Download doc_1047 - Mastering Mansion

MPC-100A
Key Features:
"Clean" to "Saturated" valve sounds
Soft Clipping LED indicators
HI-Z instrument input with impedance matching control
Two stages of vacuum tube gain controls
3 Position attack and release controls
High quality VU meter for output and gain reduction metering
Continuously variable output level control
+4 dB balanced and -10 dB unbalanced output
Stereo linkable with a second MPC-100A
Jensen mic transformer
Retail Price: $2,390
If you are looking for an incredibly rich and lush sounding microphone preamp, do
yourself a favor and try out the Summit Audio MPC-100A. The signal path that
includes a Jensen mic transformer, two vacuum tube stages and Summit Audio's famous
compressor designs is an absolutely magic combination. Within moments of plugging
your favorite microphone in to the MPC-100A you'll know that everything you record
will come to life like never before.
Going direct? The MPC-100A is a fantastic choice for tracking bass, keyboards, guitars,
and other instruments. There is a rich variety of tones available by driving each stage of
the signal path differently and using the final output attenuator to get the exact right
level on the output. This Hi-Z input also has a 'loading' control which allows you to fine
tune the input impedance to match, or deliberately mismatch, the output impedance of
your instrument. Increase the loading for a minimum of resistance and the open, airy
sound of your pickups working unimpeded. Turn the impedance control down and listen
to the high frequencies start to attenuate in a musical way and the low frequencies get
tighter and more focused as the pickups are loaded. With the MPC-100A between your
axe and your recording or live system you'll be able to craft the tone that is unique to
you, a tone that will inspire your music.
Vocals and bass really shine with the MPC-100A, the Jensen mic transformer and tubes
working in sync to lend a detailed sound with those harmonically complex overtones.
The ultra-fast compressor makes it ideal for drums, especially kick and snare, to tame
those transients yet keep the body rich and full. And with three separate gain controls,
two driving vacuum tubes with a master output level, you have endless tonal variations
for whatever sound you need.
Recording and compressing a stereo mix:
Insert a 1/4" patch cord into the stereo link jack on the back of two MPC-100A's (or a
TLA-100A). Set both MPC-100A's to Link mode and to line input. Whichever one is set
for more compression will act as the master (slope and threshold are the only controls
affected). Insert the MPC-100A into the main inserts on the console, with the send from
the console to the line level input, and the return from the -10 dB output of the MPC100A.
Getting tube guitar distortion:
Plug the output of the guitar into the Hi-Z input on the front of the MPC-100A. Set the
impedance loading high (try 0.5M ohms). Turn the output low. Turn the preamp gain up
to +60 or more and play the guitar. The Tube Drive light should be blinking or steady
yellow. Turn the compressor gain up to 6 or more, and the associated Tube Drive light
should also be yellow. Set the compressor to your favorite settings (try Threshold -5dB
and Slope 5 with a fast attack and release time), then slowly turn up the output until you
reach the desired recording/ monitoring level.
Getting a clean microphone signal:
Plug the microphone into the mic input on the back of the MPC-100A and set the input
switch to mic (or 48 for condenser mics needing 48 volt phantom power). Make sure
both the preamp and compressor gains are turned all the way down. Turn the output
gain up very high, then slowly turn up the preamp gain and compressor gain to the
desired recording/ monitoring level. Set the compressor to your desired settings (try
threshold 0 dB, slope 5.5 with fast attack and medium release times).
Getting a warm bass tone:
Plug the bass directly into the Hi-Z input. Turn the Output knob very low. Set the
Loading to about .1M ohm and turn the preamp gain up until the Tube Drive light just
starts to flash while the bass is being played (the flashing light indicates soft clipping).
Increase the compressor gain until that Tube Drive just starts to flash occasionally, and
set the compressor to your desired settings (try -10 dB threshold, a slope of 5, with fast
attack and medium release). Turn the output knob until you get the desired recording/
monitoring level. This can also be done if the bass is plugged into a DI box. Just take
the XLR out of the DI into the Mic input on the MPC-100A, and set the input switch to
Mic.
De-essing:
Plug a TRS insert cable into the side chain jack on the back of the MPC-100A. Plug the
send (tip) of the insert cable to the input of an EQ, and the return (ring) of the cable to
the EQ output. Boost the frequencies on the EQ that you want to compress (de-ess).
Ducking:
Send the output of the "lead" program material into the side chain input after inserting
the MPC-100A on the "background" program material. Example: Send the output of the
lead guitar mic into the side chain, with the MPC-100A inserted on the rhythm guitar
track. As the lead guitar player plays, the rhythm guitar will decrease in amplitude. This
is perfect for broadcast use when the DJ needs to speak over music, live use when the
lead singer needs to be heard over the lead guitar, or film sound when an actor's voice
has to overcome a noisy background tone.
Q: Where can I get a light bulb for my MPC-100A?
A: Contact us! We'll get you what you need
Q: When should I change my vacuum tubes?
A: We have seen 10,000 hours and more out of our vacuum tubes without signal
degradation. We accomplish this by regulating the heater voltage to the tubes, greatly
increasing their life, something of a rarity if this industry. So, time is not as much of an
issue as is sound. If you hear a ringing sound in your audio or when you rap your
knuckles on the front, the tube is going microphonic. If you hear an increase in the noise
floor, the tube may need to be replaced. Contact us if you need new tubes, we can help.
Q: How do I align my meter?
A: In Level mode, you'll need to contact us for the alignment procedure. In GR (gain
reduction) mode, take off the top of the unit and warm up completely. BE VERY
CAREFUL AND TOUCH NOTHING ON THE INSIDE OF THE UNIT;
POTENTIALLY LETHAL VOLTAGES INSIDE. EVEN WITHOUT POWER
CONNECTED CAPACITORS WILL STORE A CHARGE THAT CAN SHOCK AND
POTENTIALLY KILL. If you are unfamiliar with doing this, please have a qualified
service technician do this for you. Set the meter select switch to GR. With a small,
flathead screwdriver, adjust VR4 near the middle, left side of the main board until the
meter rests at 0. VR4 is located in the middle of a line of 3 trim pots next to a large,
black square (U5) and to the back right of the vacuum tubes. It is helpful to switch back
and forth from Level to GR to make sure the meter sits in the proper position.
Q: What are the actual attack and release times on the compressor?
A: The nomenclature on the MPC-100A is a little vague because the settings are a little
vague. The way we design our compressor circuits make them react in a very musical
manner so the timing circuits can vary. For example, when the compressor is put in
medium release and a very quick signal, like a snare drum, comes through, the release
time is quite a lot faster than if a slower, more legato signal like a voice comes through.
So you can see why we don't have specific markings.
Q. Can I use my MPC-100A in another country with a different voltage?
A. Please search in the FAQ section for information about changing the voltage on your
unit.