Sound Performance Lab Kultube Model 2049 - Manual (Page 12)

12
TUBE HARMONICS
The TUBE HARMONICS control allows you to drive the tube output stage infi-
nitely variable to desperation: the more the control is turned in, the further
the tube gets into saturation and the more harmonics are produced.
The output level of this stage is automatically adjusted, ti.e. it keeps virtually
the same level as the input signal. This allows you to to change the entire
sonic behavior of the tubes with just one control.
Understanding and enjoying the Kultube
In this section we will describe the individual parameters of the Kultube in
greater and use diagrams to enhance your understanding of how and why the
Kultube works.
The Threshold control
This parameter is used to determine at which level (or loudness) the unit
even responds by specifying a corresponding threshold value. Sometimes you
only need to process individual peaks, and at other times you need to take
more drastic action and set the threshold lower.
Fig. 1 shows the curves for various threshold settings. The X-axis repre-
sents the input level, from –50 dBu to +22 dBu. The Y-axis shows the output
level. You can see a definite change where the compressor is starting to work.
Before this point the ratio between the in- and output is exactly the same, so
that for example an input level of –30 dBu will also be present on the output.
In the area where the curve turns sharply the ratio is approx. 1:4. This means
that only a fourth of the dynamic gain is present on the output. A level jump of
8 dB will be reflected by just 2 dB on the output.
Operating
Control Elements
Controls
Fig. 1,
„Threshold Input vs. Output“