SPL Channel One Mk3
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
The Channel One Mk3 is a seriously impressive single-channel solution. It's a fantastic choice for vocal tracking, instrument DI, or adding tube warmth to any signal—the flexible routing and built-in processing make it a powerhouse for singer-songwriters and producers seeking a premium, all-in-one tool.
Product Description
- SPL Channel One Mk3
- 1-Channel Tube Preamp
- Channel strip with Tube Saturation
- De-Esser
- Transient Designer
- Compressor and EQ
- Discrete built-in preamplifier with 68 dB gain
- Simultaneous connection of two microphones with separately switchable 48V phantom power supply for simple A/B comparisons without reconnection
- 20 dB pad
- phase inversion and high-pass filter switchable at 80 HZ
- 1x XLR line input with adjustable gain from -20 dB to +16 dB
- 1x 6.3 mm Jack instrument input adjustable from -6 dB to +30 dB
- Tube saturation determines the degree of tube saturation
- Tube Post option switches the Tube Saturation after the EQ stage and before the output stage
- De-esser with adjustable S-reduction
- Transient Designer with attack and sustain controls for envelope editing
- Compressor with adjustable threshold via compression control and make-up gain
- Equaliser with semi-parametric low/mid and mid/high bands and Air Band with centre frequency at 19 kHz
- Illuminated VU meter visualises input level
- output level and gain reduction
- 2 XLR outputs connected in parallel for back-up or emergency systems
- 1 x XLR Preamp Out picks up the signal directly after preamplification and can be used simultaneously with Out 1 and 2
- Dimensions: 482 x 88 x 210 mm
- Weight: 6 kg
PROS
- • Discrete preamp delivers exceptionally clean, low-noise amplification.
- • Tube saturation adds pleasing harmonic richness without harshness.
- • Flexible routing options with 'Tube Post' for tonal versatility.
- • De-esser is surprisingly effective, transparently taming sibilance.
CONS
- • The dense feature set can be overwhelming for less experienced users.
- • The unit's size and weight make it less ideal for portable setups.
- • EQ is relatively basic compared to dedicated mastering-grade units.
Product Video
Key Features
Channels
1
Preamp Type
Discrete Tube
Gain Range
+6 dB to +30 dB (instrument), -20 dB to +16 dB (line)
Phantom Power
Yes, 48V switchable
Connections
1x XLR (Mic), 1x XLR (Line), 1x 6.3mm Jack (Instrument)
Weight
6.6 lbs (2.99 kg)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Placing the tube saturation after EQ allows for more precise tonal shaping before adding harmonic richness, often resulting in a more controlled and musical saturation.
It’s versatile enough for both; tracking with gentle compression can help control dynamics, while mixing allows for more aggressive shaping and glue.
While not as extensive as dedicated units, the Channel One’s transient designer offers useful attack and sustain shaping for subtle envelope sculpting and punch enhancement.
