4
S
urround
M
onitor
C
ontroller 2489
The SPL Surround Monitor Controller (SMC) is a one-point analog volume control
and switching matrix for system-independent 5.1 surround and stereo moni-
toring. Designed to provide only the necessary functions with excellent audio
quality, the SMC offers a uniquely cost-effective stereo and surround speaker
and source management solution for essentially any audio application:
• Surround and stereo production
• DVD-V, DVD-A, SACD and DTS authoring
• Film and video postproduction
• Video and game production
• A/V and multimedia production
• Audiophile home entertainment systems
The advantages of the SMC become especially apparent in combination with
modern audio and video production tools such as ProTools™, Nuendo™,
Cubase™, Logic™, Deck™, etc. Monitor levels and source management can
be handled independently of the software and with virtually no loss in quality.
You no longer need to set up additional aux sends or an alternative surround
master for monitoring. In addition, you won’t have to worry about over- or
underdriving the converters due to monitor levels.
One of the SMC’s biggest advantages is the possibility to manage several
input sources: comparing and monitoring SACD or DVD material is much easier
than having to import all of your audio files and set up monitor mixes – not to
mention the conversion of multichannel audio.
Standard A/V receivers are often used for this task. The problem with this is
that the audio has to be either AD/DA converted or manipulated by signal-
degenerating control circuitry (VCAs, DACs etc.) for volume control, so you
never hear the unadulterated audio – especially frustrating when you’re
working on SACD or DVD-A projects.
In addition to a surround speaker set, a stereo pair can be connected to and
managed by the SMC. A Sub-D input connector provides six surround and two
stereo input channels. Eight additional RCA connectors allow easy connection
of SACD, DVD, CD or DAT players. A slave output allows the stereo or surround
input signal to be routed directly to a recording device. Volume control is
handled by a discrete six-layer potentiometer and all switching functions by
extremely durable precision pushbuttons.
SPL’s renowned electronic balancing circuitry forms the basis for the SMC’s
I/O architecture. Its extended frequency range up to 100 kHz, exceptional
dynamic spectrum and excellent common mode rejection ensure specs that
exceed SACD standards, as only highest quality analog circuitry can provide.
The SMC’s rugged and ergonomic steel-blue desktop enclosure with its
slanted front panel harmonizes perfectly with desktop production environ-
ments.
Introduction
