Crane Song LTD


INTRODUCTION

The STC-8 is a high quality compressor combined with a remarkably dependable peak limiter, that provides overload protection critical to digital recording and broadcast transmitters. The STC-8's compressor is engineered to provide musically transparent gain control, but is also capable of emulating vintage equipment and creating distinctive new sounds.

In addition, a switchable enhancement circuit creates "analog" and "tube-like" warmth to enrich lifeless audio and digital recordings. This vast flexibility is simplified by the inclusion of several optimized presets, allowing fast, easy set-up on a wide variety of sounds. It can operate in true stereo or discrete independent mono, accessible by a front panel switch.

The STC-8's sophisticated side-chain allows both compression and peak limiting to take place simultaneously, using the same proprietary gain control circuit. High signal quality is maintained by utilizing a discrete class A audio path, and by eliminating any VCA or optical gain control elements.

The STC-8 requires 2 rack spaces. All inputs and outputs are transformer-less and balanced. The toroidal power transformer is UL approved and allows four line voltages for international use. The STC-8 delivers consistent gain control without sacrificing musical definition or har- monic richness.

CLASS A DISCRETE TOPOLOGIES

The STC-8 has a Class A audio path which is significantly different than designs that use inte- grated circuits. Class A circuits sound better because their distortion components tend to be Second Harmonic; musically pleasing. IC Op-Amps do not have class A output circuits and their distortion components tend to be high order odd harmonics; not musical. The most important thing to remember about Class A circuits is that they sound better.

This type of technology has 2 disadvantages when compaired to IC designs. 1) Due to the large number of parts in discrete circuits; they are costly. 2) Class A circuits run warm.

HEATING AND WARM-UP

The STC-8 must have adequate ventilation. Make sure the vent holes are not blocked. Do not set anything directly on top of the STC-8. When mounting the STC-8 in a rack, provide as much air flow as possible. Leaving the back of the rack open is another option. If you provide adequate ventilation, you will be rewarded with years of reliable operation.

All precision electronic equipment has an operating temperature that when reached will result in best performance. The STC-8 should be allowed a 10 to 15 minute warm up period before use.


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