Each of the Crescendo's eight preamp sections is equipped with a gain control (Mic Gain), a VU meter, a polarity reversal switch, phantom power, a 20dB Pad, and a -10 reduction switch for the VU meter display. The Mic Gain knob controls a range from 18dB to 70dB, providing plenty of juice for even your low-output passive ribbon mics. Engage a Pad to knock high-level input signals down into the comfort zone (-2dB to 50dB).
Under the hood
In the Crescendo — as with all SPL gear — technical innovation and quality are evident the moment you pop the hood. The differential amplifiers in the input stage are built up with precisely matched transistor pairs, grouped in a special housing. The transistor matching, combined with thermal coupling, guarantees high common mode rejection and exceptionally low total harmonic distortion. Meticulous transistor and resistor selection has a huge impact on the sound. The perfect components for the Crescendo were chosen in the context of ongoing critical listening sessions, and the results (as usual for SPL) paid off handsomely.
The Crescendo's discrete output stage op-amps are capable of driving long cable paths without problems. The output stages operate as current amplification, which, with 6mA quiescent current, also provide pure Class A operation. Due to the inherent sonic drawbacks of coupling capacitors (diffusion, blurring, and compromised dynamics), SPL prefers to avoid them; so to eliminate DC voltage in the Crescendo, active servo circuits are employed. Integrated into the Crescendo's housing, its toroidal transformer power supply is shielded with a custom-fabricated mu-metal sheet to avoid electrical interference from the power supply on the preamplifier. The transformer itself is also encapsulated in a mu-metal cage.
Cutting-edge tools for pro studios
SPL — Sound Performance Lab — is a German pro audio manufacturer that has consistently been on the cutting edge for the last three decades. From their renowned Transient Designer, TwinTube, and Vitalizer MK2-T to professional mastering tools such as the Passeq, SPL gear is found in top studios and mastering facilities worldwide. Now SPL unleashes another groundbreaking product. With its uncanny ability to handle any and every source without audible distortion, the Crescendo raises the bar for high-end mic preamps.
Features:
- 120V Technology with high-voltage SUPRA op-amps
- Frequency range: 20Hz–50kHz, -3dB
- Gain range: 18dB to 70dB (-2dB to 50dB with 20dB Pad engaged)
- Discrete output stage op-amps are capable of driving long cable paths without problems
- Active servo circuits avoid the use of coupling capacitors and their inherent drawbacks
- Mu-metal shielded transformer power supply