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.
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.
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.