SPL Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T

Full Description

Tube-Based Program Equalizer

The SPL Stereo Vitalizer MK2-T is one of the most powerful and innovative program equalizers on the market, basing its design around dual Sovtek 12AX7- double triode tubes. One of the tubes is used within the Mid-Hi Tune filter, providing increased accuracy and transparency, with a soft, unobtrusive sound. The second tube is used within the Stereo Expander, providing added depth and clarity, with pleasant tube harmonics. The treble range of The SPL Vitalizer MK2-T has been reworked with new LC-filters, achieving a smooth yet silky sound pattern. The Vitalizer MK2-T allows you to choose between a dry and bassy (Tight) sound, or a punchy soft sound with added depth (Soft). The result is a clear and concise sound with a focus on transparency.

Unique Frequency Spectrum

In conventional program equalizers, the frequency bands are divided into three with highs, mids and lows. The spectrum on the Vitalizer MK2-T features a diverse range of controls, with the low and mid filter settings interrelated. The high frequency control allows you to process the high frequencies and harmonics. This gives you total control over your frequency bands, allowing you to adjust each band separately, while controlling the intensity of each process independently.

Psycho-Acoustic Treatment

The Vitalizer MK2-T applies psychoacoustic and audiometric principles to your sound, allowing you to achieve a noticeable improvement while enhancing the sound. The result is improved clarity and transparency, dependent on your frequency band controls. The patented filtering technique is designed to bring out the best from your audio signal, delivering immense clarity and detail. The unique combination of precise filtering and intuitive control delivers a natural and stimulating sound. For example, music and speech are made more distinguishable and comprehensible. The soundscape is also widened and the loudness made more intense.

In-Depth Control

When It comes to audio signals, compression formats (such as MP3) are designed to delete unnecessary information to achieve a smaller file size. The Vitalizer MK2-T does the opposite, by enhancing the audio signal. The process takes into account the perception of a frequency in relation to its volume. This provides a more natural, fluid sound, helping to ‘unmask’ overlapping sounds to make them more audible. Lows are made to sound more powerful and defined, mids are more focused and differentiated from the highs; with the high-end becoming more vivid and silky. Its versatile design means it can be used on individual channels, emphasising the characteristics of both instruments and vocals. The result is a warmer, analog sound with less digital edge, providing sound reinforcement, ideal for mixing and mastering applications.

Design & Connectivity

The vintage design and aesthetic the Vitalizer MK2-T features, is reminiscent of classic program equalizers, with its simple yet innovative layout. The front-panel of the equalizer features all the major controls, including precise potentiometers for each frequency band, as well as one for the stereo expander. The tube for the stereo expander is revealed behind a wire-mesh style grille. The compact yet robust design features built-in rack ears, taking up only 1U of space for studio racks. The rear of the unit features all the inputs and outputs, as well as a ground lift switch.

Features

• Disarmingly ease of use, intuitive operation by ear
• Ideal for stereo sources
• Connection to master or subgroup inserts
• Excellent noise specs
• Soft and tight bass colours
• Bass compressor
• Mid, high, & harmonics processing
• Variable input level
• Stereo expander
• Hard bypass relay (power fail safety)
• Balanced I/Os over XLR and TRS sockets

Specifications

• Internal: Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced (differential), transformerless
• Nominal Input Level: +6 dB
• Input Impedance: = 22 kOhms
• Output Impedance: < 600 Ohms
• Max. Input Level: +20 dBu
• Max. Output Level: +20 dBu
• Minimum Load Ohms: 600 Ohms
• Other: Relay Hard Bypass

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 100 kHz (100 kHz = -3 dB)
• CCMR (common mode rejection): >86 dBu at 1 kHz
• THD & N: 0,001855 at 1 kHz
• S/N CCIR 468-3: -85 dBu
• S/N A-weightened: -99 dBu

• Toroidal Transformer: 15 VA
• Fuse: 315 mA (230 V/50 Hz); 630mA (115 V/60 Hz)
• Ground Lift: Ground-Lift switch
• Other: Voltage selector, Power Fail Safety

• Format: Standard EIA 19"/2U
• Dimensions:482x88x237mm (BxHxT), 19"x3.46"x9,33" (WxHxD)
• Weight 3.4 kg; 7.5lbs