At NAMM 2018 SPL are announcing a new 16-channel analog multi-format monitor controller the MC16 which they claim is a first of its kind with a planned release in Spring 2018.

Post-production houses are always on the lookout for a monitor controller that can support the growing range of immersive audio formats from 7.1 to Auro 3D formats to Dolby Atmos formats.

The new SPL MC16 monitoring controller operates on SPL’s 120V DC audio rail and has what SPL claim is the world’s first 16-gang custom-designed precision potentiometer.

The MC16 offers balanced inputs for two sets of 16 channel inputs, one set on XLRs and the second set on a DB25 connector, so you can monitor a second source, like a playback system, to provide a reference feed.

As well as the 16 channel monitor level control there is a Solo button, which when enabled, allows you to select any combination of speakers to listen to.

There is also a 20dB Dim button and a Mute button, which is automatically enabled when the unit is powered up. When you disable the Mute button the last speaker combination is recalled.

A sheet of button labels is provided so that you can customise the buttons to suit your own monitoring configuration. If the provided labels don't cover your requirements then you will be able to download a template from the SPL website and create your own labels.

On the right-hand side are 3 preset buttons so that you can save your 3 most used speaker configurations. In total, you can save 6 presets, 3 Solo presets and 3 speaker array presets.

The MC16 can also be paired up with the updated SPL DMC.

SPL Update PASSEQ and DMC

At NAMM SPL are also announcing updates to their PASSEQ passive mastering equalizer, and their DMC stereo mastering console.

The 3U console has 4 stereo inputs and 4 stereo sources, with 2 stereo recording outputs, as well as 3 stereo and 2 mono speaker outputs that can be expanded with the new MC16 controller. The new DMC console operates on the same 120V DC audio rail as the other SPL Mastering Series processors and is priced at half of its predecessor, and with more features and improved audio performance.

SPL say that the new DMC stereo mastering console has been engineered from the ground-up to make it more flexible and with better specs than SPL’s previous console

The new PASSEQ has been redesigned with each channel of the new PASSEQ offering 72 passive filters – all built with high-grade single-core coils. The new PASSEQ adds an extended high-frequency EQ range to 35kHz for ‘ultra high frequency’ processing, and the Mid Frequency Cut now starts much lower at 200Hz.

Other new features include a +/- 10dB output gain control for precise calibration and the Auto Bypass function with interval control that is also featured on SPL’s IRON mastering compressor and the PQ mastering equaliser.