The Channel One is a complete channel strip with all the tools onboard for recording voices, instruments and digital or analog audio sources with the highest sound quality: a transistor/tube preamplifier, a de-esser, a compressor/limiter with noise gate, an EQ section and a headphone monitor.

The concept of the Channel One is as the ideal recording tool – for hard disk tracking as well as for analog environments. Intelligent automation ensures intuitive, fast operation and guarantees the finest recording results.

Sound On Sound (UK), Paul White:
"Until you've tried something that works this well, the words 'smooth' and 'detailed' won't have nearly as much meaning as after playing with the Channel One. If you're wondering where that elusive 'produced' vocal sound is hiding, look no further – it's in here!

The Channel One is a complete channel strip with all the tools onboard for recording voices, instruments and digital or analog audio sources with the highest sound quality: a transistor/tube preamplifier (12AX7-LPS tube type), a de-esser, a compressor/limiter with noise gate, an EQ section and a headphone monitor.

The concept of the Channel One is as the ideal recording tool – for hard disk tracking as well as for analog environments. Intelligent automation ensures intuitive, fast operation and guarantees the finest recording results.

The preamp stage provides three (four with converter option) optimised inputs: The microphone input features 48V phantom power, phase reverse function and a subsonic filter. The low-impedance Line input has a precise balancing stage for connecting studio equipment. The low-noise, high-impedance instrument input is easily accessible on the front panel. Digital insert is possible using the optional AD/DA converter.

The de-esser subtly yet effectively removes offending sibilants by processing only the “S” frequencies. The Auto-Threshold mode ensures constant processing even when the microphone distance varies. All the user need do is set the desired S-reduction. Insert (Send/Return) allows external effects devices to be looped in or the unprocessed pre-stage signal to be sent out.

The Compressor/Limiter section is based on SPL’s Double-VCA-Drive® circuitry with its outstanding noise and distortion characteristics. The compressor is extremely easy to use via a single knob; its strength lies in the inconspicuous, musical way in which it works.

The Noise Gate operates flawlessly; reverbs are recognized and not cut off. For the Channel One an EQ section was designed especially for processing voices as well as acoustic or electronic instruments. In addition to Low, Mid-Hi and Air-Band filters, a field-effect distortion stage is used to subtly distort the signals in a way that lends character.

The headphone monitor allows the singer or speaker to get an individual mix directly and without latency problems in hard disk recording systems.

The options include a 24/96 AD converter as well as a sound enhancing Lundahl in- and output transformer.

Specifications
Microphone input
Frequency response 10 Hz-100 kHz
(100 kHz = -3 dB)
Common mode rejection (@ -20 dBu) 1 kHz:
-80 dB / 10 kHz: -78 dB
THD & N Gain: A-weighted
20 dB -97.1 dBu
40 dB -91.1 dBu
65 dB -69.4 dBu
Dynamic range 118 dB

Line/Instrument input
Frequency response 10 Hz-180 kHz
(100 kHz = -3 dB)
Common mode rejection (@ 0 dBu) 1 kHz:
-80 dB / 10 kHz: -78 dB, Line input only
Total harmonic distortion Gain (A-weighted):
5 dB -99.4 dBu
20 dB -97.2 dBu
42 dB -79 dBu
Input impedance Line: 20 kOhm / Instr.: 1 MOhm
Max. input level Line: +22 dBu / Instr.: +14 dBu
Dynamic range 119 dB

Output data
Max. output level XLR/jack +20 dBu
Output impedance 50 Ohm

Power supply
Toroidal transformer 20 VA
Fuses 315 mA (230 V/50 Hz)
630 mA (115 V / 60 Hz)

Dimensions
Standard EIA 19”/IHE 482 x 88 x 210 mm
Weight 4.15 kg