STUDIO

Crescendo

8-Channel Microphone Preamplifier
in 120V-Technology

The Crescendo is the first microphone preamplifier that works with an internal operating voltage of 120V and breaks new ground.

The Undistortable

Imagine a microphone preamplifier with such a wide dynamic range and high overload resistance that the entire dynamic range of the microphone can be recorded without any limitations.

Imagine that the preamplification electronics themselves have no effect on the sound and you rediscover the sound of your microphones. With absolute signal fidelity and clarity. 

"With the Crescendo, I immediately have the feeling that I'm getting a whole new, unprecedented reproduction quality from all my microphones."

VU -10

In the Crescendo, high gains can be used to optimally drive subsequent AD converters. Should the VU meter therefore deflect too far, you can reduce the displayed level by 10 dB.

48 V

The phantom power required for the use of condenser microphones is activated with the 48V switch.

Ø

Turn the polarity of a microphone signal 180° by activating the polarity reversal switch.

Pad

For loud input signals (including line signals) the input sensitivity can be reduced by 20 dB.

Mic Gain

The gain is adjusted by a 12-step switch. The pre-amplification ranges from +18 dB to +70 dB.

"Even with the first test tones with the microphone connected, you notice that this 120 volt thing is not an empty promise. The dynamic range of the system is really impressive."

Inputs 1 – 8

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 was worth it!

Outputs 1 – 8

Our 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers work as current amplifiers, which also offer pure class A operation with over 6mA 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 nevertheless, active servo circuits are used.

Alternate DB25 Output

For fast cabling to multi-channel converters, Crescendo offers DB25 connection.

“Good enough’ is rarely good enough for SPL, as this thoroughly over-engineered preamp testifies!”

The 120V technology

The 120V technology is our 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.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.
This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

The idea for SPL 120V technology and the SUPRA operational amplifier based on this technology were developed in the 1990s by SPL founder and chief developer Wolfgang Neumann.

With the goal of building the best mastering console ever, this basic technological philosophy then took shape for the first time – thus the SPL MMC1 Mastering Console for Galaxy Studios saw the light of day in 2000.

SPL MMC 1 in the “Galaxy Mastering Studios”
SPL MMC 1 in den “Wisseloord Studios”

The outstanding sonic and technical features quickly got around in the scene – so further orders were not long in coming.

Besides the MMC 1, another legendary product with 120V technology was created with the PQ, the “King of Parametric Equalizers”.

Since that time, 120V technology has been the foundation for all SPL premium products. Meanwhile, not only for mastering applications, but also for the, studio or hifi use.

SPL PQ – Modell 2050

What exactly is that?

And what does it do?

Good questions need good answers.

And that’s what the 120V technology video gives you.

Play Video

Comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device.
All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.

SPL devices with 120V technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.

These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the 120V technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.

Home is where the heart is

That’s why we manufacture all devices in our own production facility in Niederkrüchten on the Lower Rhine, Germany.

Reviews

Tape Op
Sound On Sound
Amazona

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Manuals

Play Video
Replacement of defective fuses for 115V
Play Video
Replacement of defective fuses for 230V
Play Video
Changing the mains voltage from 115V to 230V
Play Video
Changing the mains voltage from 230V to 115V

Specifications

Analog inputs & output; XLR (balanced)

Maximum input & output gain
32.5 dBu
Input impedance
10
Output impedance
75 Ω
Frequency range (-3 dB)
20 Hz – 70 kHz
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 30 dBu)
0.008 %
Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 30dB Gain)
-87.5 dBu
Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 60dB Gain)
-69.7 dBu
E.I.N. (150 Ω)
-129.7 dBu
Common mode rejection (1 kHz)
80 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 1.6 A
Fuse for 115 V
T 3.15 A
Power consumption
230 V: 60 W, 115 V: 80 W

Dimensions & Weight

W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth)
482 x 132 x 300 mm
19 x 5.2 x 11.8 inch
Unit weight
9.5 kg
20.94 lbs
Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
12.25 kg
27.01 lbs

Reference: 0 dBu = 0,775V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

ProAudio
HiFi
ProAudio
HiFi

Calculation of VAT (value added tax)

All prices are displayed by default including the VAT of your country.

If your country cannot be determined via geolocation and you are not logged in as a user with the billing address of your country, the prices are displayed including the VAT of Germany (19%).

What does it actually mean …

In Stock!

The product is in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany, and will be shipped the same or next working day.

We process the orders after receipt of the order and update the stock in the online shop regularly. If the product is no longer available at short notice due to high order volume, you naturally have the right to withdraw from the purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).

In any case, you will receive an e-mail with details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.

Available soon!

The product is not in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany. Usually it will be available again within 5 working days.

In any case, you will receive an e-mail with the details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.

Of course you have the right to withdraw from your purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).

Currently unavailable.

This product is currently sold out and unavailable.

Was bedeutet eigentlich …

Auf Lager!

Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten vorrätig und wird noch am selben oder nächsten Werktag versendet.

Wir arbeiten die Bestellungen nach Bestelleingang ab und aktualisieren den Bestand im Online-Shop regelmäßig. Falls das Produkt wegen hohem Bestellaufkommens kurzfristig nicht mehr verfügbar ist, hast du selbstverständlich das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).

In jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.

Bald verfügbar!

Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten nicht vorrätig. Gewöhnlich ist es innerhalb von 5 Werktagen wieder verfügbar.

Auf jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.

Selbstverständlich hast du das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).

Zur Zeit nicht verfügbar.

Dieses Produkt ist derzeit ausverkauft und nicht verfügbar.

Product Condition

A-Stock

Brand-new product from the current product portfolio.

B-Stock

Demo, exhibit or return item.
In original packaging, incl. manuals and full warranty.
Only slight to no signs of use.

C-Stock

Demo, exhibit or return item.
In original packaging, incl. manuals and legal warranty.
In some cases clear signs of use, which are documented in photos.

NOS

"New Old Stock"
After discontinuation of a product still available new products with full warranty.

Events

Due to Covid19 there are no events scheduled at this time.

Events

Aufgrund von Covid19 sind derzeit keine Events geplant.

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