All user reviews for the SPL Gain Station 1

Hybrid transistor preamp / lamps. I have the version with Lundahl transformer.

Connectors XLR analog in and out, analog output jack 6.35, entree line / Hi-Z jack 6.35 6.35 Input jack Ad
A high pass filter available on the front, and a selector imdépendance (10k/200) and the limiter is very effective for its decision.

Small size which saves space,
Building very robust anyway.

UTILIZATION

Configuration generally quite simple, everything is understandable on the device so no problem.
Manual German and English, but it seems to be in French just go on the net it is present in PDF but not good there is not really need the manual

For settings, it is quite easy to configure in the style qe registration is sought.

SOUND QUALITY

I only made vocal with GS1. The sound is reproduced very accurately, musically, and provides enough sweetness on the treble. I compared with my fireface preamps and UCX is largely above. The sound is more detailed, more linear, more especially full and becomes easier to mix. The sound is natural, clean the tube gain and gain the sound remains transparent transients.
I tried with a microphone input range MXL and I had very good results so imagine with Neumann U87 type / tlm 193 or a Rode Classic 2 ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have the GS1 since April 2012.
The only model I tried was a behringer MIC800 so well on the day and night.
What I like most:
- Sound quality
- Pass transistor has the lamp or mix 2
- Its small size (when you see it, you say how much quality can come out of this thing!)

For now no less ...

In sum, the high-end gear very good for its price, I even saw some studio (movies or music) was also used so it is a good index.

I would do this choice surely, after if I have a bigger budget surely I will fall on the Avalon (2 see also 3 times the price).

Prampli mono solid state Class A and lamp containing a peak limiter or FET, phantom power supply, converter A / D optional.

UTILIZATION

Utiilisation could not be more simple: the CLEAN GAIN RULES indpendemment the TUBE GAIN, and the output level. A switch allows choisr peak limiter or a fixed threshold FET (it s actually fixed by the level of gain. You can choose the impdance and phase of the microphone.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound warm and prcise. The little rglagles actually allow an infinite nuances sound situs in the balance TUBE / CLEAN, and the balance between the level of amplification and EVEL output. Incredible voices they are at the forefront of the mix, with a nice grain, roundness and PCHE.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 weeks. At the same time I chose a microphone, among a RODE NTK, a Studio Projects C1 and a RODE NT1000. Although the NTK c'tait I prfrais without prampli, with the proper rglage the SPL, the NT1000 who won it are a little dry in natural, GAINSTATION ncessaire gives corpulence.

Prampli lamps and solid states.
The object is classy and great finish.

UTILIZATION

Super simple. There's has to play with 3 buttons Clean, Tube and Output to really shape the sound as you want!
The rev limit is effective without being noticed.
The manual (in English) is fucked and gives tips for rglages for various instruments.

SOUND QUALITY

I did some tests on voice and acoustic guitar with a microphone Oktava MKL 2500 and it's really gnial.
Retailer prcis everything is clear and search. breathing, Arian is ample and clear.
The sound is smooth and powerful on both the voice, super prcis on acoustic guitar (I do not recognize her !!!!!).
In the manual, it says that in many cases, compression is unnecessary. Looks like it's true!

OVERALL OPINION

I lay for 1 week. So a review "hot" days that I will in a few months if necessary.
I also have a Blue Tube (which I also find trs well considering its price) and frankly, it's night and day.
But is it comparable?
Sr it is four times more expensive than Blue Tube but the sound is 100 times better I think! Then
I lit out a second time to make the decision stro!

Prampli micro Solid State / Tube DI and boii.
See doc

UTILIZATION

Using ultra simple. 3 buttons: input-output-valve
We can not make more silmple.

SOUND QUALITY

Then, c is the slap.
J Before using a tube pre. How do you mean? ... It has nothing to do!
C is really 1000 times better.

OVERALL OPINION

SPL Congratulations!
I think the brand Aralis pramp one that can really be classified in the high-end trs.
I use it with a U87, an NT or 2000 AT3035. J have the feeling of having reached a level of quality that is hard to beat Manir net.

Modules: impedance switch, input transformer Lundhal optional switchable HP filter, preamp discrete, switchable preamp tube, compressor / limiter disengaged, peak overload clutch, Lundhal optional transformer.

XLR, jack instrument, optional parallel spdif

XLR, jack, spdif option

In short, everything you need to make the sound recording serious.

UTILIZATION

Very user friendly.

Clear and comprehensive manual.

SOUND QUALITY

Ahh ... the principal.

It's just insane.

The audio preamplifier is a choice of clear or very colorful. According to the recordings, it grows more or less the lamp module, and then takes its shape quite variable.

The input impedance has a subtle but interesting effect on the sound, basically, the extreme-high frequencies are more or less emphasized.

Without the floor lamp (one transistor), one has to sound great, but so very right. Bandwidth 1 Hz to 200 000 ^ ^. No significant harmonic distortion. Furthermore, transients are reproduced so well that sometimes scratches his head ... It's a bit surreal, so it's slamming and clean at once. Thank you overeating I rediscovered my NT1 I thought too filthy. Finally the buttocks with the SPL it is doing pretty good! Well, a little C414 is probably not a luxury, but ...

