STUDIO

Frontliner

Our flagship channel strip

The Frontliner has everything to record voices and instruments in perfect quality: Positioned even above the already legendary Channel One, the Frontliner combines preamp, de-esser, EQ and compressor, tube saturation, which can be used individually or in combination.

Discrete Tube Preamp

The Frontliner is a hybrid preamplifier consisting of a discrete semiconductor stage and a tube stage. The hybrid construction of the preamplifier combines the advantages of semiconductors (high dynamics with low distortion, low noise) with the musical qualities of tube sound (pleasant high/overtone spectrum, beautiful three-dimensionality).

  • The microphone preamplifier is completely discretely constructed from single transistors. It features 48 V phantom power, polarity inversion, padding and an LF cut filter.
  • The line input has a precision balancing stage for connecting additional studio equipment.
  • The also discrete and low-noise instrument input is easily accessible on the front panel.

De-Esser

The De-Esser removes annoying S sounds without affecting the natural sound. In contrast to conventional compressor techniques, the S-frequencies are detected and phase-cancelled in a very narrow band, whereby the S-sounds are deleted very unobtrusively.

The De-Esser works in the Auto-Threshold mode. This ensures constant processing even if the distance to the microphone fluctuates.

Operation is reduced to just one knob that sets the desired S-reduction.

Compressor / Limiter

The special feature of the compressor is our Double-VCA-Drive circuitry that achieves outstanding noise and distortion characteristics. By splitting the compressor activity on two VCA’s compression itself has a lesser tendency to side effects like pumping.

The attack and release controls can be automated depending on the signal. The control activity is thus permanently and precisely adjusted to musical requirements. However, it is still possible to manually influence the characteristics of the automatic control, so that the boundaries between purely manual and automated control merge seamlessly.

Equalizer & Tube Saturation

The EQ section provides two semi-parametric filters for low and mid band as well as an Air-Band filter delivering a silky and smooth top end. The EQ especially optimized to process vocals, acoustic and electronic instruments allowing for both corrective adjustments and sound design.

The sound effects from saturating a tube can be used to fatten an audio signal or make it better cut through the mix. The sound results resemble tape saturation effects and increase the density and perceived energy in a very pleasant way.

VU

The large VU meter displays the output level as VU value (energy) and peak value (peak level).

To visualize levels above +5 dB, the sensitivity can be reduced by -10 dB.

The VU meter can be switched to display the gain reduction of the compressor.

External Inputs

Each Frontliner module has its own balanced inputs and outputs. Thanks to a sophisticated circuit logic, you can integrate all elements of the Frontliner like single devices into a studio environment. However, you can also group them as you wish or define insertion points at each interface.

If you think of the respective Frontliner modules as analog plugins, the added value becomes clear, which makes the Frontliner a versatile analog processing station in addition to the classic recording channel: DAW-based studios in particular are enriched with a first-class recording front-end and can also access high-end analog processors for the essential signal processing during mixing.

Optional Equipment

Lundahl Transformers

The Sonic Aspects

Transformers are used as an alternative to electronic balancing stages in the inputs and outputs.

Transformers can be found in many classics of audio engineering. They make the bass and fundamental tines rounder and give it a little more punch. The high and overtone range sounds a bit silkier and more present.

We find transformers to be advantageous, especially for voices. For highest precision and speed in signal transmission (transient processing), however, electronic stages are better suited. The bottom line is that it is a question of taste and application.

In the Mic Preamplifier

In the case of preamplifiers or channel strips, the 2161 input transformer, which is specially designed for microphone inputs, provides an additional gain of up to 14 dB (depending on the microphone), which must then be added to the scaling.

This relieves the microphone preamplifier. Since the transformer ratio passively increases the level, no noise is added. Therefore, the input transformer is more important than the output transformer in preamplifiers.

However, it is only when both transformers are fitted that all positive sonic aspects are achieved – as well as increased operational reliability.

AD Converter Module 1090

The 24 bit converter module provides an SPDIF output which is available as coaxial and optical output.

