User Manual

STEREO
MK2-T
12
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T features an integrated Bass
Compressor, which only works in the bass that the Vitalizer
circuitry produces. When recording on digital equipment it is
essential not to overload the inputs which would result in invalid
samples sounding like digital peaks. As the bass frequencies carry
most of the level it makes sense to integrate a compressor into
the bass-path.This Bass Compressor does not effect the high-end!
So your recording does not get duller when extensive compres-
sion is used. We designed the Bass Compressor as a ‘one-knob’
solution to make it easy to operate. The threshold, attack and
release are automatically adjusted. The Bass Compressor control
sets the ratio.
The blue Gain Reduction LED indicates the point at which the
Bass Compressor starts to operate. When you turn the Bass
Compressor control fully clockwise the entire bass processing of
the Bass Sound control is nullified.
The Mid-Hi Tune control is used to set the starting frequency of a
broad-band shelving filter. In line with the setting of Process
control, all frequencies above this value right through to the end
of the audio range are processed. The control range is between
1kHz (extreme right) and 22 kHz (extreme left). In practice,
common settings vary between 2 kHz and 8 kHz (10 to 3 o’clock
positions).
One of theSovtek 12AX7 double triode tubes is used within the
Mid-Hi Tune filter and gives the mid frequencies even more accu-
rate transparency with a soft and silky sound pattern.
As the human ear perceives the range between 1 kHz and 3 kHz
particularly clearly, at all volumes between 0 and 120 phon it
makes sense to adapt this frequency range. In comparison to
graphic EQs, which really reduce effective loudness of frequen-
cies, i.e. cutting out the appropriate frequencies, thus changing
the spectral content of the original signal, the Stereo Vitalizer
MK2-T relies on a more subtle method of amplitude-depending
phase shifting.This does not involve altering the spectral compo-
sition but it does maintain the subjective impression of loudness.
4
5
Setting the starting frequency
for the filtering to adapt the
frequency range to the
hearing sensation.
No comb-filtering effect as
with graphic EQs.
Fig. 3:
Five frequency responses are
shown for the Mid-Hi Tune
filter at max.Process value
and Bass Sound at 0.
This easy-to-use compressor
works exclusively on the bass
and helps you to control the
bass amplitude when recor-
ding on digital media.
The illuminating Gain
Reduction LED indicates
that the compressor is
operating.
Mid-Hi Tune
Bass
Compression