Sound Performance Lab 2485 User Manual

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GoldMike MK2
Introduction
The GoldMike MK2 is the result of all our experience and 
knowledge from its successful predecessor and represents an 
improved, more flexible and, more modern version.
We  have  added  technologies  that  have  already  proven  to 
provide superior tonal results in other SPL products. For 
example, the instrument input is designed around a class A 
impedance converter which premiered in the SPL GainStation 
preamp.
A significant contribution to the success of the predecessor was 
the hybrid preamplifier concept. It combines transistor and tube 
preamplifier stages and specifically utilizes their technological 
and sonic advantages: The efficiency and low noise of a discrete 
transistor stage is enriched with musical coloration of a tube 
stage.
The transistor stage is composed of single transistors in a class 
A design. The circuitry is fully discrete, and each transistor is 
completely optimized for its specific task. You will not find any 
IC’s in this preamplifier stage because they cannot be optimized 
for this specific application to the degree we aimed for. This all 
new discrete class A transistor stage is a genuine innovation in 
the entire preamplifier market at this price level.
The degree of tube pre-amplification is no longer the fixed +6 
dB value of its predecessor. The GoldMike MK2 sports the selec-
tion of three different tube pre-amplifications: +6 dB remains 
the standard complemented by  +12 dB and +18 dB. This allows 
creative variety with the tube saturation and limiting effects.
We have also added an extra setting to the popular Flair circuitry 
to give more flexibility to the presence improvement.
Because the GoldMike MK2 is a dual channel preamplifier, 
its channel separation is of fundamental importance for the 
stereo image. Therefore the print-board layout is symmetri-
cally mirrored around the power supply in the center from 
channel 1 to channel 2. This results in an identical signal flow to 
supporting a naturally balanced stereo image. Additionally the 
print-board provides extra-large ground areas maximizing the 
shielding against crosstalk and interference.