SPL MasterBay S

SPL MasterBay S

Mastering Router

When it comes to mastering, a patchbay is not always enough: even for experienced users a simple comparison of different processors or processing paths can become a headache. The new MasterBay S can manage up to four stereo processors comfortably and its fascinating possibilities allow you to get the best results out of your equipment. The classic patch bay allows you to easily route signals between different signal sources, processors and other audio gear. All connected devices can be tapped at any point in the signal path by simply making the adequate connections in the patch bay. This can be very practical when working in projects, since you can set up the audio path according to a specific production without having to change anything until the production is finished. That is frequently the case during mixdown. However, in the mastering stage the needs of an engineer often go well beyond this. Even a direct A/B comparison between two processors or two different signal paths can prove unfeasible with a patch bay. Not to mention loudness compensation after processing, comfortable fine adjustment of input and output levels or an adequate level control to dynamically fade the signal. The MasterBayS fulfills all of these requirements and goes even a couple of decisive steps forward. Its comfortable yet flexible switching and control functions make it easier to achieve the best results with the available equipment. Innovative and pragmatic functions, conceived to simplify and improve the comparison process, give you a qualitative edge in mastering applications, while saving you time.

Analog Interface

Using the MasterBayS as analog interface for all your hardware gear reduces to the minimum the actual conversions taking place, regardless of the number of processors used. Due to its high engineering quality, the MasterBayS not only pampers the signal but it also becomes a key element in the audio production stage where it is put to use.

Inserts

Four stereo inserts are provided on the MasterBay S. Insert 2 and 3 can be swapped in the sequence. Usually you insert a compressor and an EQ in insert 2 and 3. By swapping you can easily decide, if eqing or compression first is better. The Insert Trim knobs serve to adjust the output level of the Insert Return 3. Since inserts 1, 2 and 3 are connected in series, this setting affects all inserted processors.

Parallel Mix

Use PARALLEL MIX to mix the input signal with the processed signal from inserts 1-3. To listen only to the input (dry) signal turn the knob hard left (which would be the same as engaging the ALL INSERTS BYPASS button). Turn it hard right (wet) to listen exclusively to the processed signal (which would be the same as disengaging the MIX button). If set to the center position (1:1), both input and output signals have the exact same proportion in the mix. PARALLEL MIX is a simple yet powerful function with a sort of undo character to it: you could adjust the effects to be clearly audible and then use only the appropriate dose with PARALLEL MIX.

Loudness Compensation

Use the LOUDNESS COMPENSATION function to compensate for loudness differences that might have resulted from the processing applied. This is of paramount importance to be able to judge the processing solely on tonal differences. LOUDNESS COMPENSATION guarantees that the loudness differences will not be a factor in the decision making. This function basically levels the perceived loudness by manually changing the level of the monitoring path exclusively.

Auto Bypass

One of the most interesting functions of the MasterBayS is the AUTO BYPASS — an innovation that not only simplifies the comparison between input and output signals, but also improves it. When activated, this function automatically toggles between input and output signals. It is worth noting that the toggling interval is user defined (refer to BYPASS PERIOD in the next section). AUTO BYPASS allows you to concentrate exclusively on tonal differences — there is no need for manual toggling anymore. This can only mean a clear improvement when assessing your work. Together with LOUDNESS COMPENSATION, these two functions simplify enormously the mastering tasks with the MasterBayS, while bringing quality control to a much more objective level, improving the whole experience.

Meters Follow

Use the METERS FOLLOW button to toggle between the default level display and the value due to the COMPENSATION LEVEL reduction. In default mode, the METERING displays the input or output level values of the MasterBayS, depending on whether I/O COMPARE is engaged or not. If I/O COMPARE is engaged the value displayed corresponds to the output post Master Fader. If I/O COMPARE is not engaged the value displayed corresponds to the input. The METERS FOLLOW function can help determine the exact value of the COMPENSATION LEVEL reduction applied (given that the I/O COMPARE function is active): taking the value when METERS FOLLOW is active and subtracting it from the value when METERS FOLLOW is inactive, the difference corresponds to the reduction applied. In the same way, this difference also implies the increase in loudness that resulted from the processing.

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Specifications

Inputs & Outputs

• Differential amplifier, electronically balanced/transformerless
• Nominal input level: +4dBu

Input Impedance

• Main Input: ca. 20k ohms unbalanced, ca. 40k ohms balanced
• Insert 1-4 Return: ca. 20k ohms unbalanced, ca. 40k ohms balanced
• DAW Return: ca. 20k ohms unbalanced, ca. 40k ohms balanced

Output Impedance

• Rec. Output: ca. 75 ohms unbalanced, ca. 150 ohms balanced
• Insert 1-4 Send: ca. 75 ohms unbalanced, ca. 150 ohms balanced
• Monitor Output: ca. 75 ohms unbalanced, ca. 150 ohms balanced
• Metering Output: ca. 10 ohms unbalanced; ca. 20 ohms balanced

Volume Control Ranges

• Input Trim: -6dB to +6dB
• Insert Trim: -6dB to +6dB
• Master Fader: -80dB to +7dB
• Compensation Level: -12dB to 0dB

Measurements

• Max. input level: 23dBu
• Max. output level: 23dBu
• Frequency Range: 10Hz-100kHz, -3dB: <10Hz – 200 kHz
• CMR - Main Input: >70dB, DAW Return: >70dB, (@1 kHz, 0dBu input level, unity gain)
• THD&N - Rec. Output: 0.0015%, Monitor Output: 0.0015%, (1kHz, +4dBu input level, unity gain)
• S/N ratio (A-weighted) - Rec. Output: < -99dB, Monitor Output < -98dB
• Crosstalk L/R (@ 1 kHz) <98dB
• Dynamic range (not weighted) - Rec. Output: 118,5 dB, Monitor Output: 116dB

Power Supply

• Toroidal transformers
• power supply for LEDs & Relays: 12V/6.3 VA, power supply for audio: 2 x 18V/16VA
• Fuses 230 V AC: 50Hz, 1A; 115 V AC: 60 Hz, 2A
• Voltage Selector 115V/230V
• Power Consumption 24W

Dimensions & Weight

• W x H x D: 482 x 88 x 237 mm; 19" x 3.46" x 9.33"
• Weight: 5.5kg; 12.13lbs