MASTERING

DMC

Mastering Console

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. Like all devices of the mastering series, the DMC works on the unparalleled 120V technology.

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Inputs & Sources

Audio signals that shall be processed are connected to the Inputs and audio signals for comparison or playback are connected to the Sources. Four stereo inputs pairs are available for each.

Each input channel can be switched on/off, phase reversed and trimmed in 0.25 dB steps. A stereo input can be switched to mono.

The large potentiometer for the recording gain allows sensitive gain rides. If it is not used, it should not be activated. This keeps the entire control stage outside the signal path.

Recording Signal Flow

“The DMC is the monitor section of the entire studio. It is kind of the brain of the studio. The 120V Technology really gives you the feeling, that you have infinite headroom.”

“The DMC Mastering Console is the centerpiece of my studio, where I can control everything. Comparing or adjusting volumes is so easy now. The DMC gives me maximum ease of use with outstanding sonic performance. At first I thought the DMC was just a high-end monitor controller. Now it is indeed the heart of my studio.”

“DMC is the centerpiece of my mastering studio.”

“The DMC is giving me all the parameters I need to have perfect control over my signal and monitoring flow.”

“The centerpiece of my rack. Such a lovely and versatile unit.”

“I switched from Maselec to DMC and really like the transparent sound and simplicity of the unit.”

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.

Preferably a Phonitor headphone amplifier is connected to the Phonitor HP Out, whereby it can be programmed whether the loudspeaker is automatically switched off during headphone operation or not.

The same applies to the subwoofer. It can be programmed with which monitor it is paired and activated together.

The insert return can also be trimmed in 0.25 dB steps to compensate for the finest level differences after an insert chain. The Hermes Mastering Router is preferably connected to the inserts, with which up to eight stereo processors can be connected and freely routed and stored.

In the monitoring section, each loudspeaker channel can be solo’ed and phase reversed.

The large monitoring level potentiometer has an illuminated indicator so that the monitor level can be easily assessed even from a greater distance.

A loudness compensation (+/- 10 dB) can be activated. Alternatively it can be linked to the Insert, Sources or Inputs switches allowing loudness compensation at any stage.

Monitoring Signal Flow

DMC & MC 16

Yeah, it looks kind of wild. Makes sense, though.

The DMC can be linked to the MC16 for surround and immersive audio applications. 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 subwoofer for stereo and multi-channel monitoring. The combination of DMC with MC16 makes it unnecessary to replug these speakers.

Pressing the Speaker A button for two seconds transfers the volume control of L/R and Sub to the MC16 and pressing it again brings it back to the DMC. In this way, stereo and surround projects in a studio can easily be performed one after the other.

Play Video
Michael Romanowski: Grammy-Nominated Mastering Engineer - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro
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This video guides you step by step through the DMC.
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This video introduces you to the entire mastering series.

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.

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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.

Videos

Play Video
SPL DMC – Overview Video
Play Video
SPL Meets Mastering Academy - Part 1 - Mastering
Play Video
SPL Meets Mastering Academy - Part 2 - Q&A
Play Video
SPL User Story: AUDIOMEISTEREI
Play Video
SPL Mastering Gear @ Studio DMI with Luca Pretolesi

Reviews

Studio Magazin
Bonedo
MixOnline

Manuals

Button Inlays

Replacing fuses and voltage selection

The replacement of fuses and the switching of mains voltages must only be performed by qualified technicians. Fuses must only be replaced with fuses of the same type and specifications.

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Replacement of defective fuses for 115V
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Replacement of defective fuses for 230V
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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 dB
Input impedance
20
Output impedance
75 Ω
Common mode rejection
-82 dBu
Frequency range (-3 dB)
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 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 A
Fuse for 115 V
T 2 A
Power consumption
max. 40 VA

Dimensions & Weight

W x H x D (width x height x depth)
482 x 132 x 300 mm
19 x 5.2 x 11.8 inch
Unit weight
10.2 kg
22.49 lbs
Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
12.35 kg
27.22 lbs

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

Other Mastering Series Products

Mercury_front_black_USB_768
Mercury
Mastering D/A Converter
Gemini_black_front
Gemini
Mastering M/S Processor
Hermes_front_black
Hermes
Mastering Router
MC16-black
MC16
16-channel Monitor Controller
IRON_black
IRON
Mastering Compressor
PQ-black
PQ
Mastering Equalizer
PASSEQ-black
PASSEQ
Passive Mastering Equalizer
ProAudio
HiFi
ProAudio
HiFi

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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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