User Manual

6
Neos
Introduction
The High Voltage Console
Shortly after the turn of the millennium, SPL laid down new foundations for the improvement
of analog audio signal processing. Thanks to new components, circuitries and manufacturing
methods, we were able to increase the operating voltage enormously. Up to then, average
operating voltage ranged form 30 to 36 volts (+/- 15 or 18 volts, considering that voltage
supply is symmetrical). Maximum operating voltages reached 60 volts (+/- 30 volts). At the
core of our new technology are the handmade OP-amps that operate at 120 volts (+/- 60 volts),
which means that we have in fact doubled the highest levels ever reached until then.
The first products to integrate the 120-volt technology were exclusive, handmade custom solu-
tions for major mastering studios. At the time, music production had already been uprooted
by digital technology and the changes it brought with itself in terms of outfitting and work-
flow in music studios. Coincidentally, a new „mastering“ sector had already been established
— both in terms of the actual process and the gear in studios. If traditional recording and
mixing studios were on their way to digitalization, the most sophisticated mastering studios
were and have always been keen on analog technology, including high-quality signal proces-
sors that can still make a difference compared to the widely available software solutions. But
also technically demanding requirements such as superior sounding and designed switching
and monitoring consoles were among the products we were able to offer. While analog tech-
nology was being heralded as dead, SPL was decisively going in the opposite direction: we
were able to deliver analog products of the highest quality whose performance surpassed all
previous specifications — regardless of whether it was in the analog or digital realm.
In the last decade we have been able to keep up with the rapidly evolving developments in
digital technology while pushing further our analog products. It was imperative to work on the
foundations of the products‘ performance. Thus, if we consider that the basis of every circuit
is directly related to a voltage/performance ratio, the operating voltage is crucial for the
performance of any circuit. Given that audio technology is conceived to translate sound into
voltage, doubling the formerly highest operating voltage available results in a great improve-
ment, specially with regard to signal dynamics and the way they are processed. Technically
speaking, a wider dynamic range also means that the gap between the actual signal and other
undesired signals, such as noise and distortion, is larger — in the case of the Neos console,
for example, this results in not hearing any noises at all, regardless of the situation.
Our measurements reveal the improvements the 120-volt technology offers in comparison to
standard solutions (see „Technical Specifications“ on page 21). All these advantages are due
to the oversized signal traces, the rigorous selection of every single element and, of course,
the handmade components that contain no unnecessary audio processing parts (which are
very common in mass-produced operation amplifiers). But the technical specifications and
design say very little about the actual sound of an audio equipment. At the end of the day, an
audio device has to prove itself in use in the hands of sound engineers and musicians. We can
state with great satisfaction that our solution not only prevailed — ever since their introduc-
tion, our 120-volt products have passed all tests and proven worthy of the best.
The Neos is the first summing console based on the 120-volt technology. The basic concept
behind it was to combine essential summing capabilities, including faders and panorama
controls, with a complete and practical monitoring section — all in a compact design.
Accordingly, it fulfills the highest expectations regarding sound quality in mixing and moni-
toring situations. Thus, the Neos was conceived with sound engineers that set great impor-
tance on artistic and musical production in mind and whose workflow does not rely primarily
on undo and preset options. Nevertheless, the compact Neos can integrate seamlessly in
computer-based environments providing the characteristic high-quality sound and handling
of analog devices.