SPL Channel One

The SPL Channel One is a complete channel strip with all the tools onboard for recording voices, instruments and digital or analog audio sources with the highest sound quality: a transistor/tube preamplifier (12AX7-LPS tube type), a de-esser, a compressor/limiter with noise gate, an EQ section and a headphone monitor.

The concept of the Channel One is as the ideal recording tool – for hard disk tracking as well as for analog environments. Intelligent automation ensures intuitive, fast operation and guarantees the finest recording results.

The preamp stage provides three (four with converter option) optimised inputs: The microphone input features 48V phantom power, phase reverse function and a subsonic filter. The low-impedance Line input has a precise balancing stage for connecting studio equipment. The low-noise, high-impedance instrument input is easily accessible on the front panel. Digital insert is possible using the optional AD/DA converter.

The de-esser subtly yet effectively removes offending sibilants by processing only the “S” frequencies. The Auto-Threshold mode ensures constant processing even when the microphone distance varies. All the user need do is set the desired S-reduction. Insert (Send/Return) allows external effects devices to be looped in or the unprocessed pre-stage signal to be sent out.

The Compressor/Limiter section is based on SPL’s Double-VCA-Drive® circuitry with its outstanding noise and distortion characteristics. The compressor is extremely easy to use via a single knob; its strength lies in the inconspicuous, musical way in which it works.

The Noise Gate operates flawlessly; reverbs are recognized and not cut off. For the Channel One an EQ section was designed especially for processing voices as well as acoustic or electronic instruments. In addition to Low, Mid-Hi and Air-Band filters, a field-effect distortion stage is used to subtly distort the signals in a way that lends character.

The headphone monitor allows the singer or speaker to get an individual mix directly and without latency problems in hard disk recording systems.

The options include a 24/96 AD/DA converter as well as a sound enhancing Lundahl in- and output transformer.