SPL PHONITOR 3

Phonitor Matrix Headphone Amplifier with Monitor Controller

• Analog headphone amplifier and monitor controller with SPL 120V (±60 V) technology
• Phonitor Matrix with Crossfeed, Angle, and Center Level for a stereo image in headphones similar to that of monitors
• Output power of 2 x 5 W into 250 Ω and 2 x 1 W into 32 Ω, source impedance of just 0.18 Ω
• THD+N of just 0.0003% and a dynamic range of 134.5 dB
• Three balanced XLR stereo inputs and a rear monitor output for your speakers
• VU meter with selectable calibration and a 45 mm volume knob featuring an ALPS RK27 potentiometer

The SPL Phonitor 3 is a headphone amplifier with an integrated monitor controller, designed for those who need to make reliable decisions through headphones just as much as through monitors. It combines SPL 120V technology—the same used in the German manufacturer’s mastering consoles—with the Phonitor Matrix, the analog circuit that corrects the primary limitation of headphone listening: an unnaturally wide stereo image. It is a tool for mix and mastering engineers, producers, sound designers, post-production and dubbing studios, as well as for audiophiles seeking a reference listening experience.

Phonitor Matrix: Mixing with Headphones While Maintaining Monitor Perspective

With headphones, each ear hears only one channel, whereas with speakers, both ears receive sound from both speakers. The Phonitor Matrix analogically recreates this natural crossfeed and restores a correct spatial perception. With three dedicated controls, you can tailor the soundstage to your needs: Crossfeed adjusts how much signal is sent to the opposite ear, Angle simulates the angle of the virtual speakers, and Center Level balances the level of sounds in the center. The result is panning, reverb, and level settings that translate accurately to any listening system.

SPL 120V Headphone Amplifier with 5 W per channel

SPL 120V technology operates at voltages of ±60 V and guarantees very wide headroom: maximum input and output levels of +32.5 dBu, a dynamic range of 134.5 dB, and THD+N of 0.0003%. The headphone output delivers 2 x 5 W into 250 Ω and 2 x 1 W into 32 Ω, with a source impedance of just 0.18 Ω: it drives both high-impedance studio headphones and less-efficient models with control and headroom, delivering precise bass and clean transients even at high volumes.

Linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer

The internal linear power supply with a shielded toroidal transformer ensures stability and an interference-free noise floor—an essential requirement for critical listening during mixing and mastering.

Monitor controller for studio and mastering

Three balanced stereo XLR inputs allow you to connect multiple sources simultaneously—such as an audio interface, reference converter, and player—and switch between them in an instant. The monitor output on the back transforms the Phonitor 3 into a full-featured monitor controller for your active speakers or a power amplifier.

Controls for Mix Quality Assurance

L/R swap, independent phase inversion for each channel, and laterality control to correct the balance between left and right help you verify phase, balance, and stereo image coherence. The VU meters constantly display the input level, with selectable calibration to suit your workflow standards.

45 mm Volume Knob with ALPS RK27

The 45 mm milled aluminum volume knob drives an ALPS RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer, renowned for its precise channel tracking and smooth rotation. Its sturdy chassis and compact size make it suitable for any desk or control room.

SPL Phonitor 3 Technical Specifications

• Type: Headphone amplifier with monitor controller
• Analog technology: SPL 120V (±60 V)
• Inputs: 3 x balanced stereo XLR
• Outputs: balanced stereo XLR monitor output, 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS headphone jack
• Maximum input and output level: +32.5 dBu
• Input impedance (XLR): 20 kΩ
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• THD+N at headphone output (1 kHz, 0 dBu): 0.0003%
• Dynamic range: 134.5 dB
• Output power: 2 x 5 W into 250 Ω, 2 x 1 W into 32 Ω
• Headphone output source impedance: 0.18 Ω
• Phonitor Matrix: Crossfeed, Angle, Center Level
• Controls: L/R swap, phase inversion per channel, lateralization
• VU meter with selectable calibration
• Volume knob: 45 mm, ALPS RK27 potentiometer
• Power supply: internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
• Mains voltage (selectable): 230 V AC / 115 V AC
• Power consumption: max 40 VA
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 278 x 100 x 300 mm
• Weight: 4.9 kg