SPL Channel One Mk3 – High-End Channel Strip for Professional Studios

The SPL Channel One Mk3 is a premium channel strip designed for professional recording, mixing, and mastering applications. With over two decades of industry dominance, this new Mk3 version enhances its legacy with upgraded preamps, a powerful transient designer, tube saturation, and comprehensive dynamics control. Featuring a de-esser, compressor, limiter, equalizer, and A/B microphone comparison, the Channel One Mk3 ensures your audio signal reaches professional-quality sound at every stage.

Key Features

• Discrete Preamplifier: Delivers up to 68 dB of clean, transparent gain.
• Mic A/B Comparison: Easily switch between two microphones for instant comparison.
• 48V Phantom Power: Independently switchable for both mic inputs.
• Preamp Out: Record the unprocessed preamp signal for later reprocessing.
• Tube Saturation: Adjustable tube drive for warm, analog saturation.
• Integrated Transient Designer: Independently control attack and sustain.
• Auto-Dynamic De-Esser: Intelligently detects and removes sibilance without altering vocal tone.
• Compressor/Limiter: Single-knob compression with automatic attack and release.
• Semi-Parametric EQ: 3-band equalizer with LMF, MHF, and “Air” high-frequency shaping.
• Balanced XLR Inputs & Outputs: Premium Neutrik connectors with gold-plated contacts.

Tube Saturation & Compression

The Channel One Mk3’s tube saturation stage introduces harmonic warmth and gentle compression, emulating the behavior of classic analog tape and tube gear. Its compressor utilizes intelligent attack and release settings, automatically adapting to the input signal for smooth and natural compression.

Transient Designer

The built-in SPL Transient Designer lets you shape transients dynamically with two controls:

• Attack: Enhance or soften transients by up to ±15 dB.
• Sustain: Extend or shorten sustain by up to ±24 dB.

Professional EQ & De-Esser

• Auto-Dynamic De-Esser: Phase-cancellation technology removes sibilance while preserving vocal integrity.
• Low/Mid Frequency EQ: 30 Hz – 700 Hz, ±12 dB boost/cut.
• Mid/High Frequency EQ: 680 Hz – 15 kHz, ±12 dB boost/cut.
• “Air” Filter: Enhances presence with a natural high-frequency lift (19 kHz, ±10 dB).

Specifications

Analog Inputs & Outputs:

• Balanced XLR
• Maximum Input Gain (Mic): 13.5 dBu
• Maximum Input Gain (Line): 22.5 dBu
• Maximum Input Gain (Instrument): 15 dBu
• Input Impedance (Mic/Line): 10 kΩ
• Input Impedance (Instrument): 1.1 MΩ
• Output Impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz – 200 kHz

Noise & THD:

• Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): -126 dBu
• Noise (A-weighted, Mic Preamp, 150 Ω, 30 dB Gain): -95 dBu
• Noise (A-weighted, Line/Instr Preamp, 600 Ω, 5 dB Gain): -96.5 dBu
• THD+N Ratio (1 kHz, Mic 30 dB Gain): 0.0022%

Power Supply:

• Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
• Operating Voltage for Analog Audio: +/-18 V
• Tubes Anode Voltage: +250 V
• Mains Voltage (Selectable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Power Consumption: max. 22.3 VA

Dimensions & Weight:

• W x H x D: 482 x 88 x 210 mm (19 x 3.46 x 8.27 inches)
• Weight: 6 kg (13.22 lbs)
• Shipping Weight: 7.6 kg (15.43 lbs)

The Channel One Mk3 is the perfect all-in-one front-end solution for any recording studio, delivering high-end analog warmth, professional dynamics processing, and intuitive workflow enhancements.