Sound Quality and In-Line Flexibility
There are a multitude of considerations that a sound engineer must weigh when choosing the right console. Whether the console will be used for live sound reinforcement or studio recording, ultimately the choice of a console always focuses on sound quality and signal routing flexibility. These were primary design considerations for the new S/L series consoles from
Carvin.Sound
Carvin’s S/L consoles feature the ultimate Analog Devices SSM2017 mic/line preamp (on each channel). Other major console manufacturers sometimes offer this pre-amp as an
upgrade option. In order to preserve the pristine signal quality of the S/L’s preamp circuits throughout the signal path, Carvin utilized surface mount P.C. technology with expensive high quality surface mount components and high slew rate opamps. The S/L’s ingenious design features extremely large ground traces, double sided, plated-through FR4 military spec circuit boards and other design aspects normally found in only the most expensive world class consoles. As a result, the S/L series consoles offer some of the finest EIN, headroom, cross-talk and S/N specs of any console regardless of size or price! The S/L’s 4- band EQ section features two semi-parametric mid band and EQ in/out switching, as well as Lo-cut switching. The sweet
sound of this EQ cannot be overstated. Carvin spent a great deal of time and effort to ensure that the delicate subtleties of the incoming signals are not disturbed by the EQ section, but that the character and flavor of the original signal be enhanced. The warmth & intensity of the new S/L consoles from Carvin are startling! Respective of any other console you may have been considering (for either live sound or recording), Carvin promises you will not find a better sounding console!Signal Routing and Capabilities
Like any exceptional recording console, the S/L consoles offer advanced In-Line signal routing. The S/L consoles easily meet both pre and post production studio requirements, as well as offering additional ruggedness and special routing capabilities normally reserved for live sound mixing. If you are an experienced sound engineer, we invite you to review the signal routing and flexibility of this console for either application. Carvin is always eager to answer any questions you may have regarding the S/L console and how it will solve your specific needs. Even if you are just a novice, be assured the intelligent design and flexibility of the new S/L series consoles will meet all your sound needs and will allow you to discover aspects of your mixes you may not have even considered. The channel format of the S/L consoles offers some unique features and capabilities.Just a few (for your consideration) are as follows:1) Phase Switch (per channel): Most mixes neglect the very important aspect of proper phase. When utilizing multiple microphones and signal sources, it is imperative that the final mixed signal be properly “in-phase”. The sound in the room and on each microphone may be dynamic and lively, but when the final mix is accomplished the sound can become dull and lacking
brilliance. The close proximity of multiple microphones recording the same source can result in a mix that sounds muddy or boxey. The channel phase switch on each mic channel ensures that your mixes will remain as brilliant and lively as the original instrument.2) Channel Tape Switch - This function allows you to quickly configure your console for multi-track mixdown. By pressing the TAPE switch, your multi-track tape returns signal flow through the normal channel signal path for EQ, effects and basic post production mixdown.3) Tape Selection for Buses 5 & 6 and 7 & 8 (depending upon the selection of the Input Tape Switch) allows interconnecting either the tape input signal or the mic input to these buses. Depending upon the configuration of your console, this switch will allow for individual bus routing for quick overdubbing while simultaneously setting up the stereo control room mix. For most recording situations, the input tape switch will be routing the mic signal through the channel and then (from the direct output) to the multi-track tape deck. The output of the multi-track tape deck is then fed back into the tape inputs of the channel and the tape switches will be depressed for buses 5&6 (for the studio headphone mixes) and for buses 7&8 for tape monitoring and stereo control room monitoring. In this configuration, punch-ins are a snap and a quick rough tape mix is automatic. The S/L consoles can accomplish just about any special signal routing requirement you may have. But, there is one aspect of the tape switch that is not normally considered. On the S/L console, you can use the channel tape input as a line input! You can then select the tape switch and route the signal to the stereo bus 7&8. From the 7&8 stereo bus output, you can select the L/R switch to route the signal back to the console’s L/R master faders. This this feature will configure your 24 input console to a 48 input console (more if you have a 40 or 56 channel) with 24 mic pre’s and 24 additional line -ins! Yet another fantastic and unique feature of the Carvin S/L series consoles!4) Channel Solo & PFL - The S/L consoles are capable of both solo and PFL (Pre Fader Listen) monitoring. For live applications you may wish to configure your console for PFL (especially while setting up the system). But, you may decide that you prefer to have the function of the S/L’s “solo-in-place” as you progress with your mix. Solo-in-place means that you can monitor the exact level as it is placed in the stereo field. The ability to quickly configure your console for either type of monitoring is both unique and yet another advanced feature of the S/L series consoles. The above features are only a few of the unique options offered by the S/L console yet there are so many advanced capabilities such as:a) Aux send switching to the XLR balanced outputs (for balanced signal sends especially useful for live sound reinforcement)
b) Stereo Subgroup to L/R interconnects
c) Control Room to Studio Output selection
d) Fully isolated power supply utilizing a heavy-duty Speakon™ cableWe simply cannot explain all the configurations and capabilities of these extremely versatile consoles in this short introduction.
We encourage you to read the manual and if you have questions call and allow our product experts help direct you to the
advanced features available with the S/L series. Without a doubt Carvin’s new S/L consoles represent a significant advancement
in home studio as well as live sound mixing. The fact that they are value priced is just another bonus you receive from
your new Carvin S/L series console.