Ask A Sound Guy

SPL had a few things to show this year. Mostly hardware (which we love), and some software (which is just okay). Let’s take a look at the best stuff first!

Note: This post is a kind of gear-porn fest. SPL’s press-release really didn’t elaborate on many of these products, so I don’t have a lot spec-wise to give you. I’m sure you don’t care, though. SPL’s gear always looks great.

My favorite thing is what’s pictured above, SPL’s own take on the API Lunchbox. It’s called the RackPack and can host 4 API 500 series modules as well as 4 SPL 500 series modules. As you can see above, theres some pres, EQs, and compressors. Definitely drool-worthy.

What you see above is the Frontliner, a new channel strip from SPL. It has everything you would want: a preamp, de-esser, EQ, and a compressor/limiter. The greatest thing about this is the fact that you can independely insert any of the features (ie insert the de-esser) on a signal without using the whole unit.

The above is for the hi-fi fanatics. It’s a brand new headphone amp based on SPL’s own 120V technology. Not much else is said about the hardware, but I bet it sounds amazing.

I don’t think thats a picture of the actual unit, right? It looks more like a concept drawing. Either way, this device sounds great. It’s a speaker/cabinet simulator and DI box, all in one. SPL says its perfect for live settings or recording sessions as you’ll be able to record clean, dry, noise-free signals right into your DAW.

On the software side, we see SPL bundling up a bunch of their plug-ins and calling it the Analog Code Bundle 1. It includes their Transient Designer, TwinTube Processer, Bass Ranger, Vox Ranger, and Full Ranger plug-ins. All plugs work on either Mac or PC in various flavors: RTAS, TDM, AU, and VST. Leaving no DAW behind!

New SPL hardware in stores May 2009 while the plug-in bundle is available right now.