SPL 9526 User manual

Modell 9526
Manual
Dual Channel Program EQ
®

by Hermann Gier,Paul White
Version 2.2 – 05/1999
The information in this document has
been carefully verified and is assumed to be
correct. However Sound Performance Lab
(SPL) reserves the right to modify the
product described in this manual at any
time. Changes without notice. This docu-
ment is the property of SPL and may not be
copied or reproduced in any manner, in part
or full without the authorization of SPL.
Limitations of Liability:
In no event will SPL be liable for any
damages, including loss of data, lost profits,
cost of cover or other special, incidental,
consequential or indirect damages arising
from the use of the unit,however caused and
on any theory of liability. This limitation will
apply even if SPL or an authorized dealer has
been advised of the possibility of such
damage.
SPL electronics GmbH
P.O.Box 12 27
D- 41368 Niederkruechten,Germany
Tel[phone]
Fax + 49-2163-98 34 20
e-Mail [e-mail]
©1998 SPL electronics GmbH. Vitalizer®is a
registered trademark of SPL electronics GmbH.
Stereo Vitalizer MK2
Model 9526
Manual

3
STEREO MK
2
Contents
Dear customer,
Thank you for the confidence you have shown towards SPL elec-
tronics GmbH by purchasing the SPL Stereo Vitalizer MK2. You
have decided to use a tool of high performance which sets you in
the position to have faster success and a better sound quality in
music productions,live sound applications and pre-masterings.
As a typical SPL unit the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 combines exem-
plary specifications and high manufacturing standard with excel-
lent sound quality to provide you a precious component for
recording purposes.
Please read this manual carefully to ensure you have all the
information you need to use the Stereo Vitalizer MK2.
We wish you every success with your new Stereo Vitalizer MK2.
Your Sound Performance Lab-Team
I would like to start with my thanks to all our staff, who created
what is to be described here.The importance of their exceptional
qualification and talents cannot be overestimated.
Our products are often tested and compared in many publica-
tions and by our customers themselfs and constantly valued with
best results. I would like to pass on this broad appreciation to
those,who deserve it – my excellent colleagues.
Hermann Gier
Foreword
Thanks
Foreword ................................................................................................. 3
Thanks ...................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................................................ 4
Operation Safety ................................................................................... 5
Connections ............................................................................................ 6
Applications
Recording Studio .................................................................................. 6
Tape Duplication.................................................................................... 7
Broadcast ................................................................................................. 7
Sound reinforcement ........................................................................... 8
Video & film post production ............................................................ 8
First steps ................................................................................................. 9
Control Elements
Active ........................................................................................................10
Drive ..........................................................................................................10
Bass ............................................................................................................10
Compression ...........................................................................................12
Mid-Hi Tune .............................................................................................12
Process ......................................................................................................13
High EQ ....................................................................................................14
Intensity ...................................................................................................14
Stereo Expander ....................................................................................15
Power supply ..........................................................................................15
Specifications .........................................................................................16
Warranty ..................................................................................................17

