SPL Iron V2 Two-Channel Tube Mastering Compressor (Black/Silver) - Manual (Page 6)

6
Technical Aspects Technical Aspects
The 120V technology
SPL‘s goal was to push analog signal processing to the limits. That‘s why we combined
the best possible components with a high-grade optimized circuit design.
The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the
world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semicon-
ductor op-amps.
The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio
operating voltage.
The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we
have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC
voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would
destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.
The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits.
Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in
terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local
mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside
the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary
voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers
convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.
Ultimately, this supply voltage is key for the overall dynamic response of a processor. Vol-
tage is to an electrical circuit what cylinder capacity is to an internal combustion engine.
You can‘t replace cylinder capacity with anything else, except more cylinder
capacity.
The 120V technology is based on op-amps developed internally by SPL‘s co-founder and
Chief Developer Wolfgang Neumann. The IRON features the most advanced generation of
these op-amps. They boast better tech specs thanks to the thermal behavior optimiza-
tion they underwent under the hands of Bastian Neu.
Some of the most highly respected Mastering studios today revolve around SPL devices
with 120V technology (Bob Ludwigs Gateway Mastering & DVD in the USA, Simon Hey-
worth‘s Super Audio Mastering in the UK, Galaxy Studios in Belgium, and the legendary
Wisseloord in the Netherlands, for instance).