DOCtron Martin Stimming’s Instant Mastering Chain Instructions
- June 10, 2024
- DOCtron
Table of Contents
Martin Stimming’s Instant Mastering Chain
Instructions
SET-UP AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS v. 5.1.7s
Martin Stimming’s Instant Mastering Chain
IMC v. 5.1.7s
HANDMADE IN GERMANY
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
INTRODUCTION
IMC, meanwhile in version 5, is an idea and commissioned work of one of
Germany’s most credible techno artists: Martin Stimming. The original idea
behind IMC is to create a device that is small, light and handy, allowing a
liveshow to sound loud and thick without a computer on stage. While being tied
to the studio in 2020 and 2021 Stimming found out how useful it is there as
well.
The signal path is consistently analog. In the course of development, the
operation was then digitized and the circuit itself continuously expanded and
supplemented, based on Martin Stimming’s experience with the prototype devices
in tough live use around the world.
From working together on this device, a friendship arose that spurred each
other on to make IMC accessible to everyone. The result is a device that
represents a milestone in technical and practical terms. IMC is elaborately
crafted by hand. The „inner values“ are excellent and the case (also
manufactured by DOCtron) made of carbon underlines the maxim that allows a
device in the smallest space, as easy and uncomplicated as possible!
An audio processor chain, which otherwise only digitally or with much higher
budget and physical space use would be possible.
IMC5 is a sound-shaping device used as a replacement for a classic mastering
chain. Included here is a British-style low and high-shelf EQ with dedicated
bypass and a VCA based bus compressor with FF/FB detector path. The following
instructions will now introduce the device in detail. The manualalso
represents the current state of development. In this tutorial we’re scratching
the surface. In the depth you have to go yourself…
WHAT’S NEW
The latest revision of the IMC has received a lot of innovations and long
wanted improvements:
– In-/Outputs are now fully balanced which results in +3dB more headroom
– IMC can now also be used as a DI box which saves the use of an external DI
box interfacing to front-of-house
– New Toggle-Switches with LEDS giving better tactile performance and allows
secured switching of all buttons
– True Bypass optimized with new circuit. Now independent of any present
voltage.
– Improved headamp impedance with optimized volume control for headphones
– Optimization of the housing labeling in terms of legibility and usability
And now have fun with IMC!
SAFETY
The listed safety regulations should be carefully observed. Please observe the following instructions and read this manual. For further questions please feel free to contact us.
-
ALWAYS USE THE PROVIDED POWER SUPPLY
Please select the proper AC-PLUG before using the power supply. NEVER USE A DAMAGED PLUG. If the power supply or one of the plugs is damaged, please contact us to get spare parts. -
WHEN INSTALLING INTO A RACK, BE SURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.
The top and bottom ventilation slots are not decoration and should never be covered during operation. The main reason for technical defects are mostly heat problems. In non-ventilated cabinets, use ventilation panels (1H) between units (even if they don‘t look very beautiful) to prevent heat build-up. -
AVOID PLACES WITH STRONG MAGNETIC FIELDS.
The housings of the device are designed to protect the sensitive electronics from EMI and RFI. For rack mounting, be sure to place devices with large power supplies or power amplifiers as far away from the unit as possible in the rack. A separate routing of signal and power lines can also help to suppress EMI and RFI as much as possible. -
PROTECT YOUR DEVICE FROM MOISTURE AND WATER SPLASHES.
If water has entered the housing, disconnect it immediately from the mains and send it to us for inspection to prevent major damage. -
IF YOU FEEL UNSURE ABOUT HAVING TO OPEN THE DEVICE
There are no more controls, fuses or jumper inside the current device. Usually there is no need to open the box. Please contact our support team if you are unsure. We’re here to help. -
BEFORE YOU OPEN THE DEVICE
Be sure to unplug the power adapter before opening the case. Disconnect the device from the mains! Make sure that no foreign parts remain in the device after completion of the work.
THE RED EXCLAMATION MARK IS AN INDICATION TO THE USER ABOUT SAFETY-RELEVANT FACTS AND FACTS RELEVANT TO SERVICE IN THIS MANUAL.
