16
4.5 UTC circuit
IN
OUT
WARMTH
Fig. 4.4: UTC circuit
The MAGICIAN splits up the audio signal applied at the input, and processes it differently for both signal
paths. Each of the two tube halves amplifies the original signal and the signal modified in its phase spectrum
(twin triode, see Chapter 1.1.2). Additional harmonics are produced by slightly overdriving the Tube Stage.
When the two signals are processed by the UTC circuit, the interference noise found in conventional tube
circuits can be largely eliminated, and the actual tube effect be added gradually. The more you turn the
Warmth control to the right, the more tube sound will be added to the original signal.
A closer look at developments and trends in audio technology shows that tubes are currently enjoying a
renaissance, in a time when even amateur musicians are free to use digital effects processors and recording
media, and ever more affordable digital mixing consoles are becoming a natural part of the equipment of many
semiprofessional studios. Manufacturers try, with ever new algorithms, to get the most out of DSPs (Digital
Signal Processors), the heart of any digital system.
Still, many audio engineers, particularly old hands often prefer using both old and new tube-equipped devices.
As they want to use their warm sound character for their productions, they are ready to accept that these
goodies produce a higher noise floor than modern, transistor-based devices. As a consequence, you can find
a variety of tube-based microphones, equalizers, Pre-amps and compressors in todays recording and master-
ing environments. The combination of semiconductor and tube technologies gives you the additional possibility
of using the best of both worlds, while being able to make up for their specific drawbacks.
4.6 Studio applications
In a recording studio tubes do not pervorm the same task as they do in an overdriven guitar amp, where the
considerably higher saturation of the tube(s) leads to a full and often deliberate modification of the input signal
(in many cases combined with a heavy increase in noise floor levels). In the studio more subtle effects are
needed. Here, tube circuits add life to the signals tonal character and increase its power to make itself heard.
Often, tubes also increase the signals perceived loudness (in relation to the unprocessed signal), i.e. the
perceived loudness goes up although the volume level remains the same. This is because the dynamic range
of the applied audio signal is limited by the tube circuit, while the amplitude of the signal with the lowest
loudness is raised. Thus, increasing tube saturation produces a slight compression effect over the entire
dynamic range.
4. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
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