4STEREO MK2
Vitalizer Awards:
In 1993 the“Golden Ear Award”
was presented to SPL by Europe´s
biggest HiFi-magazine“Audio”for
the Vitalizer in HiFi-Version.
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is an equalizer concept which makes
use of scientific psychoacoustic technology to process audio
signals. The unique combination of dynamic equalizers, ampli-
tude-controlled phase correction, harmonic filtering and stereo
expandingopens up a whole new listening dimension by adap-
ting the sound pattern to the non-linearities of the human ear.
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 gives the mid frequencies accurate
transparency with a soft, unobtrusive sound. The treble range is
reworked with broadband shelving filters, which focus on achie-
ving a smooth, silky sound pattern. High frequencies are livened
up without them sounding hard or aggressive. The Stereo
Vitalizer MK2 uses a newly developed filter network to process
the low frequency range.The bass is accentuated without any risk
of emphasizing the lower mid frequencies unnaturally. You can
choose between a dry, percussive bass (Tight) or a punchy, soft
and very deep sound character (Soft). An easy to use compressor
complements the bass section allowing the correction of level
change due to bass processing.The result is a pleasanter and live-
lier sound pattern with an unrivalled wealth of detail.
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is especially designed to serve the
needs in recording, mastering, cutting and post production work.
Used on complete mixes or being inserted into the subgroups to
treat specific parts of the mix, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 will
perform the same task as those esoteric and costly equalizers
often used for audio sweetening but with far greater tonal flexibi-
lity and at a much lower cost.You will be amazed by how transpa-
rent and powerful almost every audio signal sounds after it has
been processed with the Stereo Vitalizer MK2!
The housing of the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 has the standard 19"-
EIA format and occupies 1U (44.45 mm) in your rack.When instal-
ling the unit in a 19"-rack, the rear side of the unit needs some
support,especially in a touring case.
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 should not be installed near units
which produce strong magnetic fields or extreme heat. Do not
install the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 directly above or below power
amplifiers.
Check that the voltage details quoted on the back panel are the
same as your local mains electricity supply. Use a minus (-)
screwdriver to set the voltage selector to the voltage for the area
in which the unit will be used.
Never cover up the ventilation slots on the top of the unit. If,
during operation,the sound is interrupted or indicators no longer
illuminate, or if abnormal odor or smoke is detected, or if liquids
are spilled on the unit, immediately disconnect the power cord
plug and contact your dealer.
Only clean your Stereo Vitalizer MK2 with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Important security advices
Introduction
Operation safety
In 1994 the“Stage Design Award”
was presented to SPL by the“Artist”
magazine for the exceptionally
performance of the Stereo Vitalizer
on stage.

5
STEREO MK
2
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is fitted with both XLR-connectors and
TRS stereo jacks for balanced operation, though the jacks may be
used with unbalanced connections simply by plugging in mono
jack-plugs. The level difference that normally occurs when a
balanced input or output is used unbalanced is automatically
compensated for.
Should the need arise to use the XLR connectors in an unba-
lanced system, pin 3 of the XLRs should be grounded. Inserting a
mono jack also unbalances the XLRs.
Both output stages operate in parallel, so it is possible to
connect two different destination units simultaneously, for
example to record to two different media at the same time or split
the output between a mixer and effects processor. However, only
one type of input (jack or XLR) should be connected at a time –
the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is not intended to be used as a mixer!
To ensure optimal signal quality, SPL has developed a new
hybrid-component balanced input/output stage using all laser-
trimmed resistors with a tolerance of 0.01 %. This approach has
resulted in an exceptionally high CCMR (common mode rejec-
tion); 100 dB at 1kHz and 80 dB at 10 kHz.
As a precaution, before connecting the Stereo Vitalizer MK2
switch off the power to the unit and to all connected units.
Connections
Pin wiring: Stereo Jack plug
Tip=Hot(+) Ring=Cold(-) Sleeve=GND
12
3
Pin wiring: XLR connectors
1=GND 2=Hot(+) 3=Cold(-)

6STEREO MK2
Applications
Application 1:
The StereoVitalizer MK2 inserted
into the master-inserts of the
console
Application 2:
The StereoVitalizer mk2 inserted
between noise-reduction and
recorder to improve archived recor-
dings
1.The most obvious application of the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is to
process a final mix,either while mixing or during post-production
prior to cutting. Insert your Stereo Vitalizer MK2 into the master-
inserts of your console or right in between a playback and a recor-
ding unit. Although inserting the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 into the
master inserts is the most popular application, we advise to insert
the unit into the sub-groups, so that specific elements of the mix
are being treated with the Vitalizer process.
When patching the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 into the sub-groups or
master-breaks of the console, note if the master breaks are swit-
ched ‘pre’ or ‘post’ fader.They should best be switched ‘pre’ fader,
so that a variation of the master fader does not affect the input
level of the Stereo Vitalizer MK2. The effect level and the treated
sound will then remain unchanged.
It is important to use full-range monitors to assess the effect of
any bass processing in and out of circuit in order to appreciate just
how much processing has been added; the brain soon acclimates
to changes in timbre and it is easy to overdo it! If in doubt, refer
frequently to known recordings played through the same monitor
system. Do not connect the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 between master-
outputs and amplifier. The major disadvantage of this connection
is the varying input sensitivity with each fader movement.
2. Another popular stereo application is the processing of
existing master tapes during post-production such as when
reprocessing archive material for CD release.
If a single-ended noise reduction system is used to clean up the
original, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 can make a significant contribu-
tion in restoring the high end detail that invariably suffers during
such treatment. In many cases, the restored master can be made
to sound appreciably better than the original.
Recording Studio

