Radial Engineering SAT-2

SAT-2 Stereo Audio Attenuator and Monitor Controller

SAT-2 is a passive stereo audio device that provides attenuation and signal level control wherever it is needed, whether it is at the output of a pair of high-gain mic preamps, or before your studio speakers as a compact desktop monitor controller. Excellent construction and quality components ensure quiet operation without any degradation or coloration of the source.

To use SAT-2 as a monitor controller, simply connect it between your playback device or recording interface and a pair of active speakers. SAT-2 is equally useful in a recording studio or with a simple PA system to control overall output levels. Both XLR and ¼ TRS options are available for SAT-2's inputs, eliminating the need for adapter cables. XLR outputs connect to the speakers, while the Trim knob provides an easy-to-access master volume control. Mute and Mono switches allow you to mute the outputs or sum left and right together to control mixes for Mono-phase compatibility. A handy Bright switch with adjustable level control allows you to temporarily lower the output volume without losing the setting on the main Trim control.

You can use SAT-2 to attenuate signals before sending them to your audio interface to better handle your mic preamps for signal coloring without clipping the digital audio converter inputs. This allows you to make your preamplifiers work at their best without having to engage the input pad or risk overload during recording. A high-quality 4-pole rotary knob ensures consistent L-R tracking over the entire potentiometer range, completely maintaining left-right balance of stereo sources.

Compact yet extremely durable, SAT-2 is housed in a rugged 14-gauge steel case with a book-like design that protects connectors and switches from damage in addition to I-beam construction that prevents stress on the circuit board. SAT-2 offers clean, transparent operation with a host of useful features and applications that make it a simple yet powerful device to keep in your audio toolkit at all times.

SAT-2 - Applications

Using SAT-2

SAT-2 is a passive stereo audio attenuator designed to provide easy-access level control wherever you need it.

This page provides an overview of the different features available on SAT-2 and how to connect it to your audio equipment.

Overview

SAT-2 allows you to set levels or attenuate powerful signals wherever you may need them. It works as a monitor controller between an audio interface and a set of active speakers, or to attenuate the output of a recording console before the signal is sent to a recording device. SAT-2 can also be connected between line-level studio devices to manage the powerful outputs of a mic preamp, avoiding overloading the inputs of a recording interface, without losing any tone or character. With a compact, robust design and a useful feature set, SAT-2 is a great addition to your audio toolkit.

Connections

Before connecting any cables, make sure your sound system is turned off and all volume levels are turned down, to prevent connection transients from damaging your speakers or other sensitive components. SAT-2 is passive, so it requires no power supply. Each input has a ¼ TRS connector and an XLR connector to accept balanced audio signals from different sources. For best results, use one of these connector types at a time on each channel. The XLR outputs are designed for connection to line-level inputs of a recording console, active speakers or audio interfaces.

Setting levels

SAT-2 is a unity-gain device: when the master level control is turned all the way up (turned fully clockwise), SAT-2's outputs have the same signal level as the inputs. Setting the levels first, start with the volume fully turned down, then slowly turn it up until you reach a comfortable listening level.

Mono, Mute and DIM