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"Rediscover Analog" is the latest directive from SPL, and audio professionals will have the opportunity to see why at the Frankfurt Musikmesse (Hall 5.1, stand B86) with three modern analog products to complement and enhance current production environments: MixDream, GoldMike Mark 2 and MTC 2381 Monitor & Talkback Controller.

The MixDream is a cascadable, 16-in-2 analog outboard mixer in a 19"/2U format that can expand any DAW or digital console with analog stereo summing and accompanying insert functionality. Applicable to both mixing and mastering environments, the MixDream is designed so that channel adjustments and automation (level, panorama etc.) remain controlled from the DAW so the user loses no digital efficiency. However, the MixDream's sophisticated Class A technology - running at 60 volts - brings a superior analog summing quality to the final stereo mix, particularly to sonic depth and dynamics. 16 inserts allow for integrated analog effects with individual and overall hard bypass relays. Additional features include stereo expansion, limiting, master inserts and switchable output transformers.

In the front-end arena, the GoldMike stereo preamp is followed up with a Mark 2 version. Like its predecessor, the GoldMike Mark 2 retains a hybrid solid state and tube construction but with a greater power supply and servo circuitry to avoid sound-degrading condensers in the gain control paths. All critical switching is executed over relays. Other improvements offer greater tonal flexibility and versatility. The tube stage may now be applied in three different intensity levels, while the special "Flair" presence enhancement circuitry appears in two different switchable settings. Switching inserts allow the addition of effects devices, and a pre-output limiter protects subsequent digital conversion. The GoldMike Mark 2 includes VU metering with three different, switchable display ranges and provides for front panel instrument input as well as separate rear-side microphone and line inputs. Completing this lineup are phantom power, phase reverse switches, pad and a (50Hz) high-pass filter. Options for the GoldMike Mark2 include 24Bit/96kHz AD converters and in/output transformers by Lundahl.

Rounding out the 2004 product line at the back end, SPL expands the monitor controller series with the MTC 2381 Monitor & Talkback Controller. As with the Surround Monitor Controller SMC 2380, the sleek, ergonomic construction makes the MTC perfect for desktop placement - for example, near or under computer screens. MTC 2381 volume level control and loudspeaker management combines stereo monitoring with comfortable talkback and cue functions. A fully discrete design dispenses with VCAs, DACs, etc., providing direct analog signal paths and guaranteeing loss-free signal processing for high-resolution audio formats such as SACD or DVD-A. Six rear-panel stereo inputs allow for four symmetrical and two asymmetrical sources, while symmetrical XLR outputs allow for three loudspeaker pairs. The input signal can be routed over a direct slave-output (for example, to the SMC 2380). Monitoring and switching functions include sources and loudspeakers, mono, dim, muting and a headphone output. Individual volume control pencil marking is also possible. The talkback section has a built in microphone, separate output and a foot switch input. The cue-mix also has a separate output and provides musician level, mix level and volume controls.

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