Manufacturer's Description
Channel One Mk3 – the perfect front-end for the modern producer
For over 20 years, Channel One has been a synonym for a high-quality and extremely musical recording and mixing channel strip.
In the newest Mk3 version, this classic has been thoroughly revised and, in addition to a higher internal audio voltage (now +/- 18V) for even better, more detailed sound, a further improved preamplifier section, an integrated Transient Designer, a Tube Saturation stage and a Mic A/B comparison option for two microphones and other great features that raise the modern recording and mixing studio to a new level of quality. With de-esser, compressor and equalizer, all the important tools of a real channel strip are still on board. Whether it's a microphone, line, or instrument signal, the Channel One Mk3 makes any source sound like a professionally recorded signal. The new design of the SPL Studio Series perfectly highlights the sonic qualities of this 3rd generation Channel One.
Discrete Preamplifier
Channel One Mk3 is equipped with one discrete preamplifier.
Comparing two microphones? No problem!
Channel One Mk3 offers two microphone inputs on the rear panel – Mic A and Mic B. Two microphones can be connected. This enormously simplifies the workflow. Thus, when comparing or changing microphones, it is no longer necessary to unplug them.
Analog plugin
Channel One Mk3 offers the possibility to process line signals. This means that sources with line level, such as an analog signal from an audio interface, can be processed with de-esser, compressor, limiter and equalizer and then be recorded again. In this way, Channel One Mk3 becomes an “analog plugin” within an insert of a DAW.
Tube Saturation – magical tube sound
With this control the amount of tube saturation can be determined. The output level is accommodated automatically, in extreme settings the level increases by only 6 dB. Therefore decent to expressive harmonic distortions can be easily dialed in by turning just one knob. Saturation effects are generated through the tube being pushed to and beyond its normal operating limits. In contrast to semiconductors, a tube thus pushed to such levels does not clip from a certain level, approaching more gradually its level limits and thereby producing its typical tonal result, which in audio signal processing can have such often profitable aural effects — on one hand (and depending on the amount applied), from subtle to extensive harmonic distortion and on the other hand, a compaction of the sonic event, that is, a limiting effect that exhibits a pleasant, rounded or soft sound. Acoustically and also in its range of applications this can be compared very well with tape saturation effects.
SPL Transient Designer – the revolution in dynamics processing.
With the Transient Designer it is possible to manipulate the envelopes of audio signals level-independently (no threshold!). Accelerate or slow down transients, lengthen or shorten sustain times – with just two controls: attack and sustain. All time constants are automated in a musical way and optimize themselves adaptively according to the characteristics of the input signal.
Specifications
Analog inputs & output; XLR & TRS Jack (balanced)
- Maximum input gain (Mic, +9,5dB – +68 dB) 13.5 dBu (33.5 dBu mit PAD-Schaltung)
- Maximum input gain (Line, -20 dB – +16 dB) 22.5 dBu (+42 dBu bei -20 dB)
- Maximum input gain (Instrument, -6 dB – +30dB) 15 dBu (+27 dBu bei -6dB )
- Input impedance (Mic/Line) 10 kΩ
- Input impedance (Instrument) 1.1 MΩ
- Output impedance 75 Ω
- Frequency range 10 Hz – 200 kHz
- Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) -126 dBu
- Noise (A-weighted, Mic Preamp, 150 Ω, 30 dB Gain) -95 dBu
- Noise (A-weighted, Mic Preamp, 150 Ω, 50 dB Gain) -79.5 dBu
- Noise (A-weighted, Mic Preamp, 150 Ω, 68 dB Gain) -61.7 dBu
- Noise (A-weighted, Line/Instr Preamp, 600 Ω, 5 dB Gain) -96.5 dBu
- Nosie (A-weighted, Line/Instr Preamp, 600 Ω, 20 dB Gain) -84.7 dBu
- Common mode rejection (1 kHz) Mic Input < 80 dB
- Gleichtaktunterdrückung (1 kHz) Line Input < 50 dB
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), Mic 30 dB Gain 0.0022 %
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), Mic 50 dB Gain 0.013 %
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), Mic 68 dB Gain (Max.) 0.048 %
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), Line 0 dB Gain 0.0022 %
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), Line 16 dB Gain 0.0017 %
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), Instrument 0 dB Gain 0.012 %
- THD+N Ratio (1 kHz), (100 kΩ source impedance
Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
- Operating voltage for analog audio +/- 18 V
- Operating voltage for relays and LEDs +12 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. 22.3 VA
Dimensions & Weight
- W x H x D (width x height x depth) 482 x 88 x 210 mm / 19 x 3.46 x 8.27 inch
- Unit weight 6 kg / 13.22 lbs
- Shipping weight (incl. packaging) 7.6 kg / 15.43 lbs