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SKU
2400 Audio slImperium 1U Stereo Monitor Controller - Black
Product Description
The 2400 Audio slImperium 1U Stereo Monitor Controller is a passive digital stereo monitoring system that sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Since Imperium uses no transistors, op-amps or active circuitry, it’s able to provide a plethora of monitoring options without coloring your sound or adding noise floor or headroom limitations. Featuring eight high-quality stereo outputs, Imperium is capable of seamlessly switching between multiple sets of active speakers in your professional mixing or mastering studio.
UNIQUE VOLUME CONTROL
Instead of a traditional volume control knob, Imperium uses eight pre-defined reference levels, selectable via the front panel buttons, for quickly and easily recalling mix levels at low, medium and high volumes. Mixes and masters are often finalized days, weeks or even months apart—with Imperium, you can recall any session and be certain that you’re getting the exact same listening experience every time. While it may seem strange at first, this unique approach to volume control forces you to take a new approach to monitoring, which leads to more focused and effective mixing.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Imperium packs a ton of unique features into a compact package. Imperium offers on-board flash memory for storing your favorite settings, allowing you to configure the unit to your specific studio setup. Imperium can also be outfitted with an optional Wi-Fi expansion board, allowing you to control settings and upgrade firmware with an iOS or Android app.
An easily accessible Mono button allows you quickly convert stereo mixes to mono. The Cut button is engaged on boot up by default, protecting your precious speakers and priceless ears from unwanted pops. The built-in insert option can be used to connect additional devices, while the Parallel Outputs can be used to send signals to subwoofers or additional speakers. Featuring lighting-fast response time when changing between inputs and outputs, Imperium makes it easier than ever to A/B signals across different systems or speakers.
Features:
- Mono & Cut: Cut is always in at boot up, very nice when wanting to take good care of you precious speakers and, more importantly, your ears
- Level Bypass: Bypasses Imperium's own built-level system, can be used when having a mixer with control room outputs or a summing amp with its own master level control
- Phase Left CH: Phase Reversing the left channel on all inputs
- Insert: Can be used to connect another device into the Imperium instead of the built-in level system, like a talkback solution, level pilot, etc.
- Parallel Output: Can be used to send a signal to a subwoofer or another pair of speakers along with the selected speakers
- Lightning fast response when changing inputs or outputs, for instant A/B comparison
- Stepped attenuation, 8 reference levels
Specifications:
- 3 x stereo balanced inputs
- 3 x Stereo balanced outputs
- 2 x stereo balanced inputs with hybrid I/O
- 4 x outputs balanced outputs with hybrid I/O
- Direct access to all levels, in and outputs from the front panel
Product Specifications
Condition | New |
---|---|
Chassis | 19-inch Rack-mount |
Product Reviews
Game changer forsure
The Imperium monitor controller is great and it integrated into my workflow much easier than I had imagined. I was initially concerned that I would miss the features of my previous controller like a volume knob, and digital inputs. It made immediate sense to me once I installed it into my studio and did my first mix why I didn’t need either of those “features”. In fact, they were likely hindering me from getting the best mix I could get. Having buttons that allow you to return to the same loudness settings take all the guess work out of level control. The stepped switching arrangement and the use of high grade components for loudness control also ensures a clear and accurate stereo image throughout the volume range. Being all analog and passive, the Imperium allows you to hear exactly what is coming out of your DAW interface without secondary conversions.
The value of the Imperium at this price point is incredible.How can a monitor controller with no active components or buffers in the signal path improve the sound? Let me explain:
I had been using the built-in output level controls on my two primary D/A converters, Cranesong Solaris Quantum and Apollo X16. My reasoning was that straight from the DAC should be best. As it turned out, those level controls on the DAC are not the way to get the best sound from the units.
On the Apollo, set all of the outputs to the +4dbu settings in the Control Panel application, then crank the front panel level knob all the way to the right. The Control Panel shows that it is now at 0.0 db. The Solaris has two sets of outputs, use the fixed outputs, not the variable ones.
Running these through the Imperium, you now get the best you can get from these devices. The Apollo improved the most, but the Solaris also benefits greatly. I won't bore you with the Audiophile arm waving. Well, maybe just a little: Transparency, clarity, and a reduction in Ear Fatigue! More presence and a more "solid" presentation.
I am listening with Amphion Two18 speakers, Grimm TPR cables and some audiophile amplifiers. The Apollo is externally clocked by a Grimm CC2 with sub-picosecond jitter specification (approximately one tenth as much as the built-in clock on the Apollo), the Solaris does not have an external clock, but already has sub-picosecond jitter.
If your studio setup lends itself to the minimalist feature set of the Imperium, this could be your ticket to transparency nirvana. The best equipment purchase I've made in recent memory.Everything is fine thanks
Smooth,open, great stereo image.
Clean audio, amazing gear with an amazing price,Vintage King staff was really helpful!
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