LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP Preamplifier with saturation unit

Preamplifier with saturation unit

LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP is a unique microphone/instrument preamplifier, equipped with an original saturation unit in the 500 series rack format. Thanks to this unique combination, LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP is a versatile and creative tool, which allows for powerful sound, with great preservation of details, during recording. It not only incorporates LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP solutions inspired by 1960s designs, but also many original and modern ones, including digital control over most functions. This particular solution has eliminated mechanical switches from the signal path, which has greatly influenced the reliability and durability of LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP. Mechanical elements have been replaced with hermetic relays and semiconductor switches. At the LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP input there is a SOWTER transformer based on the AP2620, present in the legendary API preamplifiers. The operational amplifier, built entirely with discrete elements, is responsible for amplification. The design refers to the first operational amplifiers of the 1960s. However, the gain regulation solution comes from the 21st century - it is digitally controlled via micro buttons. The amplification value, expressed in dB, is displayed on the digital display.

LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP is equipped with a high-pass filter with a slope of 12 dB per octave. There are three cutoff frequency options, with three different characteristics:

• 60Hz - Chebyshev
• 100Hz - Butterworth
• 160 Hz - Bessel

The core of LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP is a saturation unit that intelligently and intuitively smooths out signal peaks, adding low-order harmonics. Saturation works like a soft limiter, making it possible to record tracks with a high RMS signal level, without unwanted distortion, with a detailed, saturated and perfectly integrated sound in the mix. The instrumental input is based on discrete transistors, operating in class A. The FET transistor device has allowed the design of a unit, which enriches the signal with a small amount of even harmonic frequencies, positively affecting the sound of instruments connected directly to LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP. This refers not only to guitars and basses. LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP works extraordinarily with digital synthesizers, adding that warm and analog touch. The LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP signal path is minimalist and the applied elements are carefully selected in relation to the original audio character signed with Looptrotter. LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP represents the highest quality sound combined with an original analog touch. The LOOPTROTTER SATURAMP is 100% original design and has no analog or digital equivalents.

Specifications

• preamplifier with 66 dB amplification (60 dB gain + output + 6 dB)
• gain on operational amplifier, discrete element construction
• obtain control without mechanical contacts
• smooth adjustment of the output level with the OUTPUT knob
• instrument input, Hi-Z, on the front panel (1M ohm impedance), discrete element construction
• original saturation unit that adds low-order harmonic frequencies, also acting as a soft limiter
• signal peak indicated with LED
• 2 LEDs indicating the signal saturation level (4% and 8% THD)
• 3 LEDs indicating the output level
• PAD -20 dB
• 48V phantom power
• polarity switch
• high-pass filter with a slope of 12 dB per octave, with selectable cutoff frequency and characteristic: 60 Hz - Chebyshev, 100Hz - Butterworth, 160 Hz - Bessel
• MUTE button - muting the preamplifier output
• SOWTER transformer in the signal path
• 100% original design that guarantees a unique and original sound