User Manual

GainStation 1

This cutting-edge technology ensures that signals recorded

with the GainStation 1 have more presence and substance and

will easily cut through a mix even at lower levels. Extremely

low-frequency signals are tight and transparent with clear into-

nation. Percussive transients are interpreted more precisely,

which leads to a clearer rhythmic content and in turn a more

solid rhythmic performance and perception.

A bassist using the GainStation 1 as a preamp will immediately

notice that he hears and feels what he is playing much better,

which leads to improved playing and a better recording. The

track will have more punch and dynamics, greatly improved

presence and almost palpable detail. In short, the instrument

sounds incredibly authentic and alive. Beta-tests with the

GainStation 1 showed that all instrumentalists enjoyed playing

more and in many cases were truly amazed at what their trusty

instrument was capable of.

Given this improvement in the input signal, one is much less

inclined to equalize and compress—in many cases you will

probably find that you can do without additional processing,

which not only saves an enormous amount of time and processor

power, but also has an extremely positive effect on the final

result.

The GainStation 1 itself offers effective sound-shaping capabi-

lities at recording, most notably via the tube stage, which can

be completely bypassed or continuously added to the preamp

circuit, allowing everything from extremely subtle „warmth“ to

a very noticeable tube saturation effect. The integrated limiter

can be used to protect an internal or external AD converter

from clipping, or for example to add punch to drum tracks,

which in turn reduces or in many cases even eliminates the need

for subsequent compression. Put simply, the more tracks are

recorded with the GainStation 1, the more solid and transpa-

rent—and easier to mix—the entire recording will be.

Introduction