Stereo processor for image widening with tube harmonics
SPL BiG Studio is a stereo image-widening processor with tube harmonics, the 19" rack-mount version of SPL’s BiG. It widens the stereo image in a frequency-selective manner and adds a new tube circuit that enriches the harmonic spectrum, making every signal sound more lively, detailed, and expansive. Designed for mixing, mastering, sound design, and production, it features the black design of the SPL Studio series and operates with an internal audio voltage of ±18 V.
The BiG Studio doesn’t indiscriminately widen the entire signal: it lets you choose which portion of the spectrum to shift and where to place it in the depth of the mix. The workflow consists of three steps—easy to remember and intuitive during a session.
Use the Range control to select the frequency range you want to adjust. You can open up only the mid-high range of pads, guitars, or backing vocals, leaving the body and fundamental frequencies of the instruments intact, or work on a broader band when you want to widen the entire mix.
The Stage control moves the selected range forward or backward on the stereo stage. It’s the tool for creating depth in the mix and separating elements from one another, without relying solely on panning and reverb.
Use the Bigness knob to adjust the intensity of the stereo image shaping, from a barely perceptible tweak in mastering to a pronounced widening on buses or creative elements.
BiG Studio derives a difference signal from the input signal, processes it through a network of analog filters, and recombines it with the original in a dedicated mixing stage. This isn’t just simple M/S processing: when the processed signal is summed in mono, the result remains clean, with no phase shifts, cancellations, or other artifacts. You can widen your mix with the confidence that it will sound great even on smartphones, the radio, and mono systems.
The BiG Studio’s tube circuit generates harmonics that make the signal richer, more detailed, and more present. The Harmonics button engages the tube stage in the signal path, while the Tube Harmonics control adjusts its intensity, from a subtle coloration to a more pronounced character. When powered on, the button flashes during the warm-up phase until the tube reaches its optimal operating temperature.
The Bass button activates, at the end of the processing chain, a boost of approximately 2 dB at 42 Hz, achieved using a filter similar to that of the AirBass function on the SPL Iron mastering compressor. A simple way to add more foundation to the low end while opening up the rest of the mix.
Inputs and outputs feature gold-plated XLR connectors and TRS jacks wired in parallel, with electronic balancing set to a nominal level of +6 dBu. The On button activates processing and lights up; when off, the BiG Studio is in bypass mode, which is useful for quick comparisons. On the rear panel, a Ground switch isolates the internal ground from the chassis ground to eliminate any ground loops. The 4 mm black anodized aluminum front panel, the machined aluminum knobs, and the powder-coated steel chassis complete a build designed to last, with many key components mounted via through-holes.
SPL BiG Studio Technical Specifications
Channels
2 (Stereo)
Hardware format
Rack
€ 1.234,00 € 1.063,79 + VAT
Normally shipped in 10-15 working days
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