6
Track One
SPL is well-known for the development of highly specialized audio-tools. Our philosophy,
“one product for one task”, is aimed at fast and simple operation in conjunction with high
processing quality to ensure an excellent musical performance.
With the Track One we have produced a complete channel strip which for the greater part is
based on the processing concepts already successfully realized in other products. The very
complex task of a channel strip profits particularly from the innovative techniques that have
always allowed the operation of SPL equipment to be efficient and objective.
To a high degree the usual recording day is determined by a series of opposing time limits – the
singer/speaker desires a trouble-free and efficient recording; however, if technical prepara-
tion takes a long time because of unsuitable equipment, time will be lost, increasing the costs
and souring the working environment. As opposed to this, the Track One always ensures fast
production without any loss of professional precision and diligence.
The Track One is a channel strip that excels primarily in two aspects: it is disarmingly easy to
use and offers outstanding sound qualities. This concept is ideally suited for all kinds of vocal
and instrument recordings in studio, broadcast or live applications.
The controls are reduced to the necessary basics to ensure highest user-friendliness.
Therefore, working with the Track One can be dramatically time-saving which is most impor-
tant especially in live situations.
Due to its excellent sound quality the Track One is a highly recommended alternative to built-
in console pre-amps and processing tools. All the modules are immediately at hand for fast
interactions. Recording a voice and providing clarity, detail and intelligibility is a question of
seconds.
The Track One consists of preamplifiers optimized for all kinds of microphones and instru-
ments, SPL‘s acclaimed De-Esser, a compressor/limiter, an equalizer (EQ) section and an
output stage for perfectly feeding following units.
The microphone input can optionally be equipped with a transformer input stage. These
transformers already amplify the microphone signals by factor 5 – the preamps are relieved
by this factor at any gain setting. The balanced output can also be equipped with optional
transformers, read page 22 for further information.
The compressor can be linked with a second Track One compressor for coherent stereo opera-
tion of two units.
A central display shows metering for output level and gain reduction and all other status
LEDs.
Another option is a digital output via a 24 bit/96 kHz A/D converter card (see page 22 for
further information).
A special feature of the printed circuitry layout is the central star ground wiring scheme:
Disturbing influences that could affect the ground paths are minimized in that the audio-
ground is separated from the ground of the remaining equipment. This leads, in the truest
sense of the word ”clean”, to considerably improved tonal quality.
The scatter free toroidal transformer supplies the equipment with the necessary voltages and
forms the basis for a clean electrical supply to all parts of the circuitry.
Introduction
Principles
