SPL DMC Mastering Console (Black)
Description
The SPL DMC is a comprehensive mastering console that gives you the ability to process audio from four sets of stereo inputs, manipulating their level and polarity on a per channel basis as you hit the insert stage (i.e., your external compressors, EQs, and such). After processing audio from your external gear, you can use the DMC to monitor through four sets of speakers, a sub, and a headphone amplifier.
Monitor controls are on hand for dim, level compensation, L/R solo, L/R polarity, and mute. All XLR terminations—and there are many of them, rest assured—are secured with Neutrik connectors to ensure durability. At the core of the mastering console is its formidable 120 VDC power rail, which has a palpable effect on the maximum level the circuits can handle. This translates into an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio, a large dynamic range, and much in the way of headroom. Indeed, you can push this system quite hard and loud before noticing distortion.
For a full understanding of the DMC’s various sections, please peruse the features section.
Four sets of stereo inputs sit at the right of the panel. At the input, pre-recording stage, you can flip the polarity of any input source, sum them to mono, adjust the recording gain, and use the input trim knobs (left and right) to either lower or drive the input into your inserts. The separation of input trims allows you to adjust for any perceived stereo imbalances.
These four input-pairs can be assigned to your DAC, a tape machine, or whatever media device you're mastering from. Pressing any active input button a second time lets you instantiate direct input monitoring, effectively bypassing processing at the monitoring stage, allowing you to compare the original material with the processed path without affecting the recording stage.
Following the recording input path are four sets of stereo source inputs; these can be monitored, but not processed. You can place an external reference source (your DAW's return, a tape machine, a record player, a CD player, etc.). Pressing a source button, prominently placed in the center, will allow you to listen to these source inputs.
You'll find four speaker outputs for selecting among your various monitors. Three of these (A, B, and C) are stereo, while the fourth (D) is mono. Below these are the on/off buttons for your headphone amplifier and your sub. To link a sub to any speaker button, press and hold both the sub button and the applicable speaker button until they blink. Once connected, you only need to use the speaker buttons to maneuver between, say, full-range monitors and near fields with a sub. Please note, this sub output is full range; you'll need external bass management hardware to manage the frequencies of this output. The headphone amplifier output can be set to mute your speakers and subwoofer when engaged. To do this, you only need to press and hold the Phonitor HP Out button until its LED flashes.
Key Features:
• 4 Sets of Recording Inputs
• L/R Polarity, Trim, Mono & Gain
• 4 Sets of Source Inputs
• Comprehensive Monitoring Section
What's Included?
• SPL DMC Mastering Console
• Power Cord