Manual Model 9739 STEREO 2-T MK Dual Channel Tube Program EQ
Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T Model 9739 Manual R & D: Wolfgang Neumann & Ruben Tilgner Version 2.3 – 09/2000 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.
Foreword .................................................................................................. 3 Thanks ....................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ............................................................................................ 4 Operation Safety .................................................................................... 4 Connections .................................................................
Introduction The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is an equaliser concept which makes use of scientific psychoacoustic technology to process audio signals. The Vitalizer-technology has been constantly improved over the past nine years since its invention by SPL´s Wolfgang Neumann and Hermann Gier. The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is the tube version of the successful Stereo Vitalizer MK2. The ‘MK2-T’ utilises two Sovtek 12AX7double triode tubes.
Before connecting the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T switch the power off at all connected units. Connections The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is fitted with both XLR-connectors and TRS stereo jacks for balanced operation, though the jacks may be used with unbalanced connections simply by plugging in mono jack-plugs. The level difference that normally occurs when a balanced input or output is used unbalanced is automatically compensated for.
Applications Recording Studio 1. In Recording Studios, the most popular application is to process a final mix, either while mixing or during post-production prior to cutting. Insert your Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T into the master-inserts of your console or right in between a playback and a recording unit.
3. In electronic music, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T can be used to add new range and depth to samplers and synthesizers and also to process existing effects such as delay and reverberation. Even budget instruments and processors with limited audio bandwidths can be made sound full-bodied and detailed. If you want to use a compressor in the master chain after the console, use your Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T after the compressor.
Sound Reinforcement During live performance or in club installations, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is a powerful ally in maintaining speech intelligibility under difficult conditions. It is also of great benefit in systems designed to play recorded music because the illusion of loudness can be maintained at lower absolute SPLs. This could be particularly beneficial with the introduction of new noise level legislation.
When setting up the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T for the first time, it is wise to approach the controls in a specific order to avoid confusion and to achieve positive results right from the start. Use a CD as source. First Steps Starting set-up positions (see front panel picture): • Drive to zero (centre position) • Bass Sound to zero (centre position) • Bass Compression to Off (counter clockwise) • Mid-Hi Tune to 3.
Control Elements 2 3 4 Active 5 1 ACTIVE switches a relay hard-bypass circuitry for XLR and jack operation. ACTIVE Status LED flashes while tubes warm up. Drive 2 8 9 1 The Active function switches the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T on or off. The illuminated switch indicates that the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T has been activated. The Active function is a relay hard-bypass function that works on both XLR and jack connections.
If the Bass Sound control is moved from the centre position (0) to the left, the sound becomes very deep, soft, and warm. This sound is known as Soft. This is symbolised with round scaling points which also increase in size as the intensity increases. The further the Bass Sound control is shifted to the right or left of the centre position, the more intensive the bass in question. However, Process must be positioned to the right of the 9 o´clock setting for the bass to be audible.
Bass Compression 4 This easy-to-use compressor works exclusively on the bass and helps you to control the bass amplitude when recording on digital media. The illuminating Gain Reduction LED indicates that the compressor is operating. Mid-Hi Tune Setting the starting frequency for the filtering to adapt the frequency range to the hearing sensation. The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T features an integrated Bass Compressor, which only works in the bass that the Vitalizer circuitry produces.
Moreover, graphic equalisers produce comb-filter effects because of the interaction between adjacent filters, when broad-band frequencies are raised. The Mid-Hi Tune filter can raise the broadband spectrum with a very linear frequency response, without colouring the signal. Above the Mid-Hi Tune value set, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T filters create a linear increase, i.e. one that is adapted to the human ear.
In other words, increasing the Process value also increases the intensity of the Mid-Hi Tune filter and the Bass SOUND filter, whilst dominant mid frequencies are damped by amplitude-correlated phase shiftings. This improves the perception of loudness, clarity and the bass punch, i.e. the strength and fullness of the audio signal. Fig. 5: The dotted line shows the frequency responses for a soft bass sound at varying Process levels and Mid-Hi Tune set to 3.5 kHz.
The Mid-Hi Tune and the LC-EQ filter complement each other in an ideal fashion. While the Mid-Hi Tune sets the frequency above which the programme material is lifted and below which the damping takes place, the LC-EQ and Intensity controls come in place to extract certain frequencies from this process. This is very helpful, when you are processing material with lead vocals: Using the Mid-Hi Tune will generally damp some speech frequencies and the voice moves into the mix loosing a bit of its presence.
Power Supply Internal power supply based around a torroidal transformer. The power supply is based around a 15 VA torroidal transformer and is designed to minimise induced hum and noise due to the lack of an air-gap. Voltage selector Ground-lift switch The primary voltage may be selected between 230 V / 50 Hz and 115 V / 60 Hz by means of a recessed slide switch on the rear panel and a rear-panel ground-lift switch is fitted for use where ground loops are causing hum problems.
Specifications Input & Output Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced (differential), transformerless Nominal input level ......................................... +6 dB Input impedance .............................................. = 22 kOhms Output impedance........................................... < 600 Ohms Max. input level ................................................. +20 dBu Max. output level .............................................. +20 dBu Minimum load ohms....................
Warranty 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.
