SPL Crescendo 8 Preamp

The SPL Crescendo 8 Preamp is a 8-channel preamp that combines the precise sound that German Rundfunk-Technik is famous for with the innovative SPL 120V technology.

The SPL Crescendo 8 combines the precise sound that German Rundfunk-Technik is famous for with the innovative SPL 120V technology. The internal operating voltage of 120 volts allows Crescendo microphone preamplifiers to break completely new ground. This results in microphone preamps that sound detail-rich, vivid and equally honest. C rescendo 8 lets microphones shine in a whole new light – because they have never been amplified like this before.

The Undistortable
Thanks to the SPL 120V technology, it is almost impossible to overdrive this microphone preamplifier. Crescendo 8 is an eight-channel microphone preamplifier with 120V technology. All eight channels feature the same range of functions. Besides phantom power (48 V) for  condenser microphones, polarity reversal and a PAD switch, they provide the possibility to  adjust the VU meter to display very high levels. The gain can be adjusted comfortably and  precisely via a high-quality potentiometer. Two outputs per channel allow the signal to be sent  to two different devices in parallel. In addition to the extensive feature set and the outstanding  technical characteristics, Crescendo 8 convinces with a sonic authenticity that is  second to none.

Built-in Output Splitter
All eight microphone preamps have two parallel outputs each. This allows the signal to be sent to two different devices in parallel. One output each is available as XLR line output. The respective second outputs are  available as a DB25 jack. These can for example be ideally connected to a multi-channel AD converter, with  the for this kind of device type typical DB25 input. An additional external signal splitter for back-up systems  during a recording session is therefore no longer necessary.

Perfection in detail
The input differential amplifiers are constructed with pairs of transistors, each of which is  combined in a housing. Precise matching of the transistors and thermal coupling ensure  high common-mode rejection and extremely low THD values. The choice of transistors and  resistors has a decisive influence on the sound. In countless listening sessions the optimal  components for Crescendo were selected – the effort paid off!

More sound through innovation
Our 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers work as current amplifiers, which also offer pure class A operation  with over 6 mA quiescent current. We largely dispense with coupling capacitors in order to avoid their sonic  disadvantages (diffuse, sloping, loss of dynamics). In order to eliminate DC voltage components active  servo circuits are used.

The 120V technology
The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to  handle such a high voltage, we have developed special  proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with  a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers. The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical  specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms  of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom.  Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience. By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology  has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the  mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage  inside the device with which the audio signals are  processed. The mains voltage from the mains power socket is  transformed to the required secondary voltage in the  device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage  required in the audio devic

SPL Crescendo 8 Preamp Specifications

• Analog inputs & outputs; XLR (balanced)
  • Input impedance 10 kΩ
  • Output impedance 75 Ω
  • Maximum output gain 32.5 dBu
  • Common Mode Rejection Ratio (1 kHz, 30 dB Gain) -84 dB
  • Frequency range (30 dB Gain) 20 Hz – 100 kHz
  • THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 30 dB Gain) 0.0089 %
  • THD + N (10 Hz – 22 kHz, 70 dB Gain) 0.30 %
  • Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 30 dB Gain) -90.8 dBu
  • Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω, 70 dB Gain) -57.8 dBu
  • Equivalent Input Noise, EIN (150 Ω) -127.8 dBu
• Internal Linear Power Supply with Toroidal Transformer
  • Operating voltage for analog audio +/- 60 V
  • Operating voltage for relays and LEDs + 12 V
• Mains Power Supply
  • Mains voltage (selectable) 230 V AC, 50; 115 V AC, 60 Hz
  • Fuse for 230 V T 3.15 mA
  • Fuse for 115 V T 1.6 A
  • Power consumption max. 60 W
• Dimensions & Weight
  • W x H x D (width x height x depth) 482 x 88 x 300 mm 19 x 3.46 x 11.8 inch
  • Unit weight 6.1 kg 13.45 lbs
  • Shipping weight (incl. packaging) 7.5 kg 16.54 lbs

SPL Crescendo 8 Preamp Includes

• SPL Crescendo 8 Preamp
• Power Cable
• Manufacturer Warranty