The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a tube interface

ULTRAGAIN PRO MIC2200

“Notching out” specific interference frequencies and narrow-band resonances (uncontrolled frequency peaks) is one of the ULTRAGAIN PRO’s major tasks: by tuning the EQ in to the precise trouble frequency, interference such as hum and noise caused by air conditioners, etc. can be eliminated without affecting adjacent frequency ranges. Basic acoustic problems usually encountered in studios and stage systems can be solved elegantly with the ULTRAGAIN PRO.

It has proven useful in practice to start with all controls set to mid-travel position and the EQ IN/OUT switch set to OUT, so as to avoid even before powering up the system that applied input signals with high amplitudes are raised in level by the ULTRAGAIN PRO and hence lead to distortion or damage in subsequent devices or speakers, or to annoying feedback in P.A. systems caused by improper basic settings.

Once the filter curve of your choice has been set, it can be necessary to correct the overall level. If the filter setting used raises the overall level, you can use the OUTPUT control to lower it again and avoid possible distortion.

When the overall level is lowered by the filter setting, the OUTPUT control allows for raising it by a maximum amount of +20 dB. Use the EQ IN/OUT switch for a direct A/B comparison, so that you can estimate the required amount of level compensation.

5.5 The ULTRAGAIN PRO as a tube interface

In your daily studio work, the ULTRAGAIN PRO can be used for a variety of applications that provide subtle sound enhancement. For example, it gives percussion instruments more “punch”, or improves the transparency of other instruments, particularly those rich in upper harmonics. The source material is enriched in sound volume and brilliance. Enhanced “depth” makes it easier to locate individual instruments. Vocal sounds gain in presence and volume, without masking other instruments. Thus, voices become a more integral part of the overall mix. Synthetic sound, especially MIDI guitar sounds become more real and natural than without the ULTRAGAIN PRO. So, with the ULTRAGAIN PRO you can adopt a more active approach during the mix-down process and work out subtleties, while focusing particularly on the musical aspects of your recordings.

For this purpose, connect the device to the insert points on your mixing console or recording/playback machine, and operate the ULTRAGAIN PRO in LINE mode. If you wish to use the tube function only, make sure that all PHASE REV., LO CUT and EQ IN/OUT switches are OUT. Set the OUTPUT control to mid-travel position and enjoy the “warmth” of pure tube sound.

18	5. APPLICATIONS