SPL DMC Mastering Console

Analog inputs & output; XLR (balanced)

• Maximum input & output gain: 32.5 dB
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Common mode rejection: -82 dBu
• Frequency range (-3 dB): 4 Hz to 300 kHz
• Noise (A-weighted, +24 dBu, Rec Out, Insert On): -101.6 dBu
• Noise (A-weighted, +24 dBu, Speaker Out): -103.9 dBu
• THD & N (+24 dBu, Rec Out, Insert On): > 112 dB
• THD & N (+24 dBu, Speaker Out)L > 108 dB

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

• Operating voltage for analog audio: +/- 60 V
• Operating voltage for relays and LEDs: + 12 V

Mains Power Supply

• Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber): 230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuse for 230 V: T 1 A
• Fuse for 115 V: T 2 A
• Power consumption: max. 40 VA

Dimensions & Weight

• W x H x D (width x height x depth):
• 482 x 132 x 300 mm
• 19 x 5.2 x 11.8 inch
• Unit weight:
• 10.2 kg
• 22.49 lbs
• Shipping weight (incl. packaging):
• 12.35 kg
• 27.22 lbs

Made in Germany

SPL DMC Overview

Styled in a red finish, 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 -20 dB dimming, 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.

Recording Inputs

Four sets of stereo inputs sit to the right of the panel. At the input, prerecording 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 to 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 use for mastering. 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.

Source Inputs

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 the source button for a set of inputs will allow you to listen to them.

Speaker Selection, Headphone Amp, Output, and Sub

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 differnt sets of monitors or monitor-sub combinations. Please note, this sub output is full range, so 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 HP Out button until its LED flashes.

Monitoring Section

The monitoring section offers a large knob, Monitoring Level, to control the level of the signal in your room. Mono and mute buttons are on hand, as is a -20 dB dim switch, a ±10 dB monitor level offset for loudness compensation, solo L or solo R channels, and polarity switching for both the left and right signals. This setup lets you compare your source material with the processed result, compensating for level differences in a variety of ways: through the direct input path, with inserts bypassed or engaged, or from the source input. An auto-bypass switch is on hand to streamline the level-compensation processing.

GPI Button

A General Purpose Interface button has been offered to use as a switch for a talkback mic or to activate a recording indicator (a red light, for example). Its signal path is discrete and does not affect audio.

Insert Path

The insert path provided is for connection to external mastering gear such as compressors, EQs, and stereo processors. It offers balanced female XLR plugs. It cannot switch the order of your chosen outboard gear; it is not a mastering patch bay in this respect, and will need to be paired with an external device capable of switching.

SPL DMC Mastering Console Features

Dual channel mastering console (3U)

4 stereo inputs and 4 stereo sources

120V DC Audio Rail - 5G SUPRA op-amps

2 stereo recording outputs

+32.5dB max input level

3 stereo and 2 mono speaker outputs (sub, radio speaker)

Recording output THD & N (at 24dBu): › 112 dB

Sub can be assigned to individual speaker set

0.25dB stepped input & insert return trims

Expandable to multi-channel monitoring with MC16. DMC hands volume control of L/R and Sub to MC16 (no speaker repatching required!)

Auto Bypass with Interval control

Switchable +/-10dB Recording Gain control

Phonitor direct output

Loudness compensation for Inputs vs. Output

Stereo and mono metering outputs

Loudness compensation for Output vs. Sources

GPI switch function (Talkback, Red light etc.)

Loudness compensation for Pre vs. Post inserts

Available in Black, All Black, and Red.

SPL DMC Mastering Console Includes

SPL DMC Mastering Console (All Black)

Power Cable

Manufacturer Warranty