SPL Big Studio Rackmount Model 2420

Redefining the Art of Stereo Width with Tube Harmonics and Analog Precision

The SPL BiG [Studio] is a groundbreaking stereo image enhancer and sound design tool that takes spatial processing to an entirely new level. Designed for professional mixing and mastering environments, BiG [Studio] expands the stereo image with stunning clarity, depth, and precision — all while maintaining perfect mono compatibility. Now available in a 19″ rack format, BiG [Studio] not only looks sleek in its black SPL Studio Series chassis but also delivers truly “bigger than life” sound with its new tube harmonic circuit and high-voltage ±18V internal audio rails for unparalleled sonic headroom.

Unlike traditional M/S processors, BiG [Studio] employs a completely new analog filter network to derive and process the stereo difference signal before blending it back into the mix. The result is an immersive stereo field that feels expansive, musical, and emotionally engaging — without introducing phase cancellations or unwanted artifacts when summed to mono.

Creative Control Made Simple

BiG [Studio] offers intuitive, hands-on sound shaping through just three primary controls, making it one of the most user-friendly yet powerful stereo processors available.

• Range – Defines the frequency range that will be processed, allowing you to focus the stereo expansion exactly where it’s needed.

• Stage – Moves the selected frequency range forward or backward in the stereo field, letting you sculpt spatial depth with precision.

• Bigness – Controls the overall intensity of the stereo enhancement, from subtle width to massive dimensionality.

Tube Harmonics – The Soul of BiG

The new Tube Harmonics circuit adds a touch of analog magic that brings mixes to life. This section refines and enriches the harmonic spectrum of any signal, making it sound more vivid, detailed, and spacious.

• Harmonics Control: Adjusts the strength of harmonic content generated by the tube.

• Harmonics Switch: Engages the tube circuit. When flashing, the unit is in “warm-up” mode as tubes reach optimal temperature.

• More Bass: Activate an additional low-end enhancement similar to the “AirBass” circuit found in the SPL IRON Mastering Compressor, centered around 42 Hz for deep, musical weight.

Together, these features allow BiG [Studio] to not only widen your stereo field but also add depth, warmth, and analog richness that digital processors simply can’t match.

Black Magic? No — Just SPL Innovation

While BiG [Studio] might sound like sorcery, it’s pure analog engineering mastery. By processing the difference signal through a unique filter network before reintegration, BiG [Studio] delivers a wider stereo image that remains phase-accurate and mono-safe. The result is a more open, immersive soundstage that translates perfectly across all playback systems.

Key Features

• Revolutionary Stereo Imaging: Expands stereo width without phase issues or mono compatibility problems.

• Tube Harmonics Circuit: Adds rich harmonic coloration for enhanced depth and detail.

• Three Simple Controls: Range, Stage, and Bigness make complex stereo shaping easy and intuitive.

• Analog Bass Boost: Adds warmth and power using SPL’s AirBass-inspired filter.

• ±18V Internal Power Rails: Delivers superior dynamic range and low distortion.

• Handcrafted SPL Design: Built to the highest audio engineering standards in Germany.

• Perfect for Mix & Mastering: Ideal for enhancing space, focus, and energy in stereo tracks, stems, or full mixes.

Technical Specifications

• Analog Inputs/Outputs: XLR & TRS (balanced)

• Maximum Input/Output Level: +22.5 dBu

• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ

• Output Impedance: 112 Ω

• Common Mode Rejection (1 kHz): < 75 dB

• Frequency Range (-3 dB): 10 Hz – 200 kHz

• THD + N (0 dBu, 10 Hz – 22 kHz): 0.0035%

• Noise (A-weighted): -97.5 dBu

• Dynamic Range: 120 dB

• Bass Frequency: 42 Hz

• Bass Boost: +2 dB

• Harmonics Frequency: 6 kHz

• Harmonics Boost (max): +9 dB

• Internal Audio Voltage: ±18V

Applications

• Professional mixing and mastering studios

• Stereo bus enhancement

• Synths, vocals, and instrument bus widening

• Post-production and broadcast audio

• Sound design and film scoring