When you plug the lamp module, the medium thicken, become muffled treble, bass growl softly. A narrow bandwidth chouilla (just, eh ... moving from a bandwidth bandwidth obscene "audible and natural"). The saturation itself is very progressive and magnifies a micro dry or too sharp (as my NT1 ...). Voices without much class (mine for example) spend a lot more ... That's cheating but it's awfully effective. Perhaps the most beautiful voices are reproduced without the tube stage.

The compressor / limiter output is very exciting. Few adjustments, but a big feeling and instinctive operation. It is engaged with the tube stage, however the goal is just the same: bigger sound without the mess.

OVERALL OPINION

I have a few months. I really hesitated before buying it, I almost take a UA M610, but I wanted versatility. I think I made the right choice.

I love the concept of "taking the box" for homestudio. Preamp + Compressor multiforme intuitive. I've never been a fan of EQ in the decision, hence the interest for me Gainstation. In addition, better than EQ, there are two ways to change the original stamp: input impedance, which subtly plays on the acute and lamp that inflates gradually mediums.
We pass easily from its "high impedance transistor + = net, clear and precise as crystal"
to its "low impedance lamp + 12dB = smooth, soft and musical"
to "high impedance lamp 24dB + + compressor = background now warm and vibrant" without losing any of potato crazy device.

In fact, the Gainstation is a choice of invisible or purring.

For electric bass in DI, that oats as ever. Bandwidth in the grave is abysmal and we can push the lamp and the limiter thoroughly. For electric guitar, I use Guitar Rig to attack, that changes everything! I was not too fan of this plug, but with the Gainstation input, the sound, blah, becomes truly fabulous.

Price / quality ratio. Top quality, medium price range. The report is pretty good when compared to, among other things, Presonus (cheaper and less bcp), UA (the character, but expensive), GML, Neve and API (expensive).

In this price range and with my requirements, I do not know better. Clean sound quality can not be exceeded without jumping to a level considerably higher price. As a bonus, it has the added tube stage and the compressor is far from a gadget.

See more advice. Mine possde option Lundahl transformers. I got one without this option before, so I can compare.

For pramp trs is complete with limiter and comp bonus.

UTILIZATION

Few Settings, although we must learn the sr connatre, but even when we get right away good feedback, when you ask for?

Some are not paramtres forcment intuitive as impdance. Take the time to listen.

SOUND QUALITY

I'm glad to see that others share my enthusiasm for this craft. I have 2 years, so I step back, and I always like Whereas an exceptional case. In the era I had the chance to buy in a store trs Tolra: they let me try several home appliances, Universal Audio, Joemeek, I have been slow in find one that suited me. I prfr GS all these devices, which are far more expensive. What j'apprcie:

- The reserve of gain standard, useful for voice whispered, intimate
- The versatility with two gains transo / lamps, AUI rsultat guarantees good with all types of voice, really, without having to touch an EQ.
- Clarity phnomnale sound, honest, what the level can not ask for much more a pramp. The grain of the Tagus lamps, it's more a matter of got, but the gain is really transo irrprochable!

The little bonus comp / lim is very practical, especially for low-taken, and sufficient for most of the votes. Personally I go from whisper to scream, and I need a beefier limiter (I have been a limiting Langevin is perfect), but I'm an extreme case! In other words, for most singers, the GS a perfect substitute strip.

OVERALL OPINION

Report quality-price! But beware: I highly recommend the optional Lundahl. With the AC Gain Station quietly competes with devices who rate double. It adds a bit of everything: gain, the magnitude of ...

I use it with an AKG 414. I recorded all the voices of my EP with this config: http://www.jamendo.com/fr/album/11649

Gain 414 + Station + limiter Langevin DVC

(Note: Langevin, who score 2000 euros, possde 2 pramps who can not hold a candle to the Gain Station!)

- No simple mono preamp option.
It is a preamp with 3 large hybrique knobs on the front: a knob to send the transistor, a knob to send the tube, and the output.
It has a low cut at 50Hz, a selection input line / xlr, we choose the impedance of the mic ... they even built a small and limited to a small compressor (depending on the FET).
The rear has everything that one can dream level connections to connect the device.

UTILIZATION

Take a little time to learn to listen to this machine because it still offers a lot of opportunity to sound ...
However, if you want to work quickly, it works when you turn the knobs and presto!
Only thing that I shall have loved, according to a mic and line bypass at the same time ...

SOUND QUALITY

The sound that comes out of this preamp is simply amazing for the price of the machine!
I have really tested this preamp on a lot of instruments and in the end it stands out above all the voices and the snare.
Tube function adds warmth and depth to the sound, but it is better to know its sound before applying it to an outlet def ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have the SPL a few years now and I haven 't found a better this price range.
It is reliable, robust, easy to carry, and ... it sounds!

