spl Frontliner AD Modell 28000001

The new flagship of the SPL channel strips offers the basis for world-class recordings with the finest ingredients from SPL - and its individual processing units can be integrated into the studio environment or DAW like analogue plug-ins!

Thanks to its own analog inputs and outputs, the Frontliner Pilot can integrate all of these powerful high-end analog processors individually into each studio in order to use them when mixing or mastering. The Frontliner is not an isolated front-end solution, but rather enriches DAW-based studios in particular with the possibility of using high-quality analog processing consistently in audio production.

The modules

The hybrid preamplifier consisting of a discrete transistor stage and a separate tube stage combines high performance and neutrality with the option of coloring the sound through overtone enrichment by increasing the tube control. The De-Esser uses the principle of phase cancellation to remove hissing sounds with just one control. The EQ section efficiently covers the entire frequency spectrum with three bands. With the tube saturation level, any signal can be distorted from subtle to ruthless. The compressor offers all classic parameters and adjustable automation for attack and release, which adapts the time constants to the input signal like a cruise control.

Channel trip.

With the channel strips Channel One and Track One, which have been very successful for years, SPL has created devices that combine quick and easy operation with high processing quality. They are essentially based on processing concepts that have already been successfully implemented in other products: The DynaMaxx served as a compressor/limiter for the corresponding level in the channel strips, and the unique SPL De-Esser is also available as a two-channel individual device - and the preamplifiers also come from individual devices.

The development of new processors and preamplifiers inevitably led to the desire to incorporate the achievements of these circuits into a new channel strip.

Recipe

The Frontliner preamplifier is also a solid-state/tube hybrid preamplifier based on the outstanding discrete design of the GoldMikeMK2. Essential parts of the compressor concept were adopted from the SPL compressor flagship Kultube, which offers an extensive set of parameters for extensive control over the control processes. The highlight of the Kultube was of course also transferred: attack and release controls can be automated depending on the signal. The regular activity is constantly and precisely adjusted to musical requirements. However, it remains possible to influence the characteristics of the automatic system manually, so that the boundaries between purely manual and automated control merge smoothly.

For the most important work on the frequency spectrum, the EQ department offers two semi-parametric bands for the low and mid-range as well as a bell filter for elegant high-frequency processing (air band). A tube saturation control completes the equipment. In contrast to semiconductors, the tube does not tip over into the distortion range at a certain level; rather, it gradually approaches its load limit with steadily increasing distortion. It produces the typical sound effects that are similar to the tape saturation effects of analog tape machines and pleasantly compress the audio signal.

concept

The task for a channel strip is comparatively complex: not only a specialized device such as a preamplifier, compressor or EQ is used, but also a technical network for preamplification and signal processing. The frontliner therefore benefits particularly greatly from the innovative techniques that have always made working with SPL devices very efficient and goal-oriented. For example, the De-Esser does its job without unnecessary additional options - it reduces hissing sounds according to the setting using a single control. The Frontliner also accommodates quick work thanks to the clear design and layout of the user interface.

Analogue plug-ins

In recent years we have worked intensively on modular concepts. One result of this work is the RackPack series, in which eight 3U modules can be freely placed in a frame and wired. We also transferred the module idea to the Frontliner.

Each Frontliner module has its own inputs and outputs. Thanks to sophisticated circuit logic, you can integrate all elements of the Frontliner into a studio environment like individual devices. But you can also group them as desired or define insertion points at each seam. If you imagine the respective Frontliner modules as analogue plug-ins, the added value becomes clear, which, in addition to the classic recording channel function, also makes the Frontliner a versatile analogue processing station: DAW-based studios in particular can be converted into one in one step First-class recording front end and can also access high-end analog processors for the essential signal processing during the mix.