SPL Introduces New Channel One Mk3 and Track One Mk3 Recording Units

German company SPL used the Tonmeistertagung 2023 (tmt32) conference and exhibition in Düsseldorf to present new products in its professional recording series. This time, SPL introduced its next generation of channel strips, the Channel One Mk3 and the Track One Mk3. Both are updates to the SPL Studio Series, combining a complete source preamplifier and mixing channel strip with analog dynamics processing, improved and optimized for the needs of modern recording studios.

The August 2022 issue of audioXpress, Acoustics Focus, gives a unique overview of market trends in acoustical products, with great articles on Acoustic Diffusion, Distributed Subwoofers for Room Modes, and Reverberation Control and Measurement. Michel Nieuwenhuizen proposes an improved microphone preamp for condenser microphones, Aren van Waarde builds a minimalist preamp using only discrete transistors, and Ethan Winer shares circuits for VCA and VCF analog synthesizer modules.

Home audio and hi-fidelity manufacturers know that demand for high-quality home theater speakers is again on the rise. French loudspeaker manufacturer Triangle Manufacture Electroacoustique updated its range of Thetis subwoofers with two new models. The new Thetis 340 and Thetis 300 compact subwoofers are in line with the brand’s DNA and can be used as part of a home theater setup or as a complement to a stereo system. Available in Black Ash, High Gloss Black and High Gloss White finishes, these down-firing subwoofers blend easily into all interiors.

This modification and restoration article shows how to preserve the best features of unused tube equipment. The article describes a tube preamplifier that the author wanted to position at the input to his home power amplifier, eliminating the need to adjust his 1972 McIntosh MX10 tuner and 240 power amplifier’s volume high when he wants to fill his home with music. In this case, an old Shure Model 65 stereo conversion preamplifier using two dual-triode 12AX7 tubes provided an excellent platform for the project. This article was originally published in audioXpress, May 2020.

ESS Technology announced their newest addition to the SABRE audio series of DACs, the ES9080 8-channel DAC with built-in 2Vrms, ground centered line drivers. The new ESS SABRE ES9080Q DAC simplifies multichannel line level setups with best-in-class performance integrated into one small package. According to the audio semiconductor manufacturer, the 32-bit 8-channel DAC is an ideal platform for the consumer home entertainment market, delivering improved audio specifications with streaming media applications.

–Kanto announced its new YU powered speaker, a high-value stereo speaker system that is designed to be simple to use and maximum sound quality for its compact size. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity with aptX™ for high-quality music streaming, along with remote control operation, the Kanto YU also offers an output for an external subwoofer, and an RCA input to accommodate any line-level source, including from a turntable with a built-in phono stage.

Longtime audioXpress contributor Gary Galo writes about a transformer-coupled balanced output circuit for solid-state preamps, usable with line-level signals. Exploring the differences between balanced interfaces and unbalanced interfaces - and finding things that we really want to be aware of, he then explains why he selected Jensen transformers for his own project. This article was originally published in AudioXpress, February 2019.