LOOPTROTTER SATurAMP User manual
S AT U R A M P
LOOPTROTTER
AUDIO ENGINEERING
Contact:
www.looptrotter.com.pl
Distribution:
www.mjadiolab.pl
OWNER'S MANUAL
MICROPHONE - INSTRUMENT
PREAMPLIFIER
SATurAMP is one of a kind microphone – instrument
preamplifier, equipped with an original saturation unit
in rack 500 format. Due to this unique combination
SATurAMP is universal and creative tool, allowing the
powerful sound, with great detail preservation, just
while recording.
Not only incorporates SATurAMP solutions inspired by
designs from the 60s, but also many original, modern
ones, including digital control over the majority of
functions. This particular solution allowed to eliminate
the mechanic switches from the signal path, what
considerably influenced the reliability and endurance of
SATurAMP. The mechanic elements were replaced with
hermetically relays and semiconductor switches.
On input in SATurAMP there is a SOWTER transformer based
on the AP2620, found in legendary API preamps.
The operating amplifier, build entirely of discrete
elements, is responsible for amplification. Design refers
to early operating amps from the 60s. However the
solution of gain regulation comes from XXI century – it’s
digitally controlled via micro buttons. The amplification
value, expressed in dB, is shown on digital display.
SATurAMP is equipped with high-pass filter with a slope
of 12db per octave. There are three options of cut-off
frequency, with three different characteristics:
60Hz - Chebychev
100Hz - Butterworth
160Hz - Bessel
The core of SATurAMP is originally designed saturation
unit, known from Looptrotter SA2RATE, inspired by the
sound of old tape recorders and analog consoles. It
smoothes signal peaks, in intelligent and ear friendly
way, adding low order harmonics. The saturation works
like a soft limiter, making it possible to record tracks
with high level of RMS signal, without the unwelcome
distortion, sounding near, detailed, saturated and
perfectly “sitting” in the mix.
S AT U R A M P
Contact:
www.looptrotter.com.pl
Distribution:
www.mjadiolab.pl
The instrumental input is based on discrete transistors,
operating in class A. The appliance of FET transistor
enabled the design of a unit, that enriches the signal
with small amount of even, harmonic frequencies,
positively affecting the sound of instruments plugged
directly to SATurAMP. This refers not only to guitars and
basses. SATurAMP works stunningly with digital
synthesizers, adding this warm, analog touch.
The signal path of SATurAMP is minimalistic, and applied
elements are carefully selected with regard to original
sound character signed with Looptrotter. SATurAMP
represents the highest quality sound combined with
original, analog touch.
The SATurAMP is 100% author’s design and has no
equivalents either analog or digital.
SATurAMP in brief:
üpreamplifier with amplification of 66dB (gain 60dB + output +6dB)
ügain on operational amplifier, build of discrete elements
ügain control without mechanic contacts
üsmooth regulation of output level with OUTPUT knob
üinstrument input, Hi-Z, on the front panel (impedance of 1M ohm),
build of discrete elements
üoriginal saturation unit adding low order harmonic frequencies,
working also like soft limiter
üsignal peak indicated with LED
ü2 LEDs indicating signal saturation level (4% and 8% THD)
ü3 LEDSs indicating output level
üPAD -20 dB
üphantom power 48V
üpolarization switch
ühigh-pass filter with slope of 12db per octave, with selectable
cut-off frequency and characteristic:
ü60 Hz - Chebychev,
ü100Hz - Butterworth,
ü160 Hz - Bessel
üMUTE button – muting the preamp output
üSOWTER transformer in signal path
ü100% original design guaranteeing unique, oryginal sound
www.looptrotter.com.pl looptrotter@looptrotter.com.pl
www.mjaudiolab.pl
Distribution: MJ AUDIO LAB [email protected]
S AT U R A M P
Contact:
www.looptrotter.com.pl
Distribution:
www.mjadiolab.pl
20dB PAD
decreases the signal level,
both MIC and HI-Z by 20dB
Polarization switch,
switches the phase
180 degrees
I n c r e a s e g a i n
0
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
10
GAIN
HPF
INV.48V PAD
OUT
0
18
18
60 100 160
ON 4 8
INSTR.
!
SAT.
LOOPTROTTER
AUDIO ENGINEERING
MUTE
S AT U R A M P
Activation
and selection of filter
48V Phantom power
for condenser microphones
and active Di-box
D e c r e a s e g a i n
Indicating signal clipping
Activation of saturation unit.
Saturation level is controlled
via Gain change
Signal muting
Smooth regulation of
output level
H i - Z i n p u t
f o r i n s t r u m e n t s
Output level indicator
THD level indicator
S AT U R A M P
Contact:
www.looptrotter.com.pl
Distribution:
www.mjadiolab.pl
HPF SATURATION
OUTPUT
INSTRUMENT
MICROPHONE
/
LINE
CPU
FILTER
SELECT
GAIN48V INV PAD MUTE
SATURATION - OFF 4%THD - 1dB REDUCTION 8%THD - 3dB REDUCTION
0
18
18
4
8
PEAK THD OUT
3dB
0dB
-3d B
-6d B
-9d B
-12 dB
-15 dB
-18 dB
10H z 100 H z 1kH z
HPF
CO NTROL
BU TTON S
I C OUTPUT
60Hz - Chebychev
100Hz - Butterwor th
160Hz - Bessel
S AT U R A M P
Contact:
www.looptrotter.com.pl
Distribution:
www.mjadiolab.pl
S AT U R A M P
Contact:
www.looptrotter.com.pl
Distribution:
www.mjadiolab.pl
