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The perfect front-end for the modern producer.
For over 20 years, Channel One has been synonymous with high-quality and exceptionally musical recording and mixing channel strips.
In the newest Mk3 version, this classic has undergone a comprehensive overhaul. It now features a higher internal audio voltage (upgraded to +/-18 V) for enhanced, more detailed sound, an improved preamplifier section, an integrated Transient Designer, a Tube Saturation stage, and a Mic A/B comparison option for two microphones. These upgrades, along with other impressive features, elevate the modern recording and mixing studio to a new level of excellence. The de-esser, compressor, and equalizer remain integral components, ensuring that all the essential tools of a true channel strip are available. Whether you’re working with microphone, line, or instrument signals, the Channel One Mk3 delivers a professionally recorded sound.
The new design of the SPL Studio Series perfectly showcases the sonic brilliance of this 3rd generation Channel One.
Packed with Essential Tools
The SPL Channel One MK3 channel strip is loaded with must-have features, including a discrete preamp, 3-band EQ, compressor/limiter, and de-esser, making it the ideal front end for your DAW. Connect to this exceptional channel strip and achieve the world-class sounds you’ve envisioned but couldn’t capture in your studio. Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or any other audio source, the SPL Channel One MK3 will infuse your recordings with the rich, high-quality sound you’ve been longing for.
Preamp Stage Excels with Any Source
The Channel One MK3 channel strip’s discrete tube preamp offers two mic inputs with phantom power, polarity reverse, and a highpass filter, along with a line input for connecting your studio gear and a low-noise, high-impedance instrument input conveniently located on the front panel. Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, direct-injection basses, guitars, or keyboards, the Channel One preamp delivers a punchy, high-fidelity sound that seamlessly fits into any track.
3-Band EQ Offers Exceptional Tone-Shaping Options
Specially optimized for vocals and both acoustic and electric instruments, the Channel One MK3’s 3-band EQ provides outstanding tone-shaping capabilities. The musical Low, Mid, Hi, and Air bands are designed for both corrective adjustments and creative sound-shaping. Additionally, you can introduce controlled amounts of tube saturation into your signal, adding as much or as little character as desired.
Compressor Manages Dynamics and Enhances Character
The Channel One’s compressor/limiter, based on SPL’s Double-VCA-Drive circuitry, delivers exceptional noise and distortion performance. Its intuitive one-knob design automatically adjusts time constants, including attack and release, to the input signal, ensuring easy set-and-forget operation with highly musical results. A separate makeup gain knob allows you to maintain proper gain structure within your signal chain.
Transient Designer: Revolutionary Dynamics Processing
SPL’s Transient Designer uses proprietary Differential Envelope Technology, enabling level-independent signal dynamics processing. Unlike traditional compressors, this innovative technology allows you to manipulate audio signal envelopes without a threshold coefficient. With just two controls—attack and sustain—you can accelerate or slow down transients and lengthen or shorten sustain times. All time constants are automated in a highly musical manner, adapting to the characteristics of the input signal to ensure optimal results for any source material.
De-Esser Eliminates Session-Wrecking Sibilants
The Channel One’s renowned de-esser utilizes unique phase-canceling processing technology to subtly and effectively remove harsh sibilants before they reach your DAW. Its auto-threshold function maintains consistent processing, even when the artist’s mic technique varies. Simply adjust the knob until the sibilants are gone. For added flexibility, the 3rd-generation Channel One features a dual-band de-esser with Low and High switches, allowing you to target specific sibilance issues with precision.
Specifications:
Analog inputs & output; XLR (balanced)