GC AUDIO – Analog Riser

Descrizione

Several years of research and development have been necessary to create this analog processor so that it can be used in all areas of the audio business.

The GC Audio Analog Riser is a fully adjustable mastering processor.

An uncompromising electronic design has been made to obtain an irreproachable sound quality. The GC Audio Analog Riser will allow you to process sound with confidence and pleasure for recording, mixing, and mastering.

Key Components

• 5 Tubes
• 4 VCAs
• 4 Lundahl Transformers
• High Voltage EZ81 Tube Power Supply
• Grayhill Switches
• IP Knobs

The GC AUDIO Analog Riser is a fully analog design built around these components, ensuring a unique machine with powerful combinations of harmonic processing and make-up in MS mode.

Equalizer Stage

• High Pass: 12 dB / octave, 20Hz to 300Hz.
• Low Pass: 12 dB / octave, 250Hz to 20kHz.
• Low Frequency: 20Hz to 500Hz, gain -12dB to +12dB, variable Q.
• Medium Frequency: 300Hz to 6kHz, gain -12dB to +12dB, variable Q.
• High Frequency: 5kHz to 20kHz, gain -12dB to +12dB, variable Q.

Compressor Stage

• Threshold: -30dB to +10dB
• Ratio: 12 steps, 1.5 to 10.
• Attack: 0.5ms to 300ms.
• Release: 1.5ms to 1.5s
• Make Up: -20dB to +20dB
• Knee Setting: Soft / Hard
• Auto Creator Setting: Automatic fast Attack and Release for transients.

Harmonic Stage

• Harmonic Generator
• Harmonic Mix Density

Tube Stage

• Gain: 0dB to 20dB.
• 4 Stages of 12AY7 Tubes on Each Channel
• High Voltage Power Supply with EZ81 Bridge

Brickwall Limiter Stage

• Fixed Ultra Fast Attack
• 12 Steps Threshold: +6dBu to +5dBu.
• 8 Steps Release: 10ms to 1.5s.

Hybrid Power Supply

• Very Low Ripple Linear Stage with Tube Bridge and Hammond Choke
• High-End Medical Standard AC/DC Converter Stage
• 110V to 230V Compatibility with Switch on Rear Face

Manufacturing Details

• High Definition VU Meter for Output Volume with Two Speed Settings (RMS or Transient)
• High Definition VU Meter for Gain Reduction
• IP Waterproof Knobs for Power On, Stereo On, and M/S On
• Analog/Ground Connector on Rear Face
• Input: Combo Neutrik XLR / Jack Balanced Connector
• Output: Neutrik XLR and Jack Balanced Connector
• High Definition Serigraphy

The GC AUDIO Analog Riser offers 5 processing stages in one machine:

1. 3-Band Full Parametric Equalizer with Low Cut and High Cut

This EQ can be used as a stand-alone EQ or in Sidechain mode for optimal VCA stability. It allows for very precise dynamic treatments, such as avoiding compression “pumping” by using a Low Cut in the Sidechain.

2. Compressor Stage

Built around a state-of-the-art VCA, this compressor features full adjustment of the Time, Threshold, and Make Up components. It includes an “Auto Creator” function for automatic Attack and Release times, ideal for percussive sources or bass.

3. Harmonic Treatment Stage

This stage generates odd harmonics and allows you to define the amount and density of harmonics integrated into the original signal, adding proximity presence to the signal.

4. Full Tube Gain Stage

Each channel consists of four 12AY7 lamp stages, with a high voltage EZ81 tube power supply offering high-quality choke filtering and a gradual rise in high voltage to preserve lamp life.

5. Brickwall Type Limiter

The last output stage is a Brickwall Limiter with 12 Threshold positions. The optimal setting is +4dBu, which will give you 0dBfs at the input of your DAW, ensuring no digital saturation.

The GC AUDIO Analog Riser has 3 operating modes:

1. Dual Mono Mode

This is the default mode with two completely independent channels. It allows simultaneous processing of two tracks independently.

2. Stereo Mode

Dedicated to stereo BUS compression, this mode features a L+R summation for the Sidechain input and a common Threshold for precise adjustment between L and R.

3. M/S Mode (Mid/Side)

This mode allows different dynamic treatment between the center (Mid) and sides (Side). It remains completely analog, without A/D – D/A conversion, and is built around dedicated differential amplifiers with laser-etched calibration.

Dual Mono Mode

• Configuration A: All stages active.
• Configuration B: All stages active but the Compressor stage.

Stereo Mode

• Configuration A: All stages active.
• Configuration B: All stages active but the Compressor stage.

M/S Mode

• Configuration A: All stages active.
• Configuration B: All stages active but the Compressor stage.

• Positioning: Avoid placing near strong magnetic field sources.
• Rack Mounting: Use provided fasteners and additional side brackets for rack mounting.

• Cleaning: Use a soft brush around controls and a damp cloth with household soap for the front panel.
• Avoid: Solvent-based cleaners.

• Inputs: Female 3-pin XLR and jacks.
• Outputs: Male 3-pin XLR and jacks.
• Wiring Convention: European standard.

• Voltage: 230V or 115V via a switch on the rear panel.
• Safety: Do not open the Analog Riser; risk of electric shock.

• Earthing: This apparatus MUST be earthed.
• Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same value and type of fuse.
• General Safety: Avoid placing on unstable surfaces, near water, or blocking ventilation openings.
• Mains Cable: Ensure correct termination to the AC mains supply.
• Voltage Operation: Adjust operating voltage with a flat blade screwdriver.