Did you know? Using diodes for audio signal compression

April 14, 2023

Ever wondered how diodes can be used to compress audio signals like in the famous old studio consoles by Neve or outboard units old and new? Unfortunately good articles on the topic are few and far around. One that’s worth reading concerning compressors using diode bridge rectifiers can be found here (it’s full of Ads unfortunately): https://www.whippedcreamsounds.com/diode-bridge-compressor/

A much better article on VCAs in general also describes the use of diodes and vari-mu tubes among all other common designs using components from LDRs (opto) to ICs (what most people in the professional audio and studio world call “VCA” compressors collectively) and describes why and how other compressors use these components to achieve compression and limiting, design drawbacks and common distortion reasons as well as the necessary technical background and examples: https://sound-au.com/articles/vca-techniques.html (website highly recommended for audio enthusiasts)

Did you know? 48V/Phantom Power & it's history

April 09, 2023

In 1966, Neumann GmbH presented a new type of transistorized microphone to the Norwegian 
Broadcasting Corporation, NRK. Norwegian Radio had requested phantom-powered operation.
Since NRK already had 48-volt power available in their studios for their emergency lighting
systems, this voltage was used for powering the new microphones (model KM 84), and is the 
origin of 48-volt phantom power. This arrangement was later standardized in DIN 45596.

— source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_power#History

It’s also advised to read the Technical Information and especially Caveats section on the Wikipedia page on Phantom power.

New Section: Products & Offers

March 18, 2023

We’ve added a new section on the products we work on, currently offer and are available for pre-order or as customized made-to-order. So what’s new?

New Products:
  1. CAPI VP312DI-Litz: CAPI VP312 pre-amp with DI/HiZ (passive or active) using high-grade custom Litz-wire Transformers
  2. Link Audio 312 clones modded with parallel compression, saturation, tape sim and/or custom opamps
New Prototypes:
  • We’ve received the first batch of five active summing units for Tascam/DSUB25 to XLR/TRS Combo Jack using a TI NE5332ADR opamp to test. Waiting on PC-ABS 3D printed cases for the active and passive summing prototypes

You can find the new sub-page and all info regarding the new items we have to offer over here.

More Content coming Soon

March 13, 2023

At the moment some pictures and sites don’t render optimally on mobile platforms like smartphone browsers. We’re working on fixing this. We thought we should finally get the website online instead of moving the release date further back, so we have some info online right away. Most of the important information and contact details, shop etc. is already on the site.

Whats to come

We’ll add more content on analog audio gear, recording, tracking, mixing and mastering techniques in the analog domain as well as with hybrid set-ups. Extend the About Us section regarding the background of our namesake. We’ll also add a rental list and agreement and more information on custom pieces we’ve designed from the ground up or modified for customers.

Hope to see you back here soon!

— AZ

Our Website is Online

March 12, 2023

Welcome to our new website. Take a look at the content: you can hire us for custom work on analog gear, technical support during recording session, modifications and much more.

Shop

Don’t miss out and check out our Reverb Store. You just might find a piece of equipment you like. In the menu in the right corner you can find your way to our store or to rent equipment and hire audio engineering professionals.

Address

Second Order Harmonics
(—per— Aaron Zauner)
Zentaplatz 7/17
1050 — Vienna
Austria / EU