SPL Crimson

The SPL Crimson just blows my mind with it's performance. I've owned it for a little over a year and it has stood the test of time. I'm a knob guy, so from the jump they had my attention. Adding in the dual headphone pre-amps and you're already ahead of the game. The converters in the SPL will blow your mind. They offer a clean signal when paired with the proper cables. The two mic pres provide you with enough db to get your signal to a respectable level before hitting your DAW.

The only thing I can say about the latency is that I've never noticed any. So for me it's perfect.

I've used this interface in collaboration with my backbook pro with 8 GB RAM. I've used this interface with Shure's SM58 and 57, Senssheimer's MK4, t.bone's SCT 800 (the latter two being condenser mics). I have captured amazing performances with this simple chain. The SPL is also compatible with iPads so if you have a DAW that you like to use in your mobile rig, the SPL just adds to the amount of recording power you can have. Comfortably run all 4 of it's inputs into your iPad DAW of choice and record with no worries.

I have no complaints about the drivers for this device. You download it from the site and boom, ready to go. The quality is worth the money. it's not cheap, cheaper than its competitors, but not cheap, and it shows in the quality.

The A/B option for quick referencing is a breeze with minimal noise during the switch. I can't say enough good things about this device.

I chose this over my Apogee Duet 2 as part of my portable rig as well because its features allow me more recording options.

External soundcard with 10 ins, 6 outs and midi.

2 XLR ins with Gain Station preamps
2 high-impedance 1/4" jack ins (with the same preamps)
4 line level ins
2 SPDIF ins

2 main outs on XLR
2 B outs on 1/4" jacks
2 SPDIF outs

2 headphone outs with preamps
One volume control that goes from -infinity to +7db
One button to select whether the signal feeding the main outs comes from the DAW or the inputs.

I give it a 9 because it would've been perfect with ADAT!


USE

The drivers couldn't be any more stable, both on Mac and PC.

I work with Cubase, Nuendo, Protools, and Logic and I haven't had a single crash up to this day.

You can record 6 simultaneous tracks thanks to the SPDIF connection. The 4 line inputs aren't taken into consideration when the 4 other inputs (XLR and Instrument) are used (with something connected to them).

But, besides its premium converters and awesome preamps (zero noise and good dynamic range), the routing possibilities make it even better for any home studio. You can choose what you want to hear and where you want to send it to. And it's a very sturdy unit.

The minimum latency is almost non-existent!

At this price, it's a real treat!

I give it 10/10!

OPERATION

No incompatibilities, except the ones already noted. It's extremely easy to use and if you ever have a hard time because you are a beginner, the diagrams are very clear.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for two months and it's a true pleasure for my ears!

I've had plenty of soundcards before this one: Fast track pro, fast track ultra, presonus firestudio project, motu lite mk3, presonus studio live 16/4, plus I have tested some others. It has won me over!!!! Such quality converters, preamps and stereophony at this price...I don't know anything that's a better value for money.

The pros, in random order:

Converters
Preamps
Routing
Sturdiness

The cons:

No ADAT


I wouldn't hesitate to buy this product again!!!! And I strongly recommend it!!!!

I chose the Spl Crimson due to its ease-of-use and the number of inputs, it allows me to plug in a mic, guitar, synths, and a drum machine. The most essential functions are accessible without the need to touch the mouse, which is really comfortable, in my view. I would've preferred having all inputs on the rear, but you can't always have everything you want.

The Spl is connected via Usb to my Asus laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4Gb RAM and running windows 7 64bits.

It's a pity it doesn't have a Totalmix-like routing software. This means everything is done from within the DAW.

USE

After several days of use, the drivers have proven stable and I've had no issues. I don't use my computer exclusively for music, right now I use it for Cubase 5 and Internet without any problems.
When I unplug the Crimson, the pc automatically switches back to the internal soundcard.

I only record track by track, so I haven't tried out more.... I compared a piano recording done with the Crimson and one of the same tune I had done with an RME 96/32. My ears couldn't tell any difference.

I get an output latency of 256 samples / 5 ms and an input latency of 185 samples / 4 ms.

OPERATION

You first need to download the drivers from Spl.info.

The manual is a single page with connection diagrams and all functions explained. A bit "light," I'd say...

For example, I can't find a solution to how I can have two mics connected to inputs 1 and 2 and use my synth on stereo inputs 1-2, I'm forced to always unplug one to use the other! I hope I can find a solution, otherwise it means it has only 4 simultaneous analog inputs, not 8.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for less than a week and it's my fourth soundcard after the Line 6 ux1, Edirol fa-101 and RME 96/32. The RME, which I sold a month ago, was a real leap in terms of the quality of the converters. I can't make any direct comparisons, but I still have the same room, the same speakers (fostex pm-1) and ─ I hope ─ the same ears, I don't have the sensation of having gone backwards. It's hard to objectify an improvement, my first impression was that of having a bigger stereo image and a sound definition that only exposed my amateur mixes. For the most part, the sound coming out of this sturdy metal box isn't flattering to my recordings, which I think is interesting.
I have also listened to my favorite bands and the definition is even more impressive.
To wrap it up, I'm entirely satisfied with it (hoping to solve the issue with the simultaneous inputs).