SPL Charisma 9733 User Manual

Model 9733

Manual

Dual Channel Tube Processor

SOUND PERFORMANCE LAB

by Hermann Gier and Paul White
Version 1.2 – 1/1999

The information in this document has been
carefully verified and is assumed to be correct.
However Sound Performance Laboratory (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

P.O. Box 12 27

D- 41368 Niederkruechten, Germany

Phone: +49 - 21 63 / 9 83 40

Fax: +49 - 21 63 / 98 34 20

eMail: [e-mail]

www.spl-electronics.com

©

1999 SPL electronics GmbH. All Rights Reserved.

CHARISMA

Model 9733

Manual

3

Contents

Foreword................................................................................ 3

Thanks ................................................................................... 3

Introduction........................................................................... 4

Operation safety.................................................................... 4

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

Control Elements

DRIVE.......................................................................... 6

MAX/PROCESS LED´s................................................... 6

CHARISMA.................................................................... 7

OUTPUT....................................................................... 7

BYPASS........................................................................ 7

Applications.......................................................................... 7

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

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

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

The CHARISMA control................................................ 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4

CHARISMA is a 2-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

is a joint development between SPL and Manfred Reckmeyer,
the designer responsible for the development of the 8-channel
C

HARISMA.

C

HARISMA represents a solution that far exceeds the mere

simulation of tape saturation, and 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: D

RIVE sets the drive level to the tubes, CHARISMA adjusts

the tube saturation characteristic, and O

UTPUT sets the output

signal level.

C

HARISMA also helps to prevent overload and clipping on digi-

tally or analogue recorded tracks. You should use C

HARISMA

while recording before your digital recorder in order to clip­protect your recording (e. g. limiting peaks from live-recorded
drums or reducing sharp “esses” from vocals). C

HARISMA gives

your signals more clarity, transparency and presence. Each part
of the mix, instrument or vocal can easier be distinguished and
located. Using C

HARISMA on single instruments alone lets those

signals stick out of the mix. C

HARISMA also helps you to place

vocals in a densed playback and 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 1U (44 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 selector to 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. Never use alcohol or paint thinner,
because they may damage the finish.

Introduction

Operation safety