SPL Crescendo 8

8-channel microphone preamplifier with 120V technology

• Eight microphone preamps featuring SPL 120V technology and proprietary SUPRA operational amplifiers
• Maximum output level of +32.5 dBu: a preamp that’s virtually impossible to saturate
• Gain from +18 to +70 dB with an analog potentiometer on each channel
• 48 V phantom power, polarity reversal, -20 dB PAD, and VU meters with a -10 dB scale on all eight channels
• Dual output per channel, via XLR and DB25: built-in splitter for backup
• Equivalent input noise of -127.8 dBu, in a 3-unit 19" rack

The SPL Crescendo 8 is an 8-channel microphone preamp that combines the sonic precision of the German broadcast tradition with SPL’s 120V technology, the manufacturer’s benchmark for its high-end products. It packs eight channels into a single rack unit, offering the same character as the Crescendo Duo: a sound that is rich in detail, vivid, and at the same time natural, designed for multitrack recordings of drums, ensembles, orchestras, and live bands in the studio, where every microphone signal must reach the converter intact.

SPL 120V Technology: A Microphone Preamp That’s Virtually Impossible to Overdrive

SPL’s 120V circuits operate at ±60 V—four times the voltage of standard integrated operational amplifiers—thanks to proprietary SUPRA amplifiers developed specifically to handle these voltages. The Crescendo 8 thus achieves a maximum output level of +32.5 dBu: even the most aggressive transients from kick drums, snare drums, brass, or powerful vocals pass through the preamp without distortion, with a dynamic range and headroom that are immediately apparent from the very first tests.

Class A SUPRA operational amplifiers and a circuit path without coupling capacitors

The SUPRA 120V operational amplifiers function as pure Class A current amplifiers, with a quiescent current exceeding 6 mA. SPL avoids coupling capacitors in the audio path as much as possible to prevent loss of definition and dynamics, and uses active servo circuits to eliminate DC components.

Input Stages with Selected and Matched Transistors

The differential input amplifiers are built using pairs of transistors housed in the same package. Precise matching and thermal coupling ensure high common-mode rejection and extremely low distortion levels. Transistors and resistors were also selected based on listening tests conducted over numerous trial sessions.

Eight full channels for multitrack recording

All eight channels offer the same features. Gain is adjusted via a high-quality analog potentiometer from +18 to +70 dB, sufficient for low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones as well as large- and small-diaphragm condenser microphones. The 48 V phantom power, indicated by a red LED, powers condenser microphones, while the 180° polarity reversal corrects phase issues in multi-microphone setups, such as when recording drums.

-20 dB PAD and Line-Level Inputs

The PAD reduces the input sensitivity by 20 dB for very loud sources. With the PAD engaged, the Crescendo 8 works perfectly even with line-level signals—for example, to route keyboards or synths through the 120V stage.

VU meter with adjustable scale

The VU-10 button shifts the VU meter reading for each channel by -10 dB, allowing you to accurately read even the very high levels that the Crescendo 8 is capable of handling.

Built-in splitter: parallel XLR and DB25 outputs

Each preamp has two parallel outputs: one via XLR and the other via a DB25 connector. You can connect the DB25 directly to the multichannel input of an AD converter and use the XLR outputs for a second recording system or for a live sound system. This gives you a complete backup for important sessions without needing an external splitter.

SPL Crescendo 8 Technical Specifications

• Type: 8-channel microphone preamp with SPL 120V technology
• Inputs: 8 x balanced XLR microphone inputs
• Outputs: 8 x balanced XLR and parallel outputs via DB25
• Microphone gain: +18 dB to +70 dB, analog potentiometer
• Per-channel functions: 48 V phantom power with LED, polarity reversal, -20 dB PAD, VU-10
• Maximum output level: +32.5 dBu
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency response (30 dB gain): 20 Hz – 100 kHz
• THD+N: 0.0089% at 30 dB gain, 0.30% at 70 dB gain
• Noise (A-weighted, 150 Ω): -90.8 dBu at 30 dB gain, -57.8 dBu at 70 dB gain
• Equivalent Input Noise (EIN, 150 Ω): -127.8 dBu
• Common-mode rejection (30 dB gain): > 84 dB
• Audio electronics operating voltage: ±60 V
• Relay and LED operating voltage: +12 V
• Power supply: internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
• Mains voltage (selectable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: T 1.6 A (230 V), T 3.15 A (115 V)
• Power consumption: max 60 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 132 x 300 mm (19" rack, 3U)
• Weight: 9.5 kg
• Weight with packaging: 12.25 kg