SPL Gain Station 1 Class A/Tube Microphone and Instrument Preamplifier Model 2272

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 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).

Clean Gain: Balanced instrumentation amplifier with DMPAs (Discrete Mic Pre Amp, 60 Volt rail) offering low distortion and high slew rate.
Tube Gain: Equipped with a 12 AX 7 LPS tube for clear sound.
HiZ/Line Input: Discrete impedance converter for instruments.
Peak/FET Limiter: Includes a limiter for control.
Polarity-Reversal: Allows for phase inversion.
48-Volt Phantom Power: Supports condenser microphones.
LED Level Indicator: Visualizes signal strength.
Switchable Impedance Adjustment: For microphone input (200 Ω, 1.2 kΩ & 10 kΩ).
Discrete Operational Amplifiers: Class A technology for superior performance.
Gas-Encapsulated Relays: Gold-plated contacts ensure reliable operation.
Resistors with 0.1 % Tolerance: Ensures precision in the audio path.
Power Supply with Double Shielding: Offers stable voltage regulation.

Options for the GainStation 1 = Premium version

Lundahl Input Transformer Transformers enhance bass, harmonics, and presence in audio signals, providing a unique sonic character. It adds 14db of noisless gain.

Specifications

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

Instrument Preamplifier, TS Jack (unbalanced)