The Tube Vitalizer is the top-of-the-line in the Vitalizer family from SPL. To implement the Vitalizer program EQ in a technically optimal way, a combination of tube, coil, transistor and semiconductor technology was created which comprehensively exploits the advantages of the individual sound features of these components and which can be individually configured to best suit the task (RC or LC filter, tubes or semiconductor output stage).
Compared with traditional equalizer designs, the Vitalizer combines virtuosic manipulations of the sound image with maximal efficiency. It meets the highest standards in every way in the professional sound studio and in mastering – both in single channel and subgroup processing as well as in refining summing signals. One of its most popular uses is in restoring old recordings – the Tube Vitalizer makes remastering a joy.
Bob Ludwig, Gateway Mastering Studios:
"I have been doing some re-issues and the SPL Tube Vitalizer has been saving me! It has been a fantastic tool for old tapes."
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Concept
The Tube Vitalizer is the top model in the Vitalizer product range and employs a symbiotic combination of tubes, LC-filters, IC-technology, multiband compression & Vitalizer-technology. The Tube Vitalizer is designed for discerning applications in professional recording, mastering and cutting. All effect intensities and potentiometer values and characteristics are optimized for the refined requirements mastering. The sound processing of the Tube Vitalizer is split into two sections: On the left hand you find the controls of the Vitalizer-circuitry and the compressors. The right side features the tube section, which can be used independently of the Vitalizer-section as a high quality, low-noise tube-line preamp whenever you just want to give your programme material the warmth and smooth bottom-end of tubes.
Tube Stage
The Vitalizer section has extended functions compared to all other Vitalizer models. With the Tube Vitalizer you can now filter bass and high frequencies using a choice of familiar RC-filters or the more interesting and warmer sounding LC-filters! The sonic differences are similar to those of tubes compared to semi-conductors - sometimes even more dramatic. LC filters can saturate in a similar way to tubes, producing a harmonic structure that is pleasant to the ear. When activating the LC-Filter switch, a passive LC network is integrated into the active filter path. Adding the LC to the Bass processing results in a subjectively more powerful sound with a greater sustain. The LC-Filter not only affects the Bass section of the Vitalizer though, but also the mid-damping behaviour of the Hi-Mid Tune so that low-mid frequencies in particular benefit from adding the LC-Filter. The sound acquires more punch and directness. An LC-Filter can also be added to the high frequency filtering, resulting in more presence and more penetration in the mid-range, which is ideal for vocals. In mastering the LC-Filters add a new tonal dimension to your sound processing which can not be simulated by any other means.
The second innovation in the Tube Vitalizer design is the inclusion of two compressors, one integrated into the bass filtering and the other into the high filtering. These compressors control the levels of bass and high frequencies and may also be used to compensate for level changes due to filtering. Alternatively, they can also be used as sound shaping devices. Based around the highly acclaimed THAT 4301 semi-conductor gain cell, the compressors feature very low noise and distortion. They operate with a soft-knee characteristic to provide the most unobtrusive performance, while the Attack, Release and Threshold are pre-programmed, taking into account the characteristics of the filtering circuitry they are used in.
The compressors are highly automated requiring just one control knob for each bass and high frequency compressor. Blue Gain Reduction LEDs indicating that gain reduction is taking place. When mastering to DAT or other digital media, it is imperative to exploit as much of the available headroom. Here the compressors are very effective in pre-controlling the operating levels, thus relieving the mastering dynamics processor. Ê Other speciality components include the single-op-amps throughout to minimize cross-talk and distortion as well as noise. All capacitors used in filtering are switched in parallel to minimize the effect of component tolerances when sweeping through the stereo-coupled filters.
Other Highlights
The TUBE VITALIZER is built using the finest components. High quality ALPS potentiometers combine reliability with an excellent tactile response, and the mechanism has enough resistance to make unintentional movement unlikely. Stylish and practical VU meters show either input or output levels, making it easy to compare levels when extensive filtering is required. The TUBE VITALIZER is equipped with both XLRs & stereo jacks for balanced operation. We use the new SSM precision input & output stages which feature laser-trimmed resistors, providing a common mode rejection of better than 87 dB. Mono-jacks may be used for unbalanced operation without level change! |
