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GainStation 1

Class A & Tube Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier

The GainStation 1 is a discrete high-end preamplifier that combines Class-A clean gain with high-sounding tube gain and operates with an operating voltage of 60 V.

Class-A meets Tube

The GainStation 1 is a hybrid preamplifier consisting of a discrete Class A transistor stage and tube stage. The hybrid design of the preamplifier combines the advantages of semiconductors (high dynamics with low distortion, low noise) with the musical qualities of tube sound (pleasant high/overtone spectrum, beautiful three-dimensionality).

The Class A transistor preamplifier is based on our DMPA operational amplifiers, which operate with an operating voltage of +/- 30 V.

The preamplifier has a Butterworth Hi Pass filter, polarity inversion, impedance selection, 48 V phantom power and a limiter.

Clean Gain

The Clean Gain stage is a balanced instrumentation amplifier built with our DMPAs (Discrete Mic Pre Amp, 60 Volt rail). 

In Class A mode, both end transistors always remain in a conducting state, thus avoiding crossover distortion.

With a slew rate of over 100 V/µs, it is capable of amplifying even fast details and high frequencies cleanly and with low distortion.

Tube Gain

The tube gain stage is equipped with a 12 AX 7 LPS. It impresses with good noise figures and an open and clear sound image.

As decoupling capacitor a WIMA MKP type is used, which is very generously dimensioned with 2.2 µF, in order to work clean and powerful also in the bass range. 

HiZ/Line Input

The instrument input is a discrete impedance converter that also operates in class A mode. The core is a low-noise field-effect transistor, which is ideally suited as an impedance converter due to its very high input resistance.

Input & Output Stages

The input differential amplifiers are constructed with closely toleranced and thermally coupled transistor pairs.

The output stage operates as a current amplifier, which also offers pure class A operation with over 6mA quiescent current. DC voltage components are eliminated with an active servo circuit instead of coupling capacitors.

AD Input 2

The optional converter has two channels and can therefore convert an external mono signal in parallel with the GainStation 1.

Features

  • Separately controllable transistor and tube preamplifiers
  • The (switchable) tube stage delivers subtle to brutal tube saturation
  • Only high-quality MKP film capacitors are used in the tube stage
  • Peak/FET Limiter
  • Polarity-reversal stage
  • 48-Volt phantom power
  • LED level indicator
  • Switchable impedance adjustment for the microphone input (200 Ω, 1,2 kΩ & 10 kΩ)
  • Discrete operational amplifiers in Class A technology instead of industrial ICs
  • Amplifier slew rate of <100 V/µs
  • Gas-encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts
  • Resistors with 0.1 % tolerance in the entire audio path
  • Power supply with double shielding, each voltage with its own winding and regulation
Ronald Prent

Options for the GainStation 1

Lundahl Transformers

The Sonic Aspects

Transformers are used as an alternative to electronic balancing stages in the inputs and outputs.

Transformers can be found in many classics of audio engineering. They make the bass and fundamental tines rounder and give it a little more punch. The high and overtone range sounds a bit silkier and more present.

We find transformers to be advantageous, especially for voices. For highest precision and speed in signal transmission (transient processing), however, electronic stages are better suited. The bottom line is that it is a question of taste and application.

In the Mic Preamplifier

In the case of preamplifiers or channel strips, the 2161 input transformer, which is specially designed for microphone inputs, provides an additional gain of up to 14 dB (depending on the microphone), which must then be added to the scaling.

This relieves the microphone preamplifier. Since the transformer ratio passively increases the level, no noise is added. Therefore, the input transformer is more important than the output transformer in preamplifiers.

However, it is only when both transformers are fitted that all positive sonic aspects are achieved – as well as increased operational reliability.

To product description

AD Converter Module 1090

The 24 bit converter module provides an SPDIF output which is available as coaxial and optical output.

The internal sampling rate can be set with switches to 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. Other sampling rates (32, 176.4, 192 kHz) can only be set with an external synchronization signal.

