SPL BiG Studio Stereo Image Processor

This 19-inch rackmount stereo image processor is based on SPL’s wildly successful 500 Series module released in 2023 — a recipient of the prestigious NAMM TEC award. But while the latter is a solid-state device, the former rocks a vacuum tube circuit that doles out rich, punchy harmonic enhancement, taking this innovative concept into a completely new dimension. Billed by SPL as the “Bigger Maker,” BiG Studio offers a unique spin on stereo soundstage processing. For huge-sounding mixes that punch right out of the speakers.

Studio magic

While the rich, punchy, and gargantuan results produced by BiG Studio may seem like magic, the device is actually elegantly simple in its execution. At the front end, a difference signal derived from the input signal is split off and then processed by an analog filter network before being mixed back into the source signal via a special mix stage. With its simple, intuitive control set, BiG Studio makes it easy to obtain impressive results quickly. You start by selecting a frequency range with the Range control, and then use the Stage control to move it forward or backward in the soundstage. The Bigness knob is used to control the intensity of the processing. Lastly, at the end of the BiG signal chain, the Bass button engages a passive bass boost derived from the AirBass circuit in SPL’s acclaimed Iron mastering compressor.

Vivid tube harmonics on tap

So far, we’ve covered the controls BiG Studio has in common with its 500 Series counterpart. Unique to the rackmount unit are a Harmonics button, which activates harmonics generation in the tube circuit, and a Tube Harmonics control, which adjusts the intensity of the harmonics generated by the vacuum tube. BiG’s tube circuit invigorates the harmonic spectrum of every source, pumping it up to larger-than-life proportions in vivid, hyper-detailed technicolor. Note that when the Harmonics button is flashing, the tube is warming up; it will glow solid blue when the tube has reached optimal operating temperature.

Built like a tank

SPL is famous for the bulletproof build quality of its products, and the BiG Studio is no exception. Rocking a 4mm-thick, black anodized aluminum 1U front panel and chunky knobs milled from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, BiG Studio is built for the long haul. Under the hood, a robust internal audio voltage of +/-18V effortlessly accommodates large signal voltages, ensuring the headroom to handle transient peaks that can trigger clipping distortion, and thus contributing to the unit’s open, natural sound. All inputs and outputs are equipped with gold-plated Neutrik XLRs and TRS jacks connected in parallel, while signal transmission is electronically balanced at a nominal +6dB. A ground switch is included that eliminates ground loops by disconnecting the internal ground from the chassis ground.

SPL: supercharged audio products

Formed in Germany in 1983, SPL — Sound Performance Lab — has been at the forefront of the pro audio industry since its inception. From the renowned Transient Designer, TwinTube, and Vitalizer MK2-T to professional mastering tools such as the Passeq, SPL gear is found in top studios and mastering facilities worldwide. After developing proprietary 120V Technology in the ’90s, SPL decided to make this groundbreaking invention the heart of its high-end products. SPL meticulously crafts its equipment in its Niederkrüchten, Germany–based factory using discrete, top-drawer components and through-hole circuit designs. There, the company conducts its R&D, which includes real-world subjective listening tests and stringent bench testing to the strictest tolerances. Sweetwater is proud to offer audio professionals SPL’s distinguished lineup of innovative products.

SPL BiG Studio Features:

• Stereo image processor and tube harmonics generator
• Range control selects frequency range
• Stage control moves selected frequency range forward or backward in the soundstage
• Harmonics button activates harmonics generation in the tube circuit
• Tube Harmonics control adjusts the intensity of the tube harmonics
• Bigness control sets overall processing intensity
• Bass button switches in a passive bass boost
• Bypass toggle for easy wet/dry comparison
• Frequency response (-3dB): 10Hz–200kHz
• THD+N (0dBu, 10Hz–22kHz): 0.0035%
• Noise (A-weighted): -97.5dBu
• Dynamic range: 120dB
• Bass frequency: 42Hz; Bass boost: 2dB
• Harmonics frequency: 6kHz; Harmonics boost (max.): 9dB
• I/O: gold-plated Neutrik XLRs and TRS jacks (connected in parallel)
• Internal linear power supply with a shielded toroidal transformer
• Mains (selectable): 115VAC/60Hz, 230VAC/50Hz
• Crafted in SPL’s production facility in Niederkrüchten, Germany