In Studio Magazin, edition 2/2024, you will find a review of the newest generation of SPL Channel-Strips – Channel One Mk3 and Track One Mk3. Here we provide a short summary in English.
In practice and sound:
“With the Channel One’s preamplifier, you can simply start processing from a different starting point, which in many cases turns out to be more careful or even slightly different if an already ‘aesthetically preconditioned’ signal is present from the get-go.”
“Technically speaking, a high-pass filter for reducing low-frequency noise is always an obvious choice. With the Channel One, however, you can tell that the cut-off frequency and steepness have been chosen with care, because the voice retains its natural basic tone, but when the filter is switched on, it becomes a little ‘lighter’ and is freed from low-frequency noise that unnecessarily burdens the signal amplitude, which of course applies to all sound sources captured by microphones.”
“The ‘range of effects’ ranges from thickening the signal to harmonic enhancement and noticeable distortion. If you don’t overdo it, almost every signal benefits from this character. It’s not so easy to do a de-esser test if you can’t produce sharp S-sounds. I tried really hard to exaggerate the sibilance, but the de-esser was hardly impressed. Even extreme settings do not sound colored or ‘processed’ in any way, but surprisingly natural.”
“It makes perfect sense not to send an already saturated signal through the entire signal chain, but to add a tasteful touch to the finished signal at the end. By using the ‘Tube Post’ function, you can change the tube saturation stage to come after the EQ and prior to the output stage.”
“As already mentioned, the compressor is designed for maximum ease of use. In my experience, the program-adaptive time constants can’t be ‘fooled’, but work on percussive signals as well as on keyboard layers, voices or guitars. I don’t see any kind of limitation in their use.”
“The EQ, in its apparent simplicity, is a very attractive processing module, because it can be used to add warmth, punch or shine in the simplest way, but also to create a smooth, soft sound. In my experience, this is a real all-rounder that can make any signal more attractive, i.e. more powerful, punchy, shiny, substantial, soft or lean.”
Conclusion:
“While the Mk3 version of the Track One attracts attention with its new attractive appearance in elegant black and haptically appealing aluminum controls, the Channel One Mk3 has also been significantly upgraded and equipped with new features. The discrete preamplifier impresses with its perfect, very intimate timbre and naturally benefits enormously from the integration of the transient designer and the tube saturation stage.”
“In combination with the very unobtrusive compressor and the really ‘nice’ sounding equalizer, the Mk3 reincarnation of the Channel One is an exceptionally powerful front end for the use in any recording studio environment.”
“If you’re on a budget but don’t want to miss out on the basic qualities of an SPL channel strip, you can choose the Track One Mk3, which is about half the price. With its transparent and natural microphone preamp and the EQ/compressor combo from the Channel One, it can deliver similar attractive results (with fewer extras).”
“In view of the technical quality, excellent manufacturing, attractive appearance and well thought-out functionality, the prices are without a doubt reasonable. The Channel One in the all-black design is a real upgrade compared to its predecessor, while the Track One in the new version with its stylish black is once again a loyal workhorse with ‘many years of studio experience’.”
“We are looking forward to more SPL technology!”