7
STEREO MK
2
Application 3:
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 inserted
between compressor und recorder.
3. In electronic music, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 can be used to
add new range and depth to samplers and synthesizers and also
to further process existing effects such as delay and reverbera-
tion. Even budget instruments and processors with limited audio
bandwidths can be made sound full-bodied and detailed.
If you want to use a compressor in the master chain after the
console, use your Stereo Vitalizer MK2 after the compressor. You
can then be sure that the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 will receive a level-
corrected signal which helps to operate even more precise.If you
use the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 before the compressor negative side-
effects such as pumping could be more audible.
Tape duplication at high speed often results in a deterioration
of the high frequency spectrum of the copies. By processing the
output from the source machine, additional brightness can be
added to compensate for deficiencies in the copying system. It
may also be necessary to modify the bass end as many high
speed systems fail to reproduce the bass end of the spectrum
faithfully. In both areas, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is both effective
and simple to set up. Real-time duplication is getting more and
more popular. In that application the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 offers
the same advantages as described under “Recording Studio” and
“Video & Film Post Production”.
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is perfectly suited to the production of
radio jingles, commercials, and station idents. Because of the
psychoacoustic nature of the processing, the treated signal will
appear louder, closer, brighter and more intelligible than what-
ever was played beforehand,thus creating a powerful impact.
In commercial radio, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 can be used to
process the entire on-air signal helping the radio station stand
out from the competition. The integral surround processor can
also be used to create a wider stereo spread which is important
when most of the audience are listening on systems with a
narrow speaker geometry such as is the case with in-car sound
and portable stereo music systems.
Applications
Tape duplication
Broadcast

8STEREO MK2
In live performance or in club installations, the Stereo Vitalizer
MK2 is a powerful ally in maintaining speech intelligibility under
difficult conditions. It is also of great benefit in systems designed
to play recorded music because the illusion of loudness can be
maintained at lower absolute SPLs. This could be particularly
beneficial with the introduction of new noise level legislation. On
the subjective side, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 helps produce a
detailed, tight sound, even from indifferent speaker systems
giving an improvement in perceived audio quality.
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 can be of great value when mixing
under time-pressure. You can almost leave the onboard EQs flat
and create the FOH sound with the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 in the
master inserts.
As in other areas, the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 can be used to
sharpen and enrichen dialogue, even when the microphone
placement is less than optimum as is often the case when filming
due to the need to keep the mic out of shot. Music soundtracks
benefit in the ways already described for audio-only applications
and the fact that the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is so quick to set up can
save a lot of wasted time spent tuning multi-band equalizers.
Time-compressed audio can also be treated to restore the lack
of timbre so often caused by such intensive processing. This is
particularly valid in the case of vocal narratives as even a relatively
small amount of time-compression or expansion can dramatically
compromise the sound quality.
On the post production work on Spike Lee´s “Malcom X” movie
the voice of Denzel Washington playing Malcolm X was treated
with the Vitalizer for dramatical reasons:“We wanted to make sure
that there was a dramatic quality difference between the voice-
over and the sync dialog,” Fleischman adds, offering a mixer´s
view. “You try to find a balance between two center mics then
balance that with whatever you´re using from left-right pair. We
then treated it with the SPL Vitalizer,a psychoacoustic equalizer.It
brings a lot more presence to the upper end of the spectrum and
a very deep low end so that the voice sounds full.”
Mix Magazine
Applications
Sound
reinforcement
Video & film
post production

