MK2 - Stereo Vitalizer
The signal-to-noise ratio has effectively been improved by 8 dB (at full effect), and this is especially beneficial when the Stereo Vitalizer MK2 is wired between the mixer's output and a power amplifier, as it might be in PA or disco applications. To set the operation level of the filter network more precisely, a Drive control has been added that enables you to set continuously variable levels between -20 dB and +6 dB. A Clip LED illuminates to indicate a potential overload. Another new feature is the integrated compressor, which only works where it is most useful: in the bass range. When recording on digital equipment, it is essential not to overload the inputs of such systems which would otherwise result in invalid samples or digital peaks. As the bass frequencies carry most of the level, it makes a lot of sense to integrate a compressor into the bass path. We designed the compressor as a 'one-knob' solution to make it easy to operate, and a soft-knee characteristic was chosen for unobtrusive operation. The threshold, attack and release are automatically adjusted while the Compression control sets the ratio value. The blue Gain Reduction LED indicates the point at which the compressor starts to operate.
The characteristic of the Process control has been changed in order to produce a mid-damping effect that sounds more consistent for the soft as well as the tight bass sound. To freshen up the top-end of a recording, the new High EQ and Intensity controls have been integrated. The High EQ works with steep filters and controlled changes of phase relationships of the high frequencies and harmonics. The Mid-Hi Tune and the High EQ filter complement each other in an ideal fashion, while the Mid-Hi Tune sets the frequency above which the program material is lifted and below which damping takes place.
The High EQ and Intensity controls also extract certain frequencies during this process which is very helpful when you are processing material with lead vocals: Using the Mid-Hi Tune will generally damp some speech frequencies so the voice moves into the mix losing a bit of its presence. Use the High EQ to catch the voice and the Intensity control to bring it back up front.
