SPL PHONITOR 3 DAC + Exp. Rack

Phonitor Matrix Headphone Amplifier and DAC with Expansion Rack

• Headphone amplifier, DAC, and monitor controller in a single system, with Expansion Rack included
• Expansion Rack for 19" 2U rack mounting, with four additional stereo XLR outputs
• Supports up to four pairs of monitors with a dedicated front-panel selector knob
• DAC with PCM conversion up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD256, featuring USB, AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, and optical inputs
• Analog Phonitor Matrix for a stereo image in headphones that matches that of the monitors
• VU meter with three-level calibration and SPL 120V analog technology

The SPL Phonitor 3 DAC with Expansion Rack is the complete SPL listening suite configuration, designed for mastering, mixing, and post-production studios that want a single rack-mounted unit to manage headphones, digital-to-analog conversion, and multiple sets of monitors. The Phonitor 3 DAC, which already combines a headphone amplifier, DAC, and monitor controller, is complemented by the included Expansion Rack, which adds 19" rack mounting and four balanced stereo outputs for speakers, transforming it into a true multi-monitor controller.

SPL Expansion Rack: monitor controller for four sets of speakers

The Expansion Rack houses the Phonitor 3 DAC in a standard 19-inch, 2-unit rack and adds four pairs of balanced stereo outputs via XLR. You can connect up to four sets of monitors—such as main monitors, nearfield monitors, narrow-band reference speakers, and a consumer system—and switch between them using the large selection knob on the front panel. Comparing the mix across multiple systems becomes a breeze, with no cables to move or patches to reconfigure.

19" rack mounting for fixed studios and control rooms

With the Expansion Rack, the Phonitor 3 DAC integrates into the rack of your control room or mastering station alongside the rest of your outboard gear, with controls always within reach and wiring neatly organized at the back.

SPL Headphone Amplifier with 120V Technology

The Phonitor 3 DAC’s analog section utilizes SPL 120V technology, the same used in the German manufacturer’s mastering consoles. The high supply voltages ensure very wide headroom and an extended dynamic range: you’ll hear peaks and transients without unwanted compression, with a detailed and reliable sound image for critical decisions. The front headphone output, featuring a 6.35 mm TRS jack, has sufficient power to drive any type of headphone, from high-impedance studio models to less efficient ones.

VU meters with three-level calibration

The front-panel VU meters provide a constant visual reference for signal level, with three selectable calibration levels to suit your mixing or mastering workflow.

Built-in 768 kHz and DSD256 DAC for DAWs and digital sources

The built-in converter uses an AKM chip from the VELVET SOUND series and handles PCM signals up to 32-bit and 768 kHz, as well as DSD up to DSD256. You can connect your DAW directly via USB or use the AES/EBU inputs on XLR, coaxial S/PDIF, and optical S/PDIF for digital converters, recorders, and players. In addition, there are two balanced analog stereo inputs on XLR for line-level sources.

Phonitor Matrix: Headphone Mixing and Mastering with Monitor Perspective

In headphones, the left and right channels are completely separated, making it difficult to assess stereo image and balance. The analog Phonitor Matrix sends a calibrated portion of each channel to the opposite ear via Crossfeed and allows you to adjust the width and angle of the virtual speakers. The result is a stereo image in headphones that closely resembles that of a good set of monitors, ensuring your mixing decisions translate accurately to any listening system.

Controls for Mix Quality Check

Left/right solo, polarity reversal for each channel, L/R swap, and stereo/mono switching help you check for mono compatibility, phase issues, and balance directly from the front panel.

Technical Specifications: SPL Phonitor 3 DAC with Expansion Rack

• Type: Headphone amplifier, DAC, and monitor controller with Expansion Rack
• Form factor: 19" rack, 2U (with Expansion Rack)
• Analog technology: SPL 120V
• Analog Inputs: 2 pairs of balanced stereo XLR inputs
• Digital inputs: 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x S/PDIF coaxial (RCA), 1 x S/PDIF optical (TosLink), 1 x USB
• Analog outputs: 4 balanced stereo pairs via XLR
• Headphone output: 1 x 6.35 mm (1/4") TRS jack
• Maximum resolution: 32-bit PCM / 768 kHz, DSD256
• Phonitor Matrix: Crossfeed, angle, and amplitude of virtual speakers
• Controls: L/R only, L/R polarity, L/R swap, stereo/mono, monitor set selector
• VU meter with three-level calibration
• Dimensions of the Phonitor 3 DAC (without Expansion Rack): 278 x 100 x 300 mm
• Phonitor 3 DAC weight (without Expansion Rack): 4.9 kg
• Weight with packaging: 8.7 kg
• Packaging dimensions: 55.0 x 38.0 x 15.5 cm