SPL Introduces Channel One MK3 And Track One MK3 Channel Strips

For 40 years, SPL has been developing innovative audio tools that push the envelope of both technology and design. From the colorful Vitalizer to the iconic Transient Designer, all of SPL's products are designed to streamline your workflow and improve your mixes and recordings. The beloved German brand is back with updates to two classic products: the Channel One and Track One channel strips.

SPL's new Channel One MK3 channel strip introduces a number of highly-requested new features, including higher internal audio voltage for more detailed sound, an integrated Transient Designer, a Tube Saturation stage, and more. The new Track One MK3 channel strip also received a tune-up for improved performance, plus an intuitive new design. Continue reading to learn what else is new in the updated Channel One MK3 and Track One MK 3 channel strips.

SPL Channel One MK3 Channel Strip

Building on the success of the Channel One channel strip, the Mk3 version introduces several attractive new updates. For starters, SPL has included a new Transient Designer section and added Tube Saturation controls to the preamp stage for even more tonal control. Depending on the settings, signals can be pushed into soft, round tube-style limiting, or thick harmonic distortion, similar to tape saturation. Plus, new controls allow users to adjust the processing order by putting the EQ before or after the Transient Designer, and select where the saturation takes place within the signal chain.

On a sonic level, Channel One now operates at a higher voltage, allowing for more detailed capture of sources. The preamp section has received some upgrades as well, including a new Mic A/B option to quickly shoot out various mic choices. The new Preamp Output allows users to send a direct output to your DAW in addition to the processed signal, providing more flexibility and “safety” in the mix stage.

Not everything has been changed from the beloved Channel One design, however. The one-knob style VCA compression remains unchanged and extremely easy to use, and the EQ section keeps all of the favorite features, like the Air Band. SPL’s brand of intelligent dual-band de-essing is back on the Mk3, allowing users to use only the lower band, only the upper band, or both de-essing bands. Plus, all the standard options like HPF and polarity reverse are conveniently located where you need them. Fans of the original Channel One will find plenty to like with the new generation.

SPL Track One MK3 Channel Strip

Like its big sibling, Channel One, SPL’s Track One channel strip Mk3 update includes a stylish redesign and thoughtful new features. Responsive metering located on the right shows a PPM-style display of output levels, gain reduction activity, and more. Just like Channel One, Track One can also be set to use with line-level signals, making Track One useful for both tracking and mixing

On the front end, Track One features two separate preamps, one for microphones, and another for instruments. Don't worry, both preamps offer SPL's signature crystal-clear sound quality. The EQ is flexible and colorful, while the Air Band, a gentle bell centered at 19 kHz, is perfect for adding an expensive-sounding sheen to vocals and other instruments. As for dynamics, the dedicated de-esser and VCA compressor (or limiter, depending on your settings), make it easy to dial in clean, polished vocals in an instant. In fact, the compressor automatically sets attack and release values based on the program material, speeding up your workflow by eliminating time-consuming decisions.

Like many SPL products, both new channel strips are also available in premium models. The Channel One MK3 Premium and Track One MK3 Premium include Lundahl transformers at the input and output stages for enhanced sound quality.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Channel One MK3 or Track One MK 3, or have any questions about other SPL products, contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.