SPL Crescendo 8 - Eight-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
Description
Crescendo 8 combines the precise sound that German Rundfunk-Technik is famous for with the innovative SPL 120V technology. The internal operating voltage of 120 volts allows Crescendo microphone preamplifiers to break completely new ground. This results in microphone preamps that sound detail-rich, vivid and equally honest.
Crescendo 8 lets microphones shine in a whole new light – because they have never been amplified like this before.
All eight channels feature the same range of functions. Besides phantom power (48 V) for condenser microphones, polarity reversal and a PAD switch, they provide the possibility to adjust the VU meter to display very high levels. The gain can be adjusted comfortably and precisely via a high-quality potentiometer. Two outputs per channel allow the signal to be sent to two different devices in parallel. In addition to the extensive feature set and the outstanding technical characteristics, Crescendo 8 convinces with a sonic authenticity that is second to none.
"With the Crescendo, I immediately have the feeling that I'm getting a whole new, unprecedented reproduction quality from all my microphones.” - Dana Gumbiner, Tape Op
“Good enough is rarely good enough for SPL, as this thoroughly over-engineered preamp testifies!” - Hugh Robjohns, Sound On Sound
Built-in Output Splitter:
All eight microphone preamps have two parallel outputs each. This allows the signal to be sent to two different devices in parallel. One output each is available as XLR line output. The respective second outputs are available as a DB25 jack. These can for example be ideally connected to a multi-channel AD converter, with the for this kind of device type typical DB25 input. An additional external signal splitter for back-up systems during a recording session is therefore no longer necessary.
Perfection in detail:
The input differential amplifiers are constructed with pairs of transistors, each of which is combined in a housing. Precise matching of the transistors and thermal coupling ensure high common-mode rejection and extremely low THD values. The choice of transistors and resistors has a decisive influence on the sound. In countless listening sessions the optimal components for Crescendo were selected – the effort paid off!
More sound through innovation:
Our 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers work as current amplifiers, which also offer pure class A operation with over 6 mA quiescent current. We largely dispense with coupling capacitors in order to avoid their sonic disadvantages (diffuse, sloping, loss of dynamics). In order to eliminate DC voltage components active servo circuits are used.
120V technology:
120V technology is SPL's reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps.