The design begins with eight +4dBu balanced line level inputs that feed four 12AX7 tubes wired in stereo. A heat switch on each channel lets you apply between 35, 70 or 140 volts to the tube to modify the performance. When set to a lower voltage; it starves the tube, increasing distortion producing filthy layers of grit. When the voltage is set to maximum; the signal cleans up resulting in natural tube warmth with wonderful harmonic overtones. Separate DRIVE and LEVEL controls let you fine-tune the settings on each channel to increase or decrease distortion to suit. Each of the eight outputs is equipped with an oversized output transformer for beefy character while providing galvanic isolation to eliminate noise. You can also bypass the tube circuit and drive the transformer on its own to produce a vintage feel that is reminiscent of the finest audio designs from yesteryears.
Connections to and from the Space Heater include ΒΌ" TRS and 25-pin D-Sub balanced inputs, balanced 1/4-inch TRS send and receive insert points, and an 8-channel balanced D-Sub output. The send jacks or the D-subs can be used to process individual instruments, enhance a sterile vocal track, add 'grind' to a bass track or 'sparkle' to an acoustic guitar. Used as four stereo pairs, the Space Heater can be used to fatten stereo stems or with in-ear monitor systems to add natural tube compression to create a more enjoyable on-stage experience. All eight channels can be sent to the master left-right XLR outputs for stereo summing with odd channels routed left and even channels routed right. This set up is often used to add crunch to drum kits or for traditional analog (out-of-the-box) summing and can be expanded using the link connectors for 16, 24 or 32 x2 summing requirements. This is supplemented with high-pass filters on each channel that help clean up tracks by removing excessive low frequency resonance.
