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Discrete Class A electronics are used for the audio path when ever
possible. We use high quality Bourns conductive plastic pots, high
quality rotary and toggle switches. (We could cheat and use cheap
stuff like most manufactures, but that is not what we are about.)
The Crane Song gear is destine to become classic vintage gear of tomorrow
and will go up in value.
Class
A Discrete
This type of technology has many advantages as far as sound is concerned.
With discrete components, a circuit can be designed to meet the gain
and distortion requirements that the designer desires. If the requirement
is low noise, low distortion or the ability to drive a low impedance
load, that is how the amplifier stage is designed. We don't just plug
in an integrated circuit and say it works. The use of discrete components
allows for precise control over all design parameters including the
amount of negative feed back required in the circuit.
Distortion
The most distortion free amplifier is going to be the one that has
little or no distortion before the negative feed back is applied.
Class A audio amplifiers provide an excellent means to accomplish
this task with current flowing for the full duration of the audio
signal.
In terms of output stages this is an advantage. Crossover distortion
common in other types of amplifiers is not possible in class A amplifiers.
If the amplifier is designed for low distortion before any negative
feedback is applied the result is a low distortion amplifier that
sounds very good. The disadvantage is that it runs hot. As an example
if you wanted a class A amplifier to produce 1 watt of power at
maximum output, with no signal applied the amplifier will use more
than 2 watts and this will be in the form of heat.
The result of all this technical stuff is the best sounding audio
path available and the ability to tailor the audio path for different
sounds. Consider: TRAKKER with switchable Clean and Vintage audio
paths and FLAMINGO has Clean, Fat and Iron audio paths.
Not only are the designs the best that state of the art technology
will allow but the gear is hand built by some of the best technicians
and assemblers in the industry. Our break down rate is so low that
there is no need for RMA's or fault tracking. Many of the biggest
names in the recording, film and public broadcast industry are users
of Crane Song equipment.
Product
Development
One more reason that the Crane Song line of equipment is better
than the rest is that it is developed in a working commercial 24
track 2" studio. The gear needs to preform under the pressure
of real recording sessions. During development if something does
not work correctly parts may be changed during that session to get
the desired sound.
This is not like those who develop software patches or plug ins,
who are given a 3 hour budget for each setting, and is unlike those
who design a piece on the bench or the computer and then rent an
afternoon of studio time to see if it works.
Crane Song gear is designed and listened to in a working environment
to be the best possible. We also invite user input on new designs.
Dave
Hill
davehill@cranesong.com
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