SPL BiG Review
Already a renowned German brand, SPL has introduced a brand new addition to their 500 series range—the SPL BiG stereo image processor. According to SPL, this 500 series processor opens up new and creative possibilities for working with your signals, adding much more stereo width and making stereo shaping easier than ever.
About the brand:
For over 35 years, SPL has been designing and manufacturing analog and digital audio gear for the music, film, multimedia, and broadcasting industries. SPL equipment is respected worldwide for its innovative approach, user-friendly design, and, above all, outstanding performance.
Some of SPL’s most acclaimed innovations include the patented Vitalizer sound optimization processor, the first-ever level-independent dynamic processor known as the Transient Designer, the 5.1 microphone system Atmos, as well as compact monitor controllers and channel strips. The development of SPL’s SUPRA op-amps enabled their analog signal processing to surpass even the highest-quality digital processing.
Knobs and Switches
On/Bypass Switch
This switch controls the power for the entire module. When it’s turned off, the unit goes into full bypass mode and won’t affect your signal chain. This makes it easy to compare your sound before and after processing.
Signal LEDs
There are two LEDs: one for the left channel and one for the right channel. When a signal passes through the channels and exceeds -20dBu, the corresponding LED will light up to indicate that the signal is present.
Range Knob
The range knob is one of the three knobs on this unit. The range button allows you to select the specific range of frequencies you want to process. This is a great feature because it lets you focus only on the frequencies you want to work with and avoid spreading unwanted frequencies in the stereo field.
Stage Knob
The stage knob is located to the right of the Range knob. This control allows you to position the selected frequencies (set earlier with the Range knob) within the stereo field. At this stage, you’ll need to experiment and find the optimal placement for your signal.
Bigness Knob
The Bigness knob is the largest knob on this unit, just as its name implies. This knob controls and adjusts how intensely the stereo image is shaped, and it’s another feature you’ll have a lot of fun experimenting with when using this unit.
Bass Switch
Another highlight is the BASS switch, which users might already recognize from the SPL IRON Mastering Compressor. This bass boost is created by a passive filter, applied within the same circuit as the AirBass function found in the IRON.
BiG was developed not only according to the original plan but also by ear. All components are installed on the circuit boards using through-hole technology, allowing the use of the highest-quality sounding parts.
- On/Bypass
- Signal LEDs
- Range
- Stage
- Bigness
- Bass
- Amazing Sound
- Made In Germany
- Maximum input & output gain: 21 dBu
- Input impedance: 20 kΩ
- Output impedance: 150 Ω
- Common mode rejection: > 82 dB
- Frequency range (-3 dB): 10 Hz – 100kHz
- THD & N (0 dBu, 10 Hz – 22 kHz): 0.03 %
- Noise (A-weighted): -92.3 dBu
- Dynamic range: 113 dB
Why You Need SPL BiG?
What really sets this unit apart from everything else on the market today is its true compatibility with any 500 series chassis—it works seamlessly in a chain with other modules. Beyond just compatibility, this unit also offers unique performance and sound, especially when it comes to expanding the stereo image of your signal.
Since engineers discovered the benefits of spreading sound across the stereo field, gear developers have aimed to create tools that help producers with this process. In our opinion, this is a fantastic unit to own, and at its current price, it’s an absolute bargain. For around $500, you get a 500 series unit that will last for years and deliver a distinctive, wide sound.
Conclusion
In our opinion, this unit is truly a bang for your buck. You don’t have to worry about spending a fortune on something when you’re unsure how it will perform. Compared to other units from SPL, this one is very affordable, and for the price, it delivers a unique sound that few other modules can match. When it comes to sound quality, it’s right on target!
If you have any other questions about this unit, feel free to ask in the comments section or reach out to the developer through their website.
Hello,
I just got an SPL BIG. Works as expected. I do think you missed a key point when saying that its 2 slot space was a CON. The way series 500 devices are set up, you only get one in and one out XLR port per slot. So there is no way to make a stereo processor that is one slot. You have to have two series 500 slots.