OVERVIEW
FIG. 01 – BLOCK DIAGRAM
THE GENERAL CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION IS INITIALLY LIMITED TO THE AUDIOPATH.
THE INDIVIDUAL PARTS OF THE CIRCUIT WILL BE DESCRIBED LATER IN
DETAIL.FIG. 01 – BLOCK DIAGRAM
Since both channels are identical, only the left channel is described here, as
shown in the block diagram. IMC5 has a so-called „true-bypass“, which means
that the audio signal in the de-energized state is passed uninfluenced from
input to output. The audio signal goes via an isolated 6,3mm jack socket to
the treble and bass EQ. Then the audio signal reaches a sound-forming,
discrete operational amplifier (ORANGE DD). Now the signal reaches the VCA
compressor. The output stage of the compressor reaches a further amplifier
stage, which later determines the saturation for the output transformer. The
signal conditioned in this way now reaches a balancing driver stage and
inally the LUNDAHL output transformer. At the output of the transformer, the
signal is routed to the adjustable Output-Stage and to the headphone
amplifier.
The remaining circuit parts work exclusively with control voltage and are not
in the audio path. Thus, no interference can enter the signal path. The
separation between audio
path and control voltages is also made by using 6-way multilayer boards with
their own ground layers. This reduces interference enormously. New in v5 is
also an external Sidechain (Send / Return on the backplane).
The power supply is via an external switching power supply. This power supply
must deliver at least 20V-24V. The distribution of the positive and negative
supply voltages is carried out in the device by its own sub-switching power
supplies.
Due to the conductivity of the carbon casing material, sufficient protection
against the outside world is ensured. The interior of the housing no longer
needs to be sprayed with conductive ink, as with IMC1.
THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUIT PARTS IN DETAIL
THE POWER SUPPLY
The external switching power supply is plugged in with a hollow plug on the
back of IMC5. The power supply has a very large voltage and frequency range
and should be universally applicable. Please check before connecting the mains
connection, if the primary connection corresponds to the specifications on
site! The power plug should be unplugged when connecting or disconnecting the
power supply to the IMC.
The internal overload fuses could trigger. If this is the case, please wait a
few minutes. The fuses are self-resetting. IMC5 has comprehensive reverse
polarity protection and protection circuits against “phantom-power”. All
safety devices are self-resetting. An opening of the housing is therefore not
necessary.
In general, all audio connections should be made before power is supplied to
the device. In addition to the main connector is a main switch. This
switchturns the IMC5 on or off.
Here are the technical data of the external power supply used:
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SERIES
- AC – DC Wall Mount Adapter, Switching Power Supply
- Closed / Splash proof
- Low standby consumption
- Compact construction
- Overload and short circuit proof
- Safety Standards: UL62368-1, CSA C22.2 NO. 62368-1 , TUV BS EN/EN62368-1, AS/NZS 60950.1, CCC GB4943, EAC TP TC 004 approved
POWER SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS:
- Input voltage: 90 – 264 V AC / 47 – 63 Hz
- Power: 24W
- Efficiency: DOE VI
- Idle input: <0.15 W
- Isolation: 3000 V AC / 1 min
- Overcurrent protection: short-circuit protection
- Overvoltage protection: 120%
- Output: 24 V DC / 0 – 1.0 A
- Ripple: 240 mVpp
- Weight: 134g
INPUT AND OUTPUT SOCKETS
The audio connections are made via 6,3mm jack sockets. In fact they are
“stereo”-jacks. Unbalanced cables/jacks also could be used. In this case the
negative signal (RING) will be grounded. If you connect the device to an
unbalanced In- or Output, please take care that negative signal (RING) is
proper grounded! To avoid hum the ground connection should be close to the
IMCjack (the balanced side). IMC5 is fully balanced.
A ground-lift jumper is not provided at the outputs. For testing, the use of a
ground-free intermediate plug is recommended. Simply insert the adapter
between Output-Left (or Right) and the following device. The adapter reliably
disconnects the ground to the subsequent connection.
