The monitor & Talkback controller (MTC) from SPL is a central analog volume control for system independent stereo monitoring. Its features include a Cue Mix for the musician (the musician’s track and track mix) along with a Talkback communications option.
The advantages of the MTC become especially apparent in combination with modern audio and video production tools such as ProTools™, Nuendo™, Cubase™, Logic™, Deck™ etc. Monitor levels and source management can be handled independently of the software and with virtually no loss in quality. You no longer need to set up additional aux sends for monitoring. In addition, you won‘t have to worry about over- or underdriving the converters due to monitor levels.
One of the MTC‘s biggest advantages is the possibility to manage up to six input sources: comparing and monitoring is much easier than having to import all of your audio files and set up monitor mixes – not to mention the inevitable A/D-D/A conversions.
SPL‘s renowned electronic balancing circuitry forms the basis for the MTC‘s I/O architecture. Its extended frequency range up to 100 kHz, exceptional dynamic spectrum and excellent common mode rejection ensure specs that exceed SACD standards, as only highest quality analog circuitry can provide.
Last but not least, the MTC‘s rugged and ergonomic desktop enclosure with its slanted front panel harmonizes perfectly with the desktop production environment.
Special Features
Status LEDs An LED over each front panel switch indicates activity by illuminating when its corresponding switch is turned on. If the Talkback function is activated by an external switch, the Talk LED will nonetheless illuminate.
Master Volume The master volume potentiometer globally controls volume for the three monitor speaker pairs. This analog control regulates the audio signal directly to avoid any coloration/distortion typical of VCAs, DCAs, etc., which require higher inter-channel tolerances and tend toward higher distortion figures. Moreover, this potentiometer possesses an optimal rotational torque and “feel” for precise hand control.
Speaker Calibration The MTC dispenses with speaker output trims, as they would unnecessarily stress the signal pathes—all active speakers and also power amps have input trims. The adjustment process should begin with the quietest monitor pair (smallest sound pressure level) with the input sensitivity at maximum level. Leaving the MTC Master Volume control as set, you then perform the same adjustment for the other monitor/speaker pairs until each produces the same sound level as the first pair. Lacking an sound pressure level meter, you may still accomplish this adjustment well enough by ear.
Footswitch This 1/4 inch footswitch input can accept an on/off switch or key that allows remote control of the Talkback function. Any sort of switch or key (including footswitches familiar to keyboard players) can be used here.
Slave Out The balanced 1/4 inch Slave Out jacks provide for summed output of all active 2Tr inputs (Mix, 2TrA to 2TrD). As an example, the monitor signal may also be routed to a recording medium, or, while one listens to a CD player, the output may simultaneously be routed to a DAW. You may likewise connect stereo metering equipment. The musician‘s signal (coming from the Musician input) is not routed to the Slave Out, as it is only used for latency-free monitoring, but not for recording.
Talk Out The Talk Out connection routes the dry Talkback mic signal through its balanced 1/4 inch jack to create an alternative listening option (for example, to another room). This function is particularly useful when, for instance, the engineer wishes to avoid forcing all performers in the recording room to wear headphones. Also advertising narrators are not often happy wearing headphones. Routing through the Talk Out circuit, the engineer can communicate directly to narrators or musicians over an active monitor placed in the recording room.
Headphone output This is where your headphone can be connected for monitoring the control room mix—in parallel to the chosen loudspeaker monitor pair. The Headphone output can be toggled in or out with the HP On switch, so muting is possible without having to detach it each time.
Connections and specifications
The MTC 2381 can manage up to six stereo input sources and up to three stereo speaker pairs (connection via XLR connectors from Neutrik).
The inputs are diveded as follows:
* Musician input (balanced jacks) * Mix input (balanced jacks) *2-Track A to D (2 x bal. jacks, 2 x unbal. jacks)
Specifications:
Frequency Range: 10 Hz - 100 kHz (+/- 3 dB) Input Impedance balanced via Sub-D: 50 kOhm unbalanced via RCA: › 10 kOhm Output Impedance balanced via RCA: ‹600 Ohm THD + N: 0,006 % Noise (A-weighted): › 80 dBu Overload Resistance: +22 dBu Dynamic Range: 110 dB CMRR: › 70 dBu Phase: -20°@20 kHz Crosstalk L-R: › -70 dB@1 kHz/0 dBu Dimensions: H x B x T (mm): 91 x 272 x 220 Weight 2,3 kg
|