From SPL


With the finest ingredients from SPL, the new flagship of SPL's channel strips establishes the basis for world-class recordings and each of its particular processing stages can be inserted into studio environments or DAWs like analog plug-ins!

The brand-new Frontliner has all tools on board to record vocals and instruments in perfect quality. Positioned even above our bestseller Channel One, it merges preamp, de-esser, EQ and compressor.

The hybrid preamp with discrete transistor stage and separate tube stage combines high performance and neutrality with the option for sound coloration by enhancing the harmonic content with the switchable tube drive. The unique one-knob de-esser employs a phase cancelling technique to reduce sibilants.

With three bands, the EQ section covers the complete frequency spectrum efficiently, and a tube saturation control allows to apply distortion to any signal from subtle to reckless levels.

The compressor offers all classic parameters and a controllable automation of attack and release which adjusts the setting of time constants to the input signal pretty much like a cruise control.

Thanks to the individual analog I/Os, all these powerful, hi-end analog processors can be inserted into any studio by the Frontliner pilot, i. e. to use them also during mixing and mastering. Thus it appears that the Frontliner is not reduced to a frontend device especially DAW based studios get the chance to integrate high-grade analog processing at any stage of the audio production process.

 

Maximum input level

Microphone input @ 13dB gain
+9dBu
Line input
+22dBu
Instrument input
+11,5dBu
De-Esser input
+21dBu
Compressor input
+21dBu
EQ-/Tube Saturation input
+21dBu
Maximum output level
21,5dBu

Gain control ranges

Microphone input
+13dB to +68dB
Line input
-20dB to +10dB
Instrument input
+6dB to +43dB

Frequency range (-3dB)

Channel strip
10Hz to 50kHz
Microphone preamplifier
‹10Hz to 50kHz
Line preamplifier
‹10Hz to 50kHz
Instrument preamplifier
‹10Hz to 50kHz
De-Esser
‹10Hz to 140kHz
Compressor
‹10Hz to 180kHz
Equalizer/Tube Saturation
‹10Hz to 60kHz

Common mode rejection

(@ 1kHz, 0dBu input level and unity gain)

Microphone preamplifier
›80dB
Line preamplifier
›75dB
Instrument preamplifier
›75dB
De-Esser
›75dB
Compressor
›75dB
Equalizer/Tube Saturation line
›75dB
Total harmonic distortion
(in %, @ 1kHz, 0dBu input level and unity gain)
Channel strip
0,03
Microphone preamplifier
0,03
Line preamplifier
0,03
Instrument preamplifier
0,03
De-Esser
0,002
Compressor
0,007
Equalizer/Tube Saturation Line
0,01

Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted)

Microphone preamplifier (VU=30dB)
-91,5dB
Line preamplifier
-94,7dB
Instrument preamplifier
-95,5dB
De-Esser
-97dB
Compressor
-97dB
Equalizer/Tube Saturation Line
-91dB

Dynamic range (unweighted)

Channel strip
110dB (microphone input › main outputs, @ 30dB)
Channel strip
112dB (line input › main outputs)
Channel strip
112dB (instrument input › main outputs)
Microphone preamplifier (@ 30dB)
110dB
Line preamplifier
114dB
Instrument preamplifier
105dB
De-Esser
115dB
Compressor
115dB
Equalizer/Tube Saturation Line
112dB
E.I.N. microphone preamplifier
-127dBu

(@ 68dB gain, Rs=150Ohms, 20-22kHz)

Power supply
Two toroidal transformers
Audio transformer
20VA
Transformer other currents
15VA
Fuses
230V AC, 50Hz: 315mA/120V AC, 60Hz: 630mA
Voltage selector
115V/230V
Power consumption
29W

Dimensions and weight

Housing (W x H x D)
482 x 88 x 261mm (Depth with controls and sockets)
Weight
5,7kg/ca. 12,57 lbs (w/o converter & I/O transformers)
Note
0dBu = 0,775V. Specifications are subject to change without notice

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.