THE ACTIVE-BUTTON
IMC5 has a „true bypass“ circuit.
This circuit makes it possible for the device to remain in the signal path
even without a power supply. In this case, the applied audio signal is
switched to the output directly and lossless. The ON button on the front left
of the front panel allows manual switching of true bypass. A red LED is
signalizing an active unit.
THE EQ-BUTTON
The knob in the middle switches
the EQ in the audio-path. A pressed switch causes a red LED to light up and is
signalizing an active EQ. Use this switch for a quick check of the defeat
signal against the EQ signal.
THE FF/FB-BUTTON / OVER-LED
This knob defines the working
character of the compressor. There are two types of signal tap for the
sidechain: The feed forward (= FF) is the signal before the compressor
tapped, with feed backward (= FB) after the compressor. Newer compressors work
almost exclusively with „Feed Forward“ (FF). Many „classics“ (such as 1176 or
660) used the Feed Backward (FB) method. The difference between the types: FF
intervenes much „harder“ in the signal. FB allows a much „gentler“ method of
compression.
If the FF/FB-LED lights red the compressor is working in FF-mode. A dark LED
means that the compressor is working in FB-mode. If the LED inside the Button
flickers or light brighter than the rest the overload indicator (OVER) is
active. It flashes in case of an output signal greater than +6 dB. It‘s not a
signal indicating distortion! It just informs the user that you are reaching a
zone in which you must be careful not to jump over the top.
INPUT
The INPUT potentiometer is an attenuation of the input signal. It reduces
the input signal in a range from -10 dB to 0 dB. Because IMC is a grateful
amplifier it needs some “headroom” to work. Also, one can reduce the pending
signal before reaching the EQ.
THE EQ
The EQ allows to rearrange the
pending signal in a wide range. It is a shelving EQ changing the low signals
(approx 60 Hz) and high signals (approx 12 kHz). The range is from -14dB to
+14 dB for each frequency range. By toggling the EQ-switch one can switch
direct both bands from 0dB (linear) to the selected range.
THRESHOLD
The THRESHOLD determinate s the
threshold where the compressor starts to work. In full left position (+20 dB)
the compressor won‘t work. A full right position (-20 dB) means that all
signals louder than -20 dB will be compressed. With THRESHOLD one can
establish how much compression should be present in the audio-signal.
Threshold determines from which signal threshold the compressor should be
present in the audio-signal.
THE COMPRESSOR
RATIO / ATTACK /
Ratio determines the ratio of
uncompressed to compressed signal. 1: 1.5 is therefore a slight compression,
while 1:10 can be described as a very strong compression. For sum compression
in mastering, a slight compression of 1: 1.5 or 1: 2 is preferred.
ATTACK
Attack determines how fast the
compressor should react. The shorter the selected time, the faster the
compression will affect the signal. The indicated time for the ATTACK switch
is measured in milliseconds (msec).
RELEASE
Release determines the time after
which the compressor „releases“ the signal again. The longer the release, the
longer it takes for the compressed level to return to an uncompressed state. A
special feature is the setting „AUTO“. In this setting, the release time is
automatically determined by the applied signal. The compressor then adjusts
the release time to the program material. The indicated time for the REALEASE
switch is measured in seconds (sec).
With these three switches one can regulate the parameters of the integrated
compressor.
DRIVE & OUTPUT
These two
potentiometers are the most important parameter for the unique IMC-circuit.
They determinate how “fat” the output signal will sound. DRIVE determinates
how much the integrated transformer will be driven in saturation and with
OUTPUT one can regulate the signal back into “real world”. With DRIVE you put
your audio signal right before the distortion limit and with OUTPUT you can
handle the amount of “coloring” the transformer output while also reducing the
output level. To say it clear: IMC is a pure analog machine. There are no
“parental controls”! If you choose to put DRIVE to the nuts?-position you will
get a horrible distorted signal.
PHONES
The output-jack for the
headphones is on the back (3,5mm stereo jack).
With the PHONES potentiometer you can regulate the volume for your headphones.
