Swiss made
Since 1953

Stellavox

The motivation behind every stage of our research, development and production process comes from the wish to create exclusive products with exceptional sound quality and longevity, which ignite passion in the user, and reflect the true spirit of Stellavox while embracing the technologies of today.

Products

Stellavox
L10

Products

Stellavox
WB10

Seventy years of history

1959

1963

1967

1971

1989

2022

L10 input and output amp
module for the
Stellavox TD9 tape recorder

Product
L10

Stellavox

The first product to be designed from scratch,
the WB10, is an audio workbench.

Product
WB10

Stellavox

Stellavox WB10 work bench

Product
WB10

Stellavox

The first product to be designed from scratch, the WB10, is an audio workbench. Effectively a studio console, it is conceptualized with separate input sections and return to mix sections, mastering sections and more.

Stellavox WB10 RTM return to mix module

The first product to be designed from scratch, the WB10, is an audio workbench. Effectively a studio console, it is conceptualized with separate input sections and return to mix sections, mastering sections and more. This resourceful analog device respects today’s requirement for workflow and working methods that have changed as a result of digital technology. For maximum flexibility, the WB10 has a totally frameless modular design. This means that the WORK BENCH is not limited by a frame system or a basic structure. The individual modules are self-supporting and can be combined according to the need for channel quantity and function. In principle, the modules are combined by the manufacturer according to customer requirements. Thanks to a sophisticated and robust coupling mechanism, they can also be mounted by the customer or extended at a later date.

Stellavox WB10 Heart master module

The electronics of the workbench is the invisible part of the device, but nevertheless its most important, naturally when looking at an audio device. Apart from the analogue signal processing, the WB10 also contains a digital control for the logistics of all functions and the automation of the faders (optional).
Here are just a few truly exceptional architectural details of the analogue audio circuit.
Fully discrete design and no use of any integrated circuits.
All circuits like preamps, EQ's, summing amps, output amps, etc. work without any negative feedback for excellent transient behaviour and minimal time distortion
The electronic structure is fully balanced from input to output across all functions of the workbench. The headroom at any point of the whole apparatus is never less than 30dBu.
The electronics of the WB10 works from input to output as a pure DC amplifier without limiting the signal with capacitors. This gives more bandwidth, less distortion and group delay.
High voltage (50V) for extended headroom (32dBu) and fast attack.

Stellavox WB10 SUB subgroup module

Stellavox WB10 Rec micpreamps module

The Stellavox REC module was launched during November 2023 after extensive testing by audio
professionals. Initially conceived as the input module for the WB10 console, the REC is also a fully-
fledged, stand-alone unit with eight extensively equipped microphone preamps. (Other workbench
modules are due for release in 2024.)

Functions:

  • Inputs and outputs, insert sends and insert returns connect (as with all workbench modules) via XLR direct access, or via DB-25 from the rear panel. Inputs are selectable via the XLR switch. The outputs also lead internally, via the workbench BUS, to the input modules (RTM, RTS) when connected to the workbench.
  • In addition to phantom power and a phase inverter, the REC module has five selectable input impedances in a range of 1k to 5k and a fixed 40k “line” sensitivity position.
  • A special feature is a transformer bypass function. Here, an optionally selected transformer mounted in the signal path can either contribute to the sound or be bypassed. This makes the “with or without transformer” choice much easier for the engineer by enabling direct comparison of the two signals.
  • Gain control is achieved by selecting one of four different sensitivity ranges, each of which can be adjusted in steps of 2dB over a range of 50dB, using a rotary control. The sensitivity ranges are: +20dB to -30dB, 0dB to -50dB and -20dB to -70dB for microphones, and +20dB to -30dB for line level devices.
  • A high-pass filter allows 2nd order attenuation of low frequencies in two ranges from 35Hz to 100Hz and 90Hz to 250Hz. The Off function will bypass the entire filter circuit to avoid any phase shifting.

Design:

As with all Stellavox products, the aim has been to build a device that will serve generations of audio professionals. Only the very best components and materials have been used in the REC module’s design and realization. Its electronic architecture follows a strict one-to-one philosophy involving the renunciation of negative feedback, the implementation of fully balanced circuitry, pure DC amplifiers without capacitors in the signal path, high voltage for extended headroom and a discrete concept without integrated circuits. The strategy has not previously been used with a studio mixing console (and rarely in other audio devices). It reflects our experience and our belief, following numerous listening tests, that only an ultra-fast, high resolution signal treatment can truly open the way for musical expression and the engineer’s design possibilities.

The selection of seven different modules, which are currently in development and production preparation, offers you as a professional user the possibility to put together a console according to your long cherished wish.

General specs WB10

This short overview should give you just an idea of the technical data. More detailed specifications for each individual module will follow.

  • Max input level (REC, RTM, RTS) 35dBu
  • REC CMR: 80dB at 1kHz
  • Headroom on all Outputs: 32dBu
  • THD over all: 0.02% 3rd harmonics, 0,009% higher odd harmonics
  • Freq. response over all: 1Hz to 100kH +-1dB
  • Output noise 16 channels: -94dBu
  • EIN mic preamps REC: -129dB

 

The current modules are:

REC, recording

Eight units of mic/line preamps in one module. Including:

  • -70dB to +20dB sensitivity, 4 gain ranges, fine adjustment on fader
  • variable impedance (1k to 5k for mic, 40k for line function)
  • input transformer, included or bypassed (trafo ON switch)
  • variable high pass (30 to 240Hz), bay-passable, 2 frequency ranges
  • balanced inserts, switchable
  • Stellavox VU meter per preamp, with elevated range from -40 to 16dBVU
  • all connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable
  • power in connector for use as stand alone

RTM, return to mix

eight “return to mix” units in one module, including:

  • selectable input: internal from REC, external (for ex. from recorder)
  • sensitivity -20 to +20dB, unity gain switchable
  • phase shifter, variable, by-passable, 2 frequency ranges
  • EQ: 4 bands, all tuneable, mid bands with switchable high – low Q
  • 6 auxiliary, AUX 1 post fade, AUX 2, 3 pre fade, AUX 4, 5, 6 pre/post switchable (on master)
  • On switch. Set to “off” mutes all signals (insert, AUX, L/R, subgroups)
  • PFL
  • SOLO (excluding the other channels)
  • Routing to: L/R and subgroups
  • PAN, pan law -3dB or accordingly to customer requirements
  • balanced inserts, switchable
  • Stellavox VU meter per preamp, with elevated range from -40 to 16dBVU
  • all connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable

HEART, master

  • Faders for L/R the 6 Auxiliaries and PFL as an extra Output
  • TB with adjustable dimmer
  • Monitoring to drive 3 speaker pairs (with calibration), sources: L/R (pre/post and MONO switchable), all AUX, PFL, additional inputs “CD” and “tape” and Stellavox VU meter
  • 2 separately adjustable head phone amps
  • 2 serial inserts pre fade, switchable
  • “my mix”, additional mix for a musician’s head phone
  • All connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable
  • Main power IN connector

 

SUB, subgroups

For the WB10 4stereo subgroups are available in one block. Including:

  • separate Outputs
  • balanced inserts, switchable
  • On switch. Set to “off” mutes all signals (insert, AUX, L/R, subgroups)
  • To L/R mode: set to “off” mutes the signal to L/R while the output still works
  • Balance knob: sets the stereo imagine to L or R in a range of +- 10dB
  • PFL stereo
  • SOLO (excludes the other subgroups and L/R from the poutings (RTM)
  • all connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable

Future module:
RTS, return to stereo
Similar input module to the RTM, with simplified function. Usable as summing amp or stereo effect return and similar. All connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable

SUM
This is a simplified master for R/L in one channel strip. The combination with the RTS creates a summing amp from 8 (1 RTS units) to 48 (6 RTS units) input. Works in combination with all input modules (REC, RTM, RTS) includes: a monitor output for a speaker pair some other useful features All connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable

 

EQS, true stereo EQ

This EQ consists of separately adjustable mono EQ’s. Except for use as a master EQ, this unit can also be linked via cable to all inserts of the WB10. Independent from the WB10, the EQS is also a stand alone unit.

Includes:

  • Bass +- 15dB second order, Freq. variable from 20 to 150 Hz
  • Low mid +-12dB, switchable Q, Freq. variable from 120Hz to 800 Hz
  • mid +-12dB, switchable Q, Freq. variable from 800 Hz to 4 kHz
  • Low mid +-12dB, switchable Q, Freq. variable from 4 kHz to 8 kHz
  • Treble +- 15dB second order, Freq. variable from 5 to 15 kHz
  • Bypass on every singe band
  • Inputs and outputs for external use and as stand alone unit
  • All connections through XLR or DB-25, switchable