SPL Crescendo-8 | Eight-Channel Microphone Preamplifier (Black)

• 8 x Mic Inputs
• 120V Rails for Low Noise / High Headroom
• 8 x Gain Knobs
• Phantom Power, Pad & Polarity Switches
• XLR & DB25 Connections
• Transformerless Design
• Class-A Output Power
• Wide Frequency Range
• Integrated Power Supply

Updated with a new name and sleek, redesigned black faceplate, the SPL Crescendo-8 is an eight-channel preamplier designed for audio engineers who want an absolutely clean, transparent, distortion-free tone when tracking microphone-based sound sources. Exceedingly low distortion and noise are both made possible by the 120V rails, giving you up to 70 dB of gain without any signs of overdriving. Each channel can capture a frequency range of 20 Hz to 100 kHz with lots of dynamic range.

Every channel sports a gain knob, a 48V phantom power switch, a pad switch, a polarity-inversion selector, and a switch for reducing the level displayed on the dedicated VU meter. The unit as a whole sports eight inputs and outputs. Connections are possible via XLR I/O on each channel, or through DB25 connectors, should you want to route this unit straight into a compatible patchbay or ADC.

A transformerless design, Class-A operation in the output stage, and SUPRA op-amps facilitate not only a low-noise performance, but the ability to drive long cable runs on the output side without sonic degradation. A shielded power supply is built into the unit, which ensures noise-free operation from the power of this preamp.

High-Voltage Preamp
Thanks to the 120 VDC audio rail, this preamp sports a large dynamic range, a low amount of distortion, and a neutral tone. This means you can capture the nuances of various sound sources without worrying about overloading the preamp.

SUPRA Op-Amp
The SPL SUPRA op-amps enable an internal operating voltage of ±60V, which makes the unit more than capable of amplifying the fastest transients, the finest of details, and the complete frequency spectrum with almost inaudible distortion.

Mic Gain Knob
Use the gain knob for the setting of the preamplification to control a range from 18 to 70 dB. For high-level signals, which do not need to be amplified that much, you can use a PAD with -20 dB of attenuation. Thus the control range of the amplification is shifted between -2 to 50 dB.

Input and Output Stages with Low THD and CMMR
The differential amplifiers in the input stage are built-up with transistor pairs, consolidated in in a special housing. A precise matching of the transistors, as well as thermal coupling, guarantee high common mode rejection and very low THD values. The choice of transistors and electrical resistors has a massive impact on the sound.

Servo Circuitry and Output Stage as Current Amplification
The discrete op-amps of the output stage are able to drive long cable paths without any problems. The output stages operate as current amplifiers, which with 6mA of quiescent current also provide Class-A operation. SPL minimized the use of coupling capacitors to avoid their sonic disadvantages which include diffusion, blurring, and loss of dynamics. However, to eliminate DC voltage, active servo circuits are used.

Individual Controls per Channel
Each of the eight preamplifiers of the Crescendo provides its own VU meter, phase reversal switch, phantom-power selector, -20 dB PAD switch, and 10 dB reduction switch, for the display of the VU Meter's level.

Integrated Shielded Power Supply
The toroidal transformer power supply is integrated in the housing of the Crescendo. To avoid electrical interference from the power supply on the preamplifier, the power supply is shielded with a special Mu-metal sheet. The transformer itself is also Mu-metal encapsulated.