10 carastristiques because the quality and production are exemplary. Examples:
- The switches are switches, but orders Reiles gold-plated relays and blinds.
- (MODEL PREMIUM) Lundahl input transformer, the transformer of the Rolls
- When you cut the gain of the Tagus lamp means the click of the relay physical dconnecte
- The knobs prcis extremely finely serrated and gradus
... Etc.
In short, the srieux!

UTILIZATION

There is everything you need for work: high-pass, selector of impdance between line limiter (effective) ... etc.
The sound is now!

SOUND QUALITY

(Attention, PREMIUM MODEL with optio Lundahl transformer)
The sound is irrprochable. I use it with a C414 XLII. Full, trs transparent trsdfini, fast transient, bright, warm! Test in a mix is ​​superb! The voice is clear right away, no qual ncessaire, gorgeous!

I have a Universal Audio LA-610 that the sound is vintage plutt (all lamps), which is a mythical pramp: H well Gain Station is certainly DIFFERENT trs, optics both here to be as transparent as possible, but the quality of pramp is the same height! The reserve of standard gain (95dB) and the signal / noise ratio excellent.
A sign that does not deceive: jazz guitar part in it, the sound is warm and velvety with low standards! Without even needing the Tagus lamp!

The lamp is from Tage trs good quality, but less dramatically. I would prfre the 610 is a king in this area, but the attention is good trs, years Lumire a Blue Tube, for example!

In short, I'm curious of a small blind-test of this machine with Avalon, for example! M'tonnerait there is a diffrence audible signal quality!

[edit from 07/01/2011:] this machine is a gorgeous bass! Prsence, precision, heat ... Trs fast transients and especially giving a net trs attack! If you want to hear what was going to give cost "The Poudrire" on my page compositions. the bass is an OLP Tony Levin in DI in the SPL with a little lamp.

OVERALL OPINION

Q / excellent price! If you want a transparent, go ahead, the dception seems to me impossible! on the other hand, there will be no piti if your microphone is through!

Seen

UTILIZATION

His main interest is the coloring. You can find preamps at least as transparent or colorful. But I know few in offering to switch from one to another with such ease and elegance.

I've plugged a lot of different mics, KM84 and 86, and 105 kms85, U87 and 89, Brussels-II, Octava 319 and 2500, Sennheiser Md431, 21 and 211, of Beyer band, the BPM, I forget plus some chinoiserie.

With the microphones pèchus least it's a great big preamp as described in prior reviews. We will look much dough without damaging the microphone instead (with the part transistors).

With others, this preamp is especially coloring box. Shiny, silky, aggressive, bold, crystalline, retail or compression Bellari greasy way, there is something fun.

The benefit of this box of coloring is that you can understand and find the best microphone, his real # @ P ~ ~ its. So when you tickle a bit of a km86, for example, and he laughs out loud, the baby Jesus that makes you pee in the ears.

SOUND QUALITY

As transistor preamp, there are better ,.... more.
As preamp tube, there are much better ... More expensive.

It also gets worse and more expensive anyway.

OVERALL OPINION

4 years of use. Q / P excellent.
This choice I would do if I lost, but only one box coloring enough.

For the features I will let you take a look below or here: http://www.soundperformancelab.com/index.php?id=134&L=1

FYI, my version is a Premium relampée in NOS.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is simple and clear, not really need the manual. The construction is very serious, so it's a pleasure to use!

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality is excellent throughout, especially on the clean channel that is both warm, transparent and offers good headroom. With regard to the sound tube will be found better elsewhere, though I must admit that I use very often because it is very flattering on vocals, making them soft, shiny or slightly hot (harmonics) when the gain is fully . The advantage is to be able to measure between the clean and the tube to obtain, with the setting of output level, the personality you want.
Two remarks on the options:
_L'option Impedance change is really the gadget, I would have preferred a triple low-cut instead, something far more useful in home studio where one often has to approach the microphone and offset the effect Proximity (everyone not of his making his cabin!).
_The FET limiter, what slaughter! That cash to death while remaining transparent enough, so you can record high-dynamic sources while making the most of the converter (for me an Audient MICO).

I recommend the card A / D conversion because it does not enjoy the whole dynamic of the case and does not offer treatment to the height ...

OVERALL OPINION

It will soon be a year since I slaughter this little I have, needless to say I made my mix sound and took the level! Indeed, the signal needs far fewer corrections, it fits easily, is not "soft" as with the low-end preamp (like Samson C-Valve!). On the contrary, musical and balanced, pure and dense!

I used the preamp of my Firepod, needless to say it's a step up, yet Presonus already offers a certain quality. But the accuracy in the low, finesse in the treble, signal purity, it has a price ... Not to mention the possibilities of color!

Sometimes I also use the preamps of MICO (Hearing) that are colder than the Gain Station without having to be ashamed of the comparison. Thanks to their potatoes and their neutrality they have their place next to the boiboite SPL (eg percussion is very very good).

Besides the sound, I like most is the FET limiter, absolutely fatal. Ca cash so we can really let go of the song!

Very good price / quality ratio. It is possible that I redo this choice but I like trying new stuff and I'm curious, maybe would I feel more brands ... ^ ^