SPL's Channel One Mk3 offers a comprehensive collection of features to ensure the convenient processing of audio signals. The channel strip now includes a higher internal audio voltage (+/- 18V) for optimal and detailed sound as well as a preamp section with a tube saturation stage, transient designer and a mic A/B comparison option for two microphones.
The controls for the discrete preamplifier are located on the left-hand side of the device. A preamplification of up to 68dB can be achieved for microphone signals using the gain control. The tube saturation control determines the degree of tube saturation of the device. The output level is automatically adjusted and only increases by 6dB at maximum. In conjunction with a further effects section, this allows subtle to harmonic distortion of the audio signal to be generated. The tube saturation effects produce a warm, round and smooth sound.
SPL's Transient Designer circuit, which has been successful for decades, is also integrated: The sustain control can be used to boost or cut the decay phase of a signal by up to 24dB. The decay time is extended when the sustain control is in the positive range and shortened with a negative value. If you want to change the input phase instead, you can use the Attack control, which can be used to boost or cut the attack phase of a signal by up to 15dB. The transient designer is used, for example, to emphasize the attack of a drum or to attenuate the reverberation of an audio signal. The "On" switch activates the complete Transient Designer section, consisting of attack and sustain controls.
The Mk3 version of the Channel
The Channel
The compressor section on the right-hand side of the device consists of two controls and a switch. The Compression control is used to set a threshold value between 0dB and -20dB. The make-up gain control, on the other hand, raises the level, which has been reduced by the overall level reduction caused by compression, to the set level. A value from 0dB to 20dB can be set. The entire compressor section must first be switched on using the "On" switch. The attack and release times of the compressor are set automatically by the device and thus adapt perfectly to the input signal.
The EQ and Air Band section of the Channel
The output level of the device is controlled using the output control in the bottom right-hand corner. The control can attenuate the signal by up to -20dB or boost it by up to +6dB. This function ensures that subsequent devices are optimally controlled. The set output level is visually displayed on the large VU meter in the middle of the Channel