To product description

Reviews

Sound Check – DE
Soundmaker – GR
Releasetime – DE
Keyboards – DE
Audio Pro – FR

Manuals

GainStation 1 Blog Posts

27Tapes-1

27tapes

More blog posts

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Specifications

Print view

Line inputs & outputs; XLR (balanced) & TS Jack (unbalanced)

Maximum output gain
30 dBu
Output impedance
75 Ω
Frequency range (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain off)
1 Hz – 310 kHz
Noise (A-weighted, Clean Gain 60 dB, Tube Gain off)
-67.2 dBu
THD + N (Clean Gain 24d B, Tube Gain off, Output +6 dB, 20 Hz -22 kHz)
0.0005 %
Common mode rejection (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain off, 1 kHz, Input -30 dBu)
> 80 dB
Dynamic range
130 dB

Microphone Preamplifier, XLR (balanced)

Maximum input gain (Mic)
17 dBu
Input impedance (switchable)
200 Ω, 1.2 kΩ, 10 kΩ
THD + N (Clean Gain 23 dB, Tube Gain 1 dB, Output +6 dB, 20 Hz -22 kHz)
0.032 %
Noise (A-weighted, Clean Gain 20 dB, Tube Gain 10 dB)
-86.4 dBu
Frequency range (Clean Gain 30 dB, Tube Gain 1 dB)
1 Hz – 125 kHz
E.I.N.
-127.2 dBu

Instrumenten Preamplifier, TS Jack (unbalanced)

Maximum input gain (Instrument)
17 dBu
Input impedance (Instrument)
1 MΩ

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

Operating voltage for analog audio
+/- 30 V
Operating voltage for relays and LEDs
+ 12 V

Mains Power Supply

Mains voltage (selectable)
230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Fuse for 230 V
T 315 mA
Fuse for 115 V
T 630 mA
Power consumption
max. 25 W

Dimensions & Weight

W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth)
106 x 122 x 271 mm
4.17 x 4.8 x 10.67 inch
Unit weight
2.65 kg
5.84 lbs
Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
3.8 kg
8.38 lbs

Reference: 0 dBu = 0,775V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Buy GainStation 1 online from SPL
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What does it actually mean …

In Stock!

The product is in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany, and will be shipped the same or next working day.

We process the orders after receipt of the order and update the stock in the online shop regularly. If the product is no longer available at short notice due to high order volume, you naturally have the right to withdraw from the purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).

In any case, you will receive an e-mail with details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.

Available soon!

The product is not in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany. Usually it will be available again within 5 working days.

Due to the current pandemic and the associated worldwide shortage of components, delivery times may be significantly delayed in some cases.

In any case, you will receive an e-mail with the details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.

Of course you have the right to withdraw from your purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).

Currently unavailable.

This product is currently sold out and unavailable.

Was bedeutet eigentlich …

Auf Lager!

Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten vorrätig und wird noch am selben oder nächsten Werktag versendet.

Wir arbeiten die Bestellungen nach Bestelleingang ab und aktualisieren den Bestand im Online-Shop regelmäßig. Falls das Produkt wegen hohem Bestellaufkommens kurzfristig nicht mehr verfügbar ist, hast du selbstverständlich das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).

In jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.

Bald verfügbar!

Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten nicht vorrätig. Gewöhnlich ist es innerhalb von 5 Werktagen wieder verfügbar.

Aufgrund der aktuellen Pandemie und der damit verbundenen weltweiten Bauteileverknappung kann sich die Lieferzeit z.T. stark verzögern.

Auf jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.

Selbstverständlich hast du das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).

Zur Zeit nicht verfügbar.

Dieses Produkt ist derzeit ausverkauft und nicht verfügbar.

Product Condition

A-Stock

Brand-new product from the current product portfolio.

B-Stock

Demo, exhibit or return item.
In original packaging, incl. manuals and full warranty.
Only slight to no signs of use.

C-Stock

Demo, exhibit or return item.
In original packaging, incl. manuals and legal warranty.
In some cases clear signs of use, which are documented in photos.

NOS

"New Old Stock"
After discontinuation of a product still available new products with full warranty.

Events

Due to Covid19 there are no events scheduled at this time.

Events

Aufgrund von Covid19 sind derzeit keine Events geplant.

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