SPL Charisma 9527 Owner's Manual

Owner´s Manual

SOUND PERFORMANCE LAB

8-channel Tube Processor

Model 9527

Charisma

Charisma

SOUND PERFORMANCE LAB

by Hermann Gier
version 2.1 – 04/1997

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 advised of the possibility of
such damage.

SPL electronics GmbH

Office address:

Hauptstrasse 59
D-41372 Niederkruechten, Germany

Postal address:

P.O. Box 12 27
D- 41368 Niederkruechten, Germany

Tel. +49 - 21 63 / 98 34-0
Fax +49 - 21 63 / 98 34-20

E-Mail [e-mail]
Net www.SPL-electronics.com

© 1997 SPL electronics GmbH. All Rights Reserved.

CHARISMA

Owner´s Manual
ENGLISH

3

© SPL electronics GmbH, Stand 04/97

Charisma

Charisma

Contents

Dear customer,

Thank you for the confidence you have shown towards SPL

electronics GmbH by purchasing the SPL C

HARISMA. You have

decided to use a tool of high performance which sets you in the
position to have faster success and a better sound quality in
your music productions. As a typical SPL unit the C

HARISMA

combines exemplary specifications and high manufacturing
standard with excellent sound quality to provide you a precious
component for studio purposes.

Please read this manual carefully to ensure you have all the

information you need to use the C

HARISMA.

We wish you every success with your new C

HARISMA.

Your S

OUND PERFORMANCE LAB-Team

I would like to start with my thanks to all our staff, who
created what is to be described here. The importance of their
exceptional qualification and talents cannot be overestimated.

A very special “thank you” goes to Manfred Reckmeyer,
whose longterm experience in tube technology including
custom modifications of tube gear for many artists made this
product possible.

Our products are often tested and compared in many publica­tions and by our customers themselfs and constantly valued
with best results. 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.................................................................... 4

Connections........................................................................... 5

Control Elements

D

RIVE.......................................................................... 6

M

AX/PROCESS LED´s................................................... 6

C

HARISMA.................................................................... 7

O

UTPUT....................................................................... 7

B

YPASS........................................................................ 7

Applications

Normal Processing................................................................ 8

Set-up positions....................................................... 8

Getting started.......................................................... 8

The C

HARISMA control................................................ 8

Tip offs...................................................................... 9

Extreme Processing.............................................................. 9

Tip offs...................................................................... 9

Power Supply.........................................................................10

Specifications.........................................................................11

Warranty................................................................................12

4

© SPL electronics GmbH, Stand 04/97

Charisma

Charisma

CHARISMA is a 8-channel tube processor designed to improve
the power, punch, dynamics and the subjective loudness of the
signal being processed. Designed to introduce a subjective
tonal warmth and a smooth bottom end into digitally recorded
material.

C

HARISMA represents a solution that far exceeds the mere

simulation of tape saturation. C

HARISMA´s tube saturation

characteristics can be fully controlled by the user. The concept of
operation is simple. Each C

HARISMA channel has three potentio-

meters: Drive sets the drive level to the tubes, C

HARISMA adjusts

the tube saturation characteristic, and Output sets the output
signal level.

C

HARISMA also helps to prevent overload and clip on the

recorded tracks (Alesis Adat, Tascam DA 88, ..., Session 8,
ProTools, or any other recording medium digital or analogue)
You should use C

HARISMA while recording before your digital

recorder in order to clip-protect your recording (e. g. limiting
peaks from live-recorded drums or reducing sharp ”esses” from
vocals). Your signals gain more clarity, transparency and
presence. Each part of the mix, instrument or vocal can easier
be distinguished and located. Using C

HARISMA on single instru-

ments alone lets the signal stand out in a busy mix. C

HARISMA

also helps you to place vocals in a densed playback by maintai­ning their presence.

We will start with general safety hints, followed by the
connections on the rear panel. We then take a look at the
controls on the front and go on with practicals tips for the usage
of C

HARISMA .

The housing of C

HARISMA has the standard 19"-EIA format and

occupies 2U (88 mm) in your rack. When installing the unit in a
19"-rack, the rear side of the unit needs some support, especi­ally in a touring case.

C

HARISMA should not be installed near units which produce

strong magnetic fields or extreme heat. Do not install C

HARISMA

directly above or below power amplifiers or digital processors.
This eliminates problems which could result from interfering
high-frequencies such as clock frequencies, MIDI or SMPTE
control signals.

Check that the voltage details quoted on the back panel are
the same as your local mains electricity supply. Use a minus (-)
screwdriver to set the voltage for the area in which the unit will
be used. Never cover up the ventilation slots on the top of the
unit. If, during operation, the sound is interrupted or indicators
no longer illuminate, or if abnormal odor 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 C

HARISMA with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use only

standard cleaning agents.

Introduction

Operation safety