The internal sampling rate can be set with switches to 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz. Other sampling rates (32, 176.4, 192 kHz) can only be set with an external synchronization signal.

Reviews

Professional Audio
Keys
Music & PC
Recording Magazin
Sound & Recording
Sound On Sound
Future Music
Hangfoglalas
Audio Technology

Other Channel Strips & Microphone Preamplifiers

Crescendo_8-front_transparent
Crescendo 8
Eight Channel Microphone Preamplifier with 120V Technology
Crescendo-duo-v2_Front_overview
Crescendo duo
Dual-Channel Microphone Preamplifier with 120V technology
ChannelOneMk3_Front-flat_transparent
Channel One Mk3
Channel Strip
TrackOneMk3-Front
Track One Mk3
Channel Strip
GainStation1_featured-Image
GainStation 1
Class A & Tube Microphone-/Instrument Preamplifier
GoldMikeMK2_front_print
GoldMike Mk2
Dual Channel Microphone & Instrument Preamplifier

Manuals

Specifications

Line/Insert Input & Output; XLR (balanced)

Maximum input level
22 dBu
Maximum output level
21.5 dBu
Input impedance
20 dBu
Output impedance
50 Ω
Common mode rejection (1 kHz)
-80 dBu
Frequency range (Tube Gain +6 dB, 600 Ω, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 45 kHz
Frequency range (Tube Gain +15 dB, 600 Ω, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 35 kHz
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 0 dB, Line input)
0,022 %
Noise (A-weighted, Line input)
-94,7 dBu
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 0 dB, De-Esser)
0,002 %
Noise (A-weighted, De-Esser)
-97 dBu
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 0 dB, Compressor)
0,004 %
Noise (A-weighted, Compressor)
-97 dBu
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 0 dB, EQ-Tube)
0,01 %
Noise (A-weighted, EQ-Tube)
-91 dBu
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 0 dB, entire channel strip)
0,03 %
Noise (A-weighted, entire channel strip)
-91 dBu
Dynamic range (unweighted)
> 112 dB

Microphone input; XLR (balanced)

Maximum input level (Mic, 13 dB gain)
9 dBu
Input impedance
10
Frequency range (Tube Gain +6 dB, -3 dB)
20 Hz – 45 kHz
Frequency range (Tube Gain +15 dB, -3 dB)
20 Hz – 35 kHz
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 30 dB Gain)
0,024 %
Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 30 dB Gain)
-91.5 dBu
E.I.N. (150 Ω)
-127 dBu

Instrument input; TS Jack (unbalanced)

Maximum input level (Instrument, 6 dB gain)
11.5 dBu
Input impedance
1
Frequenzgang (Tube Gain +6 dB, 600 Ω, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 45
Frequenzgang (Tube Gain +15 dB, 600 Ω, -3 dB)
10 Hz – 30
THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, unity gain)
0.03 %
Noise (A-weighted, 100kΩ, 1:1 Gain)
-95.5 dBu

Internal Linear Power Supply with Toroidal Transformer

Operating voltage for analog audio
+/- 15 V
Operating voltage for relays and LEDs
+12 V
Operating voltage for optional ADC192
+5 V V
Tubes anode voltage
+250 V
Tubes heating voltage
+12.6 V
Phantom power
+48 V

Mains Power Supply

Mains voltage (selectable)
230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Fuse for 230 V
T 315 mA
Fuse for 115 V
T 630 mA
Power consumption
max. 30 W

Dimensions & Weight

W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth)
482 x 88 x 261 mm
19 x 3.46 x 10.28 inch
Unit weight
5.7 kg
12.57 lbs
Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
7.3 kg
16.09 lbs

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

ProAudio
HiFi
ProAudio
HiFi

Calculation of VAT (value added tax)

All prices are displayed by default including the VAT of your country.

If your country cannot be determined via geolocation and you are not logged in as a user with the billing address of your country, the prices are displayed including the VAT of Germany (19%).

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.

Anmelden