SPL Audio BiG [Studio] Stereo Image Bigger Maker

About: SPL Audio BiG [Studio] Stereo Image Bigger Maker

The Stereo Image Bigger Maker in 19″ rack format, BiG [Studio] spectacularly enlarges the stereo image and opens up new creative ways of sound shaping.

BiG [Studio] expands the possibilities of sound shaping with a new tube circuit. The Tube Harmonics control refines the harmonic spectrum of every signal, making it more vivid, detailed and increased in size – bigger than life!

Visually, BiG [Studio] sports the black design of the SPL Studio series.

The internal audio voltage of +/-18V ensures great sound!

Redefines the big of stereo.

• BiG [Studio] is special. BiG [Studio] is unique: BiG [Studio] enlarges the stereo image in a new manner and opens up new creative ways of sound shaping.
• Range: With the Range control, the frequency range which should be processed can be selected.
• Stage: With the Stage control, the frequency range previously selected with the Range control can be moved backwards or forwards on the stereo stage.
• Bigness: The Bigness control adjusts the intensity of the stereo image shaping.

Black magic?

In BiG [Studio] a difference signal derived from the input signal is processed by an analog filter network before mixed back to the original signal in a special mixing stage. This is not only simple M/S processing but a completely different and new way of stereo-processing.

The processed stereo signal, when summed to mono, creates a clean mono signal without phase shifts, cancellations, or other unwanted artifacts.

Tube Magic

• Tube Harmonics: The Tube Harmonics control adjusts the intensity of the harmonics generated in the tube.
• Harmonics: When the Harmonics switch is activated, the tube circuit which generates harmonics is in the signal path. If this switch flashes, the device is in “warm-up” mode. The tubes are being brought to the optimum operating temperature.
• More bass!: The bass switch can be used to activate an additional bass boost at the end of the BiG [Studio] processing chain. The bass boost is performed by a filter similar to the one used in the AirBass function of the SPL IRON Mastering Compressor.

Let's go!

• PWR: The PWR LED indicates that BiG [Studio] is powered and that the device is switched on via the On switch on the rear of the device and is ready for operation.
• On: The On switch activates BiG [Studio]. When activated, the switch lights up. If the device is in bypass mode, the switch is not illuminated.

Inputs and outputs

All inputs and outputs of the BiG [Studio] are equipped with XLR jacks with gold-plated contacts and TRS jacks. The XLR and TRS jacks are connected in parallel. Signal transmission is electronically balanced at a nominal level of 6 +dB.

Ground

The ground switch on the rear panel of the BiG [Studio] can be used to eliminate ground loops by disconnecting the internal ground from the housing ground when the switch is pressed.

Looks great, feels great – and lasts for a lifetime

BiG [Studio] has a 4 mm thick, black anodized aluminum front panel and aluminum knobs milled from solid. The housing is made of high-quality steel and is powder-coated in elegant black.

Sounds good

With all SPL devices we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.

Specifications

• Analog inputs & output; XLR & TRS Jack (all balanced)
  • Maximum input and output gain: 22,5 dBu
  • Input impedance: 20 kΩ
  • Output impedance: 112 Ω
  • Frequency range (-3 dB): 10 Hz–200 kHz
  • THD + N (0 dBu, 10 Hz–22 kHz): 0,0035 %
  • Noise (A-weighted): -97,5 dBu
  • Dynamic range: 120 dB
  • Bass frequency: 42 Hz
  • Bass boost: 2 dB
• Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
  • Operating voltage for analog audio: +/-18 V
  • Operating voltage LEDs & Relays: +12 V
  • Tubes anode voltage: +250 V
  • Tubes heating voltage: +12,6 V
• Mains Power Supply
  • Mains voltage (selectable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
  • Fuse for 230 V: T 312 mA
  • Fuse for 115 V: T 630 mA
  • Power consumption: max. 9,9 VA
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 19 x 1.73 x 8.27 inch (482 x 44 x 210 mm)
• Weight: 8.49 lbs (3.85 kg)