SPL Master Bay 8

Automated routing of processors in a mastering chain is becoming more and more of an issue for mastering engineers. The SPL MasterBay system allows for instant comparison of single processors or processor chains which can be determined and stored in three different sequences.

The MasterBay is available as a dual or eight-channel system. Each of the fully balanced, entirely passive insert boxes is controlled by the MasterBay Remote Control which can be placed upon the desktop or built into a desk.

Eight-channel MasterBay:
Remote Control model 2487 and insert box model 2268

The MasterBay Remote Control is connected to one of the MasterBay Insert boxes via the rear DB25 connector (10 m cable included). The remote houses a CPU to control 146 (dual-channel MasterBay) or 584 (eight-channel MasterBay) gold plated relay switches. It is powered from the respective insert box through the DB25 wiring, so no additional power supply is needed.

Eight-channel MasterBay
The MasterBay system is based on a completely passive design with fully balanced signal paths from input to output. All 584 relays are placed on large, double-sided PCBs for switching operation with maximum neutrality in sound quality. A ground path between all audio signal paths ensures the highest possible shielding. Lavishly dimensioned, linear power supplies based on toroidal transformers are capable of providing adequate current regardless of any demands.

Dimensions
The dual-channel MasterBay insert box comes with detachable 19 inch brackets.
Height: 355mm/14.2 inch
Width: 440mm/17,6 inch w/o brackets,
482mm/19,28 inch with brackets Depth: 500mm/20 inch

Remote Control
To help alleviate the complexity of high-end audio patching, the MasterBay system features dual or eight channel insert boxes to which up to eight processors can be connected. The unique advantage of the MasterBay is that the engineer can specify up to three routings, called “sequences”, which can be stored and re-called.

The MasterBay8, model 2268 supports the connection of eight processors with up to eight channels (64 channels). The MasterBay2, model 2488 supports the connection of eight dual-channel processors (16 channels).

The MasterBay remote control provides a button for each of the eight external processors. Labels can be changed to the user’s requirements. The covers of the buttons can be lifted to insert a new label. The order in which the processor selection buttons are activated determines the processor sequence. A seven segment LED-display next to each button indicates the current position of a processor. The mastering engineer can use this feature to compare between sequences in varying order or to compare the same type of processors.

Three memory banks are available which allow an active signal flow sequence to be compared instantly at a button push with three others (for a total of four). An Insert On switch engages the Insert Box or switches to hard-bypass.