Manual Model 9733 Dual Channel Tube Processor
SOUND PERFORMANCE LAB CHARISMA Model 9733 Manual by Hermann Gier and Paul White Version 1.2 – 1/1999 The information in this document has been carefully verified and is assumed to be correct. However Sound Performance Laboratory (SPL) reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time. Changes without notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or full without the authorization of SPL.
Foreword................................................................................ 3 Thanks ................................................................................... 3 Introduction........................................................................... 4 Operation safety.................................................................... 4 Connections........................................................................... 5 Control Elements DRIVE........................................
Introduction CHARISMA is a 2-channel tube processor designed to improve the power, punch, dynamics and the subjective loudness of the signal being processed. Designed to introduce a subjective tonal warmth and a smooth bottom end into digitally recorded material, CHARISMA is a joint development between SPL and Manfred Reckmeyer, the designer responsible for the development of the 8-channel CHARISMA.
Before connecting CHARISMA switch the power off at all connected units. Connections 1=GND 2=Hot (+) 3=Cold (-) 2 Other rear panel connections and switches: - Voltage selector: 220-240V/50Hz or 100-120V/60Hz - CSA/UL approved 3-pole power plug - GND-Lift switch 3 To ensure optimal signal quality, SPL has developed a new hybrid-component balanced input/output stage using all lasertrimmed resistors with a tolerance of 0.01%.
Control elements 1 3 2 4 Drive 1 The DRIVE control sets the drive level to the tubes. DRIVE values can be adjusted between -oo dB and +24 dB. You have control over the tube´s onset of saturation to find the optimum point of processing. The higher the DRIVE, the more tube harmonics are being generated. At the same time, limiting gets stronger, increasing the density of the tube distortion. Start off with the DRIVE set at 0 dB.
This unique control varies the tube sound and allows you to create varying sound characteristics from SOFT to HARD. Creating different tube sounds results in varying harmonical structures and adjustments in the SOFT control range bring in the harmonical distortion and the tube limiting very slowly (you can compare this with the soft-knee characteristic of a limiter). In comparison to the HARD control range the SOFT effect starts off at relatively low levels.
into the patchbay. That way you can decide, whether it should be used while recording or later during mixdown – or simply inserted into specific channels. Processing subgroups is another interesting application. Using CHARISMA while recording to digital is the most beneficial application as the tube limiting prevents clipping. Normal processing Creating effects like tape saturation, Increasing loudness, Improving presence. You control the sound of CHARISMA with the DRIVE and CHARISMA controls.
sing starts earlier, which means you can hear the effect already at lower DRIVE levels in comparison to HARD settings. A medium DRIVE level may already be sufficient to drive the tubes hard enough. In a HARD setting you will find yourself using higher DRIVE levels, because the processing starts later than in a SOFT setting, but it is very efficient immediately. When recording to a digital media it is essential to avoid clipping and the tube limiting is a great tool for this purpose.
Extreme Processing Tip offs Power Supply Creating rough sounds, Creating new harmonics, Processing synth sounds. CHARISMA can be used with extreme settings: For example, set the DRIVE maximum and create richest Hammond organ sound. Give clean guitars more bite or even softly distort them, or make vocals rough and dirty. You can run your favorite samples and synth sounds through CHARISMA and give them the final edge. Give yor TB 303 clone the bite of the original 303.
Input & output stages Specifications Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced (differential) transformerless Jack type TRS XLR type NC3 Nominal input level +6dB Input impedance = 220 kOhms Output impedance < 600 Ohms Max.
Warranty SPL electronics GmbH (hereafter called SPL) products are warranted only in the country where purchased, through the authorized SPL distributor in that country, against defects in material or workmanship. The specific period of this limited warranty shall be that which is described to the original retail purchaser by the authorized SPL dealer or distributor at the time of purchase.