9
STEREO MK
2
When setting up the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 for the first time, it is
wise to approach the controls in a specific order to avoid confu-
sion and to achieve positive results right from the start. Use a CD
as source.
Set-up positions (see front panel picture):
• Drive to zero (center position)
• Bass Sound to zero (center position)
• Bass Compression to Off (counter clockwise)
• Mid-Hi Tune to 3.5 kHz (center position)
• Process to zero (counter clockwise)
• High EQ to 2 kHz (counter clockwise)
• Intensity to zero (counter clockwise)
• Stereo Expander to zero (counter clockwise)
1.Press the Active switch.You will yet hear no audible change in
the sound.
2. Slowly move the Process control in from the extreme left.You
will find that starting from the 9 o'clock position all frequencies
above 3.5 kHz (initial setting Mid-Hi Tune) are becoming more
intense. Freqencies below this point are diminished. First set the
Process control at 1 o'clock.
3. The next step is to shift the Bass control from the zero posi-
tion to both sides.Turn to the right:The bass sounds tight and dry.
Turn to the left:The bass sounds soft and round.Decide on a bass
sound of the desired amplitude.
4. Now start varying Mid-Hi Tune.The original setting is 3.5 kHz.
Turn to the right: The programme material sounds brighter and
gets more mids from about 1.5 kHz.The Mid-Hi Tune control sets a
starting frequency above which all frequencies are processed. If
this starting frequency is lowered, the frequency spectrum
included in processing increases. The programme material then
sounds brighter and clearer.
Turning the control to the left shifts the starting frequency from
3.5 kHz to higher frequencies. The programme material then
sounds increasingly dull, because fewer and fewer frequencies
are being included in the process, the higher the frequencies
become.The setting you choose is a matter of personal taste.
5. The High EQ is variable in frequency and amplitude. This
section helps you to give voices or other instruments in improved
presence. Leave the High EQ control in the set-up position
(counter clockwise) and turn in the Intensity to around 12 o´clock.
This makes the processed signal more natural with a soft, silky-
sounding top-end.
6. Finally, activate the Stereo Expander section by depressing
the In switch and turn the control to the 12h-position. Note the
soft spreading stereo image.
First steps

Active switches a relay hard-
bypass circuitry for XLR
and jack operation
Sets the operating level of the
Vitalizer filter network
Clip LED illuminates 3 dB
before a potential overload
10 STEREO MK2
The Active function switches the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 on or off.
The illuminated switch indicates that the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 has
been activated.
The Active function is a relay hard-bypass function that works
on both XLR and Jack connections. In the event of a power failure
the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is automatically switched to hard-bypass
(power failure safety).
The Stereo Vitalizer MK2 features a Drive control that enables
you to set the level at which the Vitalizer filter network operates.
The level can be changed between -20 dB and +6 dB.
To run the unit hotter set the level between the center position
(0 dB) and the clockwise position (+6 dB) with the proviso that the
Clip LED on the front panel is not regularly flashing. This will
achieve processing at a lower input sensitivity and will result in a
more intensely processed sound.
Conversely, in order to achieve milder processing, set the level
between the center position (0 dB) and the counter clockwise
position (-20 dB). The Clip LED lights up around 3 dB before the
effect signal path is potentially overdriven. Make sure that the
Clip LED only lights up briefly, if at all. It is essential to avoid the
Clip LED being lit up for any length of time.
The Bass Sound control is responsible for the‘colour’or timbre.If
you move the Bass Sound control to the right, you get a drier,
percussive bass sound, known as Tight. As a result of this, on the
right-hand side of the scaling points, there are squares which
increase in size, in line with increased intensity. They symbolize
the contoured Tight bass sound.
Control Elements
Active
Bass Sound 3
2
1
Drive
5 63
24 7 8 9 1