The integrated headamp is intended for usual in-ears with an impedance greater
than 20 Ohms. It also can be used as a line-level monitor-out. Please switch
the unit off before connecting your phones to IMC and please reduce the
PHONES-level to minimum before utting the phones in your ear.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE VOLUME. DON’T HEAR TOO LOUD. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE PAIR OF
EARS!!
BACKPLATE / CONNECTIONS
POWER
Connect the power adapter to DC IN. Please make all connections before
switching the unit ON.
The power switch has an orange indicator when pressed (also visible without
power connected)
INPUT
Connect your Audio-signal to INPUT LEFT and RIGHT. You must use 6,3mm stereo
plugs for balanced operation. If you use mono plugs the “ring” (negative
signal) will
internally bridge to ground (and the signal will be unbalanced).
BACKPLATE / CONNECTIONS
Connect OUTPUT LEFT and RIGHT. You must use 6,3mm stereo plugs for balanced
operation. If you use mono plugs the “ring” (negative signal) will internally
bridge to ground (and the signal will be unbalanced).
PROTECTION
All inputs and outputs are
protected against phantom power or other DC-voltages. Nevertheless, please be
careful to switch phantom power off because the protection can degrade the
audio-signal!
SIDECHAIN
With SIDECHAIN SEND and RETURN
you can influence the control voltage of the compressor. You can insert an
Equalizer, for example, to influence the frequency-range the compressor will
compress.
You can also insert a different audio signal (only the bassdrum for example)
for the compressor to react differently.
Important: The external sidechain is NOT in the signal-path. You only handle
control-voltage which influences the VCA-compressor. If no plug is inserted
the SIDECHAIN is out of the chain. If you plug something in the SEND or RETURN
plug the control-voltage is interrupted. As long as there is no external
device connected and only a plug is inserted, the compressor won‘t work! No
sidechain – no compression.
Connect the output of your external device to SEND and the input to RETURN The
Sidechain is MONO. You can plug mono or stereo plugs in the sidechain. The
“ring” of a stereo-connector is internally not connected.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Here are the mandatory technical data of the device.
| Frequency response: | +0.13 dB, -0.18 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise level: | -108 dB (A) |
| Dynamic range: | 108 dB (A) |
| THD: | 0,0099 % |
| Stereo cross-talk | -101,3 dB (A) |
| IMD at 10 kHz | 0,0186 % |
| primary voltage: | 90 – 264 V ~ |
| el. power: | 12 Watt (max) |
| Input Voltage Range | 27,5 dBu |
| Input Impedance | 47 kΩ |
| PSRR Max. Output Level | 90 dB |
| Weight: IMC | +24 dBu@20Hz (load 600Ω) |
| Cable length: | ~ 1000g |
For operation within the CE / FCC certification, the audio cables used must be shielded and must not exceed a maximum length of three meters
SUPPLIER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
MANUFACTURER:| DOCtron UG
Frankenstraße 14
91717 Wassertrüdingen
---|---
CONTACT PERSON:| Schneider Michael
+49 9832 708844
info@doctron.de
U.S. RESPONSIBLE PARTY:| TianHeng Consulting, LLC
392 Andover Street
Wilmington, MA 01887, United States
CONTACT PERSON:| Hualing Dong
Phone: +1-617- 997-4010
Email: info@tianhengconsulting.com
PRODUCT NAME:
MODEL NUMBER(S):| NF-Audio-PreAmp
IMC 5
DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBLE PARTY:| We hereby declare that the equipment
bearing the product name and model number specified above was tested
conforming to the FCC Rules and Regulations Title 47 Part 15 and the most
accurate measurement
standards. We confirm that the necessary steps have been taken and are in
force to assure that production units of the same equipment will continue to
comply with the Commission’s requirements.
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT:| This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CANADA ICES-003 COMPLIANCE LABEL:
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)3
CONTACT DETAILS:
DOCTRON UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRÄNKT)
FRANKENSTRASSE 14
D-91717 WASSERTRÜDINGEN
GERMANY
TEL.: +49 (0)9832-708844
FAX.:+49 (0)9832-708833
WWW.DOCTRON.DE
INFO@DOCTRON.DE
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