Single channel microphone and instrument preamplifier

Input makes all the difference.

Modern audio production relies increasingly on digital systems for recording and mixing processes (DAW's, digital consoles etc.). But still digital systems do not offer the same audio qualities and sound characteristics of high-end analog equipment. Especially digital equalizers and other aspects of the mixing domain cannot compete with the open, transparent sound of the best analog gear. So today more than ever, your input signal has to sound as good as possible—the quality of your original tracks will largely define the end result.

Attacking this problem on the preamplification front, with the goal of noticeably improving a signal and sending it along its path with a healthy foundation, requires a great deal of thought and engineering effort – like with the GainStation 1.

Its very compact design allows for free placing also outside of a rack (e. g. close to the microphone). Musicians can place the GainStation 1 easily on a rack or amplifier.
To accommodate portability, the optionally available SPL GainBag ensures safe transport of the GainStation 1 and offers additional storage for cables and an average-sized microphone. For more permanent installations, up to four GainStation 1's can be rack-mounted in one optionally available 3-unit mounting frame.

The SPL GainBag to transport GainStation 1, a microphone and cable.

Most notable features of the GainStation 1:

• Separated Solid state and tube preamps. The tube preamp can be used additionally to the solid state stage to add tube saturations, for clean recordings it can be switched off.
• Peak/FET Limiter
• Switchable Mic Input Impedance (200 Ohms, 1,2 & 10 kOhms)
• Custom-designed and built, fully discrete, class A op-amps (no off-the-shelf stuff here). The GainStation's op-amps feature 60-Volt operating voltage—twice as high as most common op-amps—for an incredible dynamic range.
• All switching functions are handled by encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts.
• A no-compromise power supply with extensive additional shielding and seven separately wound and regulated voltages
• Internal 24/96 AD converter, Lundahl input transforner, SPL GainBag and rack mounting frame optionally available

In our humble opinion, the time and energy invested in the development of the GainStation 1 was well worth it. The result is an extremely compact, unusually flexible preamplifier that delivers audio quality usually found only in units costing much more. We believe we just may have set a new record in the sound per cubic centimeter category.