DMC Red/Black
The DMC is the heart of the mastering studio. The converters, the players, the DAW, the recorders and the speakers are connected to it. The audio quality of the console is therefore crucial. And like all devices in the mastering series, the DMC also works on 120V operating voltage.
Inputs & sources
Audio signals that are to be processed are connected to the inputs and audio signals that are used for comparison or control are connected to the sources. Four stereo pairs are available. Each input channel can be switched on and off, rotated in phase and trimmed in 0.25 dB steps.
One stereo input can be switched to mono. The large potentiometer for the recording gain allows sensitive gain rides. If it is not needed, it should not be activated. This keeps the entire control stage out of the signal path.
Monitoring & inserts
Three pairs of speakers can be operated for full-range, mid-field and near-field monitors. Speakers D is for a mono loudspeaker. Such a headphone amplifier is preferably connected to the Phonitor HP Out, whereby it can be programmed whether or not the loudspeaker is automatically switched off during headphone operation.
The same applies to the subwoofer. It can be programmed with which monitor pairs it is activated together.
The insert return can also be trimmed in 0.25 dB steps to compensate for the finest level corrections after an insert chain. The Hermes Mastering Router is preferably connected to the inserts, with which up to eight stereo processors can be connected in any order.
In monitoring, each loudspeaker channel can be monitored solo or rotated in phase. The large monitoring level potentiometer has an illuminated marker so that the monitor level can also be easily assessed from a greater distance. Loudness compensation (+/- 10 dB) can be switched on in monitoring. Alternatively, it can be linked to the Insert, Sources or Inputs switches.
DMC & MC 16
The DMC can be linked to the MC16 for surround and immersive audio applications. This means that Dolby Atmos® or Auro 3D® projects can also be realized. The MC16 is the world's first analog 16-channel monitoring controller.
Mastering studios often use the L/R speakers and the subwoofer for stereo and multi-channel monitoring. The combination of DMC with MC16 eliminates the need to reconnect these speakers.
By pressing the Speaker A button for two seconds, the volume control of L/R and sub is transferred to the MC16 and returned to the DMC by pressing it again. This means that stereo and surround projects can be carried out one after the other in a studio without any problems.
The 120V technology
120V technology is SPL's reference technology. It is unique in the world of audio because it works with a DC voltage of 120 volts. This corresponds to four times the operating voltage of IC-based semiconductor operational amplifiers.
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 work 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 advantages. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and clipping resistance. In terms of sound, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
Incidentally, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the socket. It refers to the operating voltage in the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device's internal linear power supply unit with toroidal Transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into the DC voltages required in the audio device.
Tech-Specs
Analog inputs and outputs; XLR (balanced)
- Maximum input and output level: 32.5 dB
- Input impedance: 20 kΩ
- Output impedance: 75 Ω
- Common mode rejection: -82 dBu
- Frequency response (-3dB): 4 Hz to 300 kHz
- Noise (A-weighted, +24 dBu, Rec Out, Insert On): -101.6 dBu
- Noise (A-weighted, +24 dBu, Speaker Out): -103.9 dBu
- THD & N (+24 dBu, Rec Out, Insert On): > 112 dB
- THD & N (+24 dBu, Speaker Out): > 108 dB
Internal power supply; linear power supply with shielded toroidal Transformer
- Operating voltage for analog audio electronics: +/- 60 V
- Operating voltage for relays and LEDs: + 12 V
Power supply unit
- Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber): 230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
- Fuse for 230 V: T 1 A
- Fuse for 115 V: T 2 A
- Power consumption: max. 55 VA
Dimensions & weight
- W x H x D (width x height x depth): 482 x 132 x 300 mm
- Weight of the device: 10.2 kg
- Shipping weight (incl. packaging): 12.35 kg