STT-1
COMPRESSOR T/T OPERATION
Please review the STT-1 block diagram. You'll note that the opto-compressor gain reduction
"shunt" elements, both pre-EQ and post-EQ, are passive. This means that no additional audio
path amplifiers are required for dynamics control, though an additional 10 dB of "make up
gain" can be achieved via the master output buffer amplifiers if required. In some cases, the
sound of an additional Class-A biased amplifier in the dynamics signal path may be preferred.
As such, the STT-1 ORIGIN opto-compressor can be selected to use
three
different signal paths,
follows:
1.) With vacuum tube signal path amplifier, or
2.) With solid-state signal path amplifier
The opto-compressor and parametric equalizer can share the same Class-A signal path amplifier
(selectable as vacuum tube or solid-state). 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 (com-
pressor only), assure that all four "EQ Band" switches are disabled — this will effectively re-
move all EQ function while allowing the dynamics processing to traverse an additional vacuum
tube or solid state amplifier signal path. In practice, this additional amplifier would usually be
selected as a vacuum tube path for heightened sonic coloration.
3.) Without any additional signal path amplifier
The opto-compressor function is passive, meaning that no additional signal path amplifiers
are required for dynamics operation. Passive opto-resistive elements are oriented as "variable
resistors" to ground, achieving broad levels of gain reduction. To use passive opto-compression,
whether pre-EQ or post-EQ, simply assure that the "EQ IN" switch is not depressed.
We feel this unique 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. Note that 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. With over 130 different product and topology combinations in one 2U rack chassis,
and the inherent range of sonic possibilities, the STT-1 is designed for the producer/engineer/
musician who doesn't have large amounts of time to spend patching and repatching racks of
analog front-end gear trying to achieve "
that sound
." Now, in one chassis, it's possible to easily
and quickly patch vacuum tube equipment with discrete solid state Class-A equipment, trans-
former-coupling and non-transformer coupling, various inputs and outputs, even dispensing
with certain signal path amplifiers altogether if not desired. It's
—all—
here in one compact
chassis. The STT-1 vastly expands the range of every artist's sonic pallette at a price/perfor-
mance level previously unknown in professional audio. STT-1 — Straight to Tape. Or for those
no longer using tape, Straight to Track!
