SPL 2Control – Stereo Monitor and Headphone Controller SPL

The 2Control with its unique Crossfeed control allows to judge a stereo panorama on headphones just like with loudspeakers. The unit’s concept is consequently based upon duality: Two channels, two sources, two loudspeaker sets, two headphones 2Control.

The listening center
The 2Control combines the two variants listening through speakers and headphones in a compact, simple and high quality control: Control the near-field and full-range monitor speakers and headphone monitoring for two people with a central unit! 

Analog volume control for the DAW
The majority of the D / A converters and sound cards provide nothing in volume control of the analog signal interception. For normal listening levels, therefore the level of the transducer output signal has to be reduced. In order, however, the bit rate is reduced considerably often, so the audio quality may suffer greatly. It is therefore highly advisable to always full operating the transducer, and only to regulate the analog output signal for volume adjustment.

In particular, users of computer-based audio and video production systems (Pro Tools, Nuendo, Cubase, Logic, deck etc.) will appreciate the 2Control to control the monitoring volume and source management independent of the software and without any quality loss. In the software no additional aux sends for the interception must be applied and at high or low volumes above or below the converters are excluded. 

2 times … everything
The 2Control consistently similar structure allows the connection and selection of two stereo sources. Thus, two stereo speaker sets and two headphones can be supplied and are controlled independently. A third mono speaker output is for connecting a subwoofer. The speaker volume is adjusted via a central potentiometer with solid controllers, each headphone output has its own level and gain control. 

Volume
The speaker volume control is a high-quality potentiometer and active circuits that are the high sonic and reliable claim of sound engineering practice full justice. In contrast to passive circuits active circuits do not affect the impedances, so that in each case a linear frequency response is maintained. For the high quality headphone signal amplification each separate amplifier stages are responsible for each output. Likewise, the three speaker outputs (2 x stereo, 1 x mono) are each powered by its own symmetry driver stages so that mutual interference is excluded. 

Crossfeed
The work with the headphones are becoming increasingly important. This is certainly due to the fact that modern means of production favor a decentralized production. Many musicians or producers may want or may need to work at home, and here at last, the headset remains: Sessions can thanks headphones around the clock made without ambient sound and extremely costly Acoustics deleted. Now each headphone users will be in addition to the great advantage in analytical aural assessment also the great disadvantage against Speaker interception familiar: the difficulty – if not impossibility – by the “super stereo width” of the headphone spatialized judging. The monitoring through both procedures is therefore often inevitable: on the one hand the analysis of the headset as an acoustic magnifying glass, on the other hand the listening through speakers in the room. The 2Control now combines the control of both monitoring variations in a central controller unit.

In addition, a major assessment via headphones is in all cases where Speaker interception is not desired possible or an alternative to the speaker monitor system, still possible: the crossfeed control for the two headphone outputs is a unique in the controller area feature, consisting of the high-end headphone amplifier Phonitor been derived.

The principal disadvantage of working with headphones – the 180 degree stereo panorama – can be counteracted thereby. Based on a situated in the 30-degree angle speaker pair crosstalk of both channels can be adjusted to adjust individually appropriate stereo width.  

With the analog Crossfeed stereo width control the scope of the headphones will be significantly expanded.

Switching functions
Source and output selector switch and mono and dim switches round off the features of 2Control with essential monitoring functions. 

Switchable input sensitivity (2nd input)
The inputs IN1 and IN2 are designed for analog line-level signals. The input IN1 is calibrated to a nominal level of +4 dBu. The second input IN2 can be adjusted using the switch on the connector panel of the second input in its sensitivity even at a nominal level of -10dBV. A nominal level of +4 dBu corresponds to the international standard in audio engineering. A nominal level of -10dBV is against the standard in the field of consumer electronics – so ideal for connecting a conventional CD / DVD player.

Separate mono speaker output
Close addition to two stereo speaker sets a mono speaker. Or a subwoofer.Tip for working with headphones: Listen with subwoofer so the bass is physically felt.

High-quality balanced inputs and outputs
We use custom made balancing blocks for high common mode rejection and drive long distances. Balanced connections prevent interference or hum Shares reliable, so we recommend if possible symmetrical compounds produce.

Unbalanced connections, z. B. to RCA connectors
You can establish unbalanced connections, for example, from a CD player with RCA outputs or to an amplifier with RCA inputs, easily and without adapters. Important the correct polarity of the three XLR wires is (in the manual). Connections to RCA sockets are always unbalanced, a wiring to jack connectors can be both balanced or unbalanced. We recommend to use readily configured cables from XLR to RCA or jack to dispense with adapters.