SPL Gain Station 1 with AD-Wandler

Modern audio production relies increasingly on digital systems for recording and mixing processes (DAW's, digital consoles etc.). But still digital systems do not offer the same audio qualities and sound characteristics of high-end analog equipment. Especially digital equalizers and other aspects of the mixing domain cannot compete with the open, transparent sound of the best analog gear. So today more than ever, your input signal has to sound as good as possible—the quality of your original tracks will largely define the end result.

Attacking this problem on the preamplification front, with the goal of noticeably improving a signal and sending it along its path with a healthy foundation, requires a great deal of thought and engineering effort – like with the GainStation 1.

Its very compact design allows for free placing also outside of a rack (e. g. close to the microphone). Musicians can place the GainStation 1 easily on a rack or amplifier.

To accommodate portability, the optionally available SPL GainBag ensures safe transport of the GainStation 1 and offers additional storage for cables and an average-sized microphone. For more permanent installations, up to four GainStation 1's can be rack-mounted in one optionally available 3-unit mounting frame.

In our humble opinion, the time and energy invested in the development of the GainStation 1 was well worth it. The result is an extremely compact, unusually flexible preamplifier that delivers audio quality usually found only in units costing much more. We believe we just may have set a new record in the sound per cubic centimeter category.

Lifeless or dynamically lacking signals are often over-processed with EQ, compression and other effects in an attempt to compensate—often an extremely tedious process in the digital domain that doesn't always produce the desired results. Thus it is most important to ensure the highest recording quality.

To this end, the GainStation 1 employs technologies that not only satisfy test equipment, but also—and most importantly—the user. Components and circuits were carefully chosen and designed on the basis of extensive measurements and listening tests.

Another important goal in designing the GainStation 1 was that the case itself should optimally adapt itself to modern production environments. It was to be as compact as possible, allowing easy transport and ergonomic placement in virtually any situation. A free-standing case which does not need to be rack-mounted has several advantages: not only are the inputs and outputs always easily accessible, but the unit can also easily be placed on top of an amp, outboard rack or even some keyboards, on your desk next to your laptop, or in direct proximity to a microphone to allow for maximum operational comfort and minimum cable lengths.

This cutting-edge technology ensures that signals recorded with the GS1 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 intonation. 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 capabilities 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 transparent—and easier to mix—the entire recording will be.

Like all converter-compatible SPL products, the GainStation1 can be ordered either with or without AD converter module. However, after sales upgrades can be made by SPL or authorized service partners only. All other products can be upgraded with the converter module easily by users also after sales.

Most Notable Features:

Main features of the GainStation 1 preamp technology:

Technical Specifications:

Specs:

• Color: Gold
• Rack Mountable: no
• Line Inputs: 1
• Mic Inputs: 1
• Headphone Out: no
• Instrument Inputs: 1
• Line Outputs: 1
• Compressor: no
• Equalizer: no
• Type: Microphone Preamp
• Theme: Recording and Studio

Instruction manual / Safety instructions:

• Manual (295.22 KB)

Further links:

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