applications of the TRANSIENT
D
ESIGNER is processing drum and percussion sounds, both from
samples to live drum sets:
• The attack of a bass drum or a loop can be emphasised to increase the power and presence in the mix.
• The sustain period of a snare or a reverb-flag can be shortened in a very musical way to obtain more transparency in the mix.
• Recording a live drum set,toms or overheads can be shortened without physically damping them.
• Miking live drums is considerably faster and easier,because the apparent 'distance' of the microphone can be corrected by varying the A TTACK and SUSTAIN values.
• The T
RANSIENT DESIGNER is a perfect partner to noise gates in live
drum miking.
• Corresponding adaptively to the duration of the original signal, the sustain can be shortened more musically than with tightly adjusted release times,effectively reducing crosstalk.
• When recording live drums or other instruments on a HD recor­ding system, the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER prevents time-consuming
removing of crosstalk signals on the hard disk.
• It is possible to create unusual dynamic effects, including new and interesting pan effects. If, for example, a mono loop is patched through two channels of the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER panned
hard left and right in the mix, such that the left channel is processed with increased AT TACK and reduced SUSTAIN while the right channel is adjusted in the opposite way,a ver y special stereo loop sound is created.You have to try this to appreciate what it sounds like, but expect to hear a lot of unusual stereo movement.
• By reducing ATTACK and increasing SUSTAIN, signals that are too up-front sounding can be moved back into the mix. Additionally the FX parts of 'too dry' signals are strengthened.
• Drum sounds are easier to integrate into the mix.If the acoustic level of a snare is expanded to approximately +4 dB by increa­sing the attack value,the effective increase of peak levels in the overall mix is merely about 0.5dB to 1dB.
Applications
Drums & Percussion
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Transient Designer
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• Used to process guitar sounds,the TRANSIENT DESIGNER softens the instrument by lowering the attack.Alternatively,increasing the attack lets the sound jump to the front of the mix,which works particularly well for picking guitars.
• Highly distorted electric guitars are already highly compressed, leaving them with minimal dynamic range.This can obscure the note attacks,but increasing the attack setting clarifies the indi­vidual notes.
• High distortion also prolongs the sustain, broadening the sound.Reducing the SUSTAIN setting counteracts those effects.
• Increasing the sustain period of miked acoustic guitars produces clearer audible stereophonic sounds. Reducing the sustain value can help dry up the sound.
• When recording choirs, the effect of too much 'ambience' can be reduced by using a lower sustain setting.
• Frequently keyboard and sample sounds are intensively compressed leaving little of their original dynamic range. Increasing the attack brings back the natural dynamics so the sounds need less space in the mix and are easier to pick out, even at lower levels.
• With the help of the T
RANSIENT
DESIGNER 'Budget' drum machines can provide sounds and grooves that sound far more powerful and dynamic than the original untreated sounds.
• Effect sounds and sample libraries benefit from more punch and more power – useful when working on TV commercials or movie soundtracks.
• 'Out door' recordings often suffer from poor microphone posi­tioning.The T
RANSIENT DESIGNER can help create the effect of re-
positioning the mics during the mix.
• However, like any good thing, you have to know where not to use it.For example,use in mastering is not recommended as it's rarely a good idea to treat a whole mix at once. Instead, treat individual elements within the mix.
Backings
Guitars
Keyboards, Sampler, Drum-Machines
Movie Post Pro
Mastering?
Applications
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Transient Designer
15
Internal 15 VA torroidal
transformer
Voltage selector
Ground-lift switch
Transformer, power cord and
mains connector with VDE,
UL and CSA approvals.
Fuses (primary voltages):
200 mA/400 mA.
Special care has gone into the design of the power supply of the T
RANSIENT DESIGNER.The power supply is the heart of any electronic
system,and the better it is,the better the whole system works.In an audio system, this translates into better sound quality,lower noise and lower distortion.
The power supply is based around a 15V A torroidal transformer and is designed without an air gap to minimise induced hum and noise.The primary voltage may be selected between 230V/50Hz and 115V/60Hz by means of a recessed slide switch on the rear panel and a ground-lift switch is fitted for use where ground loops are causing hum problems.When the G
ND LIFT switch is set
to off,the circuit ground is isolated from the chassis ground.
The detachable power cord is a standard 3-wire type fitted with an IEC mains connector; the transformer, power cord and mains connector have VDE,UL and CSA approvals.The fuses have values of 200mA/230V and 400mA/115V.
On the secondary side of the power supply,an RC combination is used to filter out noise and hum.Both half-waves are smoothed with 2 x 1000µF capacitors in the positive and 2 x 1000µF capaci­tors in the negative voltage supply path,and both lines use preci­sion voltage regulators for optimum stability .Deviations of only a few millivolts can impair audio quality ,introducing artefacts such as loss of stereo imaging or a diffuse sound character.Particular care has gone into the circuit layout and component choice to minimise crosstalk between the audio circuitry and control voltages.
Power Supply
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Transient Designer
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Input & Output
Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced (differential), transformerless
Nominal input level...................................... +6dB
Input impedance .......................................... = 22kOhms
Output impedance ...................................... < 600Ohms
Max.input level.............................................. +24dBu
Max.output level .......................................... +22,4dBu
Minimum load ohms ................................... 600Ohms
Relay Hard Bypass / Power Fail Safety
Measurements
Frequency response..................................... 20 Hz - 100 kHz
... (100 kHz = -3 dB)
CCMR (common mode rejection)............. - 87dBu @ 100 Hz
... - 80dBu @ 1kHz
.. - 75dBu @ 10kHz
. - 70dBu @ 20kHz
THD & N ............................................................ 0,004% @1kHz
S/N CCIR 468-3 .............................................. -89dBu
S/N A-weightened ....................................... -105dBu
Power Supply
T orroidal transf ormer................................... 15VA
Fuses (230V / 115 V) .................................... 200mA /400mA
Ground-Lift switch,Voltage selector
Dimensions
Housing............................................................ Standard EIA 19"/1U,
... 482 x 44,45 x 237mm
Weight .............................................................. 3,4 kg
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775V.Subject to change without notice.
Specifications
Page 17
Transient Designer
17
SPL electronics GmbH (hereafter called SPL) products are warranted only in the country where purchased, through the authorized SPL distributor in that country, against defects in material or workmanship. The specific period of this limited warranty shall be that which is described to the original retail purchaser by the authorized SPL dealer or distributor at the time of purchase.
SPL does not, however,warrant its products against any and all defects:
1) arising out of materials or workmanship not provided or furnished by SPL,or
2) resulting from abnormal use of the product or use in violation of instructions,or
3) in products repaired or serviced by other than authorized SPL repair facilities,or
4) in products with removed or defaced serial numbers,or
5) in components or parts or products expressly warranted by another manufacturer.
SPL agrees, through the applicable authorized distributor, to repair or replace defects covered by this limited warranty with parts or products of original or improved design, at its option in each respect,if the defective product is shipped prior to the end of the warranty period to the designated authorized SPL warranty repair facility in the country where purchased, or to the SPL factory in Germany, in the original packaging or a replacement supplied by SPL, with all transportation costs and full insurance paid each way by the purchaser or owner.
All remedies and the measure of damages are limited to the above services. It is possible that economic loss or injury to person or property may result from the failure of the product; however, even if SPL has been advised of this possibility, this limited warranty does not cover any such consequential or inci­dental damages.Some states or countries do not allow the limita­tions or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages,so the above limitation may not apply to you.
Any and all warranties, expressed or implied, arising by law, course of dealing,course of performance,usage of trade,or other­wise,including but not limited to implied warranties of merchan­tability and fitness for particular,are limited to a period of 1 (one) year from either the date of manufacture. Some states or coun­tries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state,country to country.
SPL electronics GmbH, D-41372 Niederkrüchten,Germany
Warranty
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