SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller

SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller

The SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller is a stereo volume, source and monitor controller with cue mixing and talkback functions.

The SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller combines volume level control, source switching and loudspeaker management for stereo monitoring with talkback and cue mixing functions.

A fully analog design dispenses with VCAs, DACs, etc., with the MTC designed to provide loss-free signal processing monitoring.

The I/O section includes six rear-panel stereo inputs (four balanced, two unbalanced sources), balanced XLR outputs for three loudspeaker pairs and a slave output.

The design focus of the SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller is on essential playback services, and it is ergonomically engineered to provide sensible playback function for DAW-based monitor management – in all areas of stereo audio production, from recording studios over movie and video post production, to game/multimedia production.

The SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller is designed to work with audio and video production tools such as ProTools, Nuendo, Cubase, Logic, Deck and many other hardware and software sound and video production hardware and software.

And for sound quality, the fully analog signal path of the MTC can enhance digital formats.

Cue Mix and Talkback

The latency-free cue mix signal for the musician can be composed of the musician’s track and the track mix.

The SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller communications option via built-in microphone provides a footswitch input for remote control and a separate output with the dry talkback signal.

SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller features mean that monitoring in any DAW-based studio now can be expanded to include the kind of essential functionality that is usually only available in large analog consoles.

Status LEDs

An LED over each front panel switch indicates activity by illuminating when its corresponding switch is turned on. If the Talkback function is activated by an external switch, the Talk LED will nonetheless illuminate.

Master Volume

The master volume potentiometer globally controls volume for up to three stereo speaker pairs. This analog control regulates the audio signal directly to avoid any coloration/distortion typical of VCAs, DCAs, etc., which require higher inter-channel tolerances and tend toward higher distortion figures. Moreover, this potentiometer possesses a rotational torque and “feel” for more precise hand control.

Speaker Calibration

The MTC dispenses with speaker output trims, as they would unnecessarily stress the signal patches – all active speakers and also power amps have input trims.

The adjustment process should begin with the quietest monitor pair (smallest sound pressure level) with the input sensitivity at maximum level.

Leaving the MTC Master Volume control as set, you then perform the same adjustment for the other monitor/speaker pairs until each produces the same sound level as the first pair.

Lacking a sound pressure level meter, you may still accomplish this adjustment by ear.

Footswitch

This 1/4 inch footswitch input can accept an on/off switch or key that allows remote control of the Talkback function. Any sort of switch or key (including footswitches familiar to keyboard players) can be used here.

Slave Output

The balanced 1/4 inch “Slave Out” jacks provide for summed output of all active 2-track inputs (Mix, 2TrA to 2TrD).

As an example, the monitor signal may also be routed to a recording medium, or, while one listens to a CD player, the output may simultaneously be routed to a DAW. You may likewise connect stereo metering equipment.

The musician’s signal (coming from the Musician input) is not routed to the Slave Out, as it is only used for latency-free monitoring, but not for recording.

Talk Output

The “Talk Out” connection routes the dry talkback mic signal through its balanced 1/4 inch jack to create an alternative listening option (for example, to another room).

This function is particularly useful when, for instance, the engineer wishes to avoid forcing all performers in the recording room to wear headphones.

Also advertising narrators are not often happy wearing headphones. Routing through the “Talk Out” circuit, the engineer can communicate directly to narrators or musicians over an active monitor placed in the recording room.

Headphone Output

This is where your headphone can be connected for monitoring the control room mix in parallel to the chosen loudspeaker monitor pair. The headphone output can be toggled in or out with the HP On switch, so muting is possible without having to detach it each time.

• A fully discrete, analog design dispenses with VCAs, DACs, etc., designed to provide loss-free signal processing
• Six rear-panel stereo inputs (four balanced and two unbalanced sources), balanced XLR outputs for three loudspeaker pairs, slave output
• Monitoring: source and loudspeaker selection, mono, dim, mute, switchable headphone output
• SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller : built in microphone, separate output, footswitch input
• Cue-Mix: separate output, musician level, mix level and volume controls
• Balancing stages for the MTC’s I/O architecture for extended frequency range up to 100 kHz, enhanced dynamic spectrum and common mode rejection
• Desktop enclosure with slanted front panel designed to harmonize with the desktop production environment. SPL MTC Monitor and Talkback Controller