User manual MILLENNIA STT1

[. . . ] 5 INTRODUCTION (see block diagram) The STT-1 Origin is a collection of Millennia's essential product line combined into one box. You might call it our "greatest hits" compilation. The STT-1 is a single channel (mono) processing chain with various signal path topologies (vacuum tubes, discrete transistors, audio transformer, transformerless) all selectable at various functions. The STT-1 offers an entirely discrete, entirely Class-A direct signal path from input to output. [. . . ] The gradual illumination feature offers better indication of approximate direct output level when compared with a typical "on/off" LED. (6) VACUUM TUBE GAIN CONTROL "VACUUM TUBE GAIN" A potentiometer which offers a front-end vacuum tube gain range of approximately 18 dB, being an absolute gain range of approximately +22 dB to +40 dB at the direct output. When Line Input is used, it is recommended that this Gain Control remain fully CCW with the Output Master Level control set between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock as a starting point. If less gain is required, lower the Master Level. If additional gain is required for line level signals (such as unbalanced "-10" signals), raise the level using use the Vacuum Tube Gain Control. Line level signals sound fantastic in the Origin, but for optimized performance of EQ and Compressor with line level sources, the stand-alone NSEQ-2 and TCL-2 Twincom stereo products offer slightly improved specifications. This is due to the additional (and required) interface circuitry found in the Origin. NOTE: We did not attempt to unify the rotational position or resolutions of the SS and VT gain controls. That is, the user cannot place each gain potentiometer at the same angular setting and expect the same gain. Rather, we have optimized each gain amplifier unto itself, not in relation to the other gain amplifier. (7) SOLID STATE GAIN CONTROL "SOLID STATE GAIN" A potentiometer which offers a front-end solid state gain range of 40 dB, being an absolute gain range of approximately +10 dB to +50 dB at the direct balanced output. The Origin is optimized for mic-level and instrument-level signals. When Line Input is used, it is recommended that this Gain Control remain fully CCW with the Output Master Level control set between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock as a starting point. If additional gain is required for line level signals, raise the level using use the Gain Control. Line level signals sound fantastic in the Origin, but for optimized performance of EQ and Compressor with line level sources, the stand-alone NSEQ-2 and TCL-2 Twincom stereo products offer slightly improved specifications. This is due to the additional (and required) interface circuitry found in the Origin. NOTE: We did not attempt to unify the rotational position or resolutions of the SS and VT gain controls. That is, the user cannot place each gain potentiometer at the same angular setting and expect the same gain. Rather, we have optimized each gain amplifier unto itself, not in relation to the other gain amplifier. NOTE: An approximate 20 dB of additional solid state gain is available if necessary. Contact Millennia for customization information. (8) SOURCE SELECT SWITCH "SOURCE: MIC - LINE - DI" Rotary switch (Grayhill, military-spec, gold plated) which selects the front-end input source as either microphone, line level, or 1/4" DI (instrument, keyboard, etc. ). Mic, Line, and DI inputs all feed the same front-end amplifiers (selectable via switches as either vacuum tube or solid state, transformer-coupled or transformerless). When used as a solid state amplifier, the circuit is essentially identical to the front-end found on Millennia's acclaimed HV-3. When used as a vacuum tube amplifier, the circuit is essentially identical to Millennia's sublime and musically euphonic M-2b front-end. [. . . ] To use the compressor with the additional signal path amplifier, assure that the "EQ IN" switch is depressed and illuminated. If no EQ is desired (dynamics only), simply assure that all four "EQ Band" switches are disabled -- this will effectively remove all EQ function while allowing the compressor to traverse the vacuum tube or solid state amplifier signal path. We feel this design approach offers maximum flexibility in achieving the widest range of dynamics sonic possibilities, from straight-wire 'minimalist' design to variously applied Class-A amplification paths. EQ and compressor control switches give visual indication of the functions described above. SUMMARY The STT-1 ORIGIN could very quickly become among the only front-end analog paths you'll ever need. [. . . ]