I recently bought the SPL Channel One, model 9945 (gold front, not the more recent silver front, but technically this is the same thing, only the aspect changes).
It's a mic-line transistor-tube preamp, compressor-limiter, deesser, EQ, gate and headphone amp.
Options are Lundahl transformers (lower noise and +14dB) and AD 24/96 out? I have neither of these options but plan to acquire both. In fact the person who sold it to me said it was the Lundahl-enhanced version (called "Premium") but it wasn't.
I have tried this in conjunction with an M-Audio Sputnik tube mic and a VS-2480CD. It was plugged into the 2480's analogue input since i do not have the digital out yet.
I recorded only vocals so far.
Sound is detailed, noise is low, but then again bear in mind the Sputnik's output level is very high (30mVa). That's +50% compared to my AKG C3000 which is already very sensitive.
Transient response seems very very good. Compared side by side with a Joe Meek OneQ the sound was much brighter, more detailed and the compression was inaudible whereas on the Joe Meek you could hear it pumping away, even at medium settings.
YOU CANNOT HEAR THE COMPRESSOR
This compressor is amazing. Simply brilliant. Even with the settings on MAX, you cannot hear it pumping, and the sound remains transparent. It is truly incredible.
THE DEESSER IS PERFECT
Transparent yet efficient. This works with phase cancellation, unlike most others, which use compression.
The gate has only one setting and works great too.
Overall i am extremely pleased with this product so far and i suspect it'll only get better once i have the Lundahl transformers installed.
It's so good i intend to get another one for stereo takes.
I haven't really tried the EQ much yet but it sounds natural & subtle from what i have heard so far.
Probably my best piece of gear.
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All the best,
RickDangerous
- VS-2480CD v2.505 with 2x 'two' cards + 2x 'three' cards + all plug-ins + Meter bridge
- Converted to DVD with a UJ-860 + SSD with a Samsung EVO 860 250GB
- JBL LSR308 monitors
The rest of my gear :
http://fr.audiofanzine.com/membres/29885/products/
