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moosers
Published on 06/22/10 at 13:43
SPL's Charisma 2 is a dual channel tube limiter that will be found and is designed for use in the recording studio. It's the perfect compliment to your digital recording studio, as it adds clarity and a realistic factor to your sound whether you decide to track with it or mix with it. This is an analog piece of gear consisting of XLR and 1/4" connections for both inputs and outputs on each of the two channels. It also has a ground switch on it and is indeed rack mountable. It will only take up a single space in a traditional rack casing.
UTILIZATION
Using the SPL Charisma 2 is