Sound Skulptor stereo tape simulator User manual

Stereo Tape Simulator
www.soundskulptor.com
Copyright 2010 Sound Skulptor
Page 1
Stereo Tape Simulator
User manual

Stereo Tape Simulator
www.soundskulptor.com
Copyright 2010 Sound Skulptor
Page 2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Stereo Tape Simulator (STS). We hope that this tool will
enrich your work technically and artistically.
Please note the security warnings below before you use this product.
Security
Like all electrical de ices that are mains powered, the STS case must not be opened by
an unqualified person.
The Stereo Tape Simulator is an electrical de ice that produces some heat. It must be
installed in a entilated area where the heat can be naturally remo ed.
Like any electrical de ice, the STS must not be in contact with any kind of liquids. In
case of incident (beer, rain or other) immediately disconnect the STS and ha e it
cleaned/dried by a qualified person.
Installation
The STS must be installed in a entilated area.
Warning: A oid racking the STS next to a de ice that radiates electromagnetic fields,
such as a de ice with a power transformer. The STS circuits are ery sensiti e and may
get induced hum noise.
Connexions
Power supply:
Plug the supplied power adapter to the DC-IN connector. Positi e is on the central pin.

Stereo Tape Simulator
www.soundskulptor.com
Copyright 2010 Sound Skulptor
Page 3
The power adapter must be able to supply a oltage between 9 and 18 Volts with a
power of 10 Watts.
Input – Output :
The input/output cables are XLR to be connected on the back of the STS. The connexion
is standard: 1 = GND, 2 = Hot, 3 = Cold.
The signal le els are line le els.
Controls
Bypass switch:
It disconnects the effect when in high position. In that case, the input is directly
connected to the output, passi ely.
30-7.5-15 switch:
It modifies the bandwidth and saturation threshold in the way a tape recorder rolling at
30, 15, 7.5 ips would do.
IN potentio eter:
It adjusts the input gain of the STS. The potentiometer action is directly isible on the
peak-meter as well as on the effect intensity.
OUT potentio eter:
It adjusts the output le el and allow compensating the le el changes induced by the IN
potentiometer. It has no effect on the simulation.
Peak-meter
Le peak meter is the tool that lets you calibrate the simulation and get repeatable
results.
Take care not lighting the clip LED. It indicates that clipping is occurring in the input
stage.

Stereo Tape Simulator
www.soundskulptor.com
Copyright 2010 Sound Skulptor
Page 4
In use
The STS has se eral simultaneous effects on the sound.
Some distortion is produced at low frequencies by the magnetic material. It is mostly
third harmonic and it has the effect of reinforcing the low end perception. It is present at
fairly low le els and increases with signal amplitude.
The ultrasonic frequencies are filtered. This remo es some harshness to the sound and
brings roundness.
At high le els, a frequency dependent limiting effect is produced by the emphasis/de-
emphasis circuits. Abo e +4dB, saturation appears affecting the high frequencies first.
The result is a high frequency roll-off after de-emphasis on the le el peaks.
On a stereo mix signal, the STS effect should be used with moderation, the u-meter
staying mostly in the green.
The speed switch modifies the frequency response:
7.5 ips: low frequencies are pri ileged
15 ips: balanced response
30 ips: tight low end and extended highs
On a channel signal it is possible to push the STS more. The effect is remarkable on
percussi e sounds which tolerate high modulation le els. The result is a ery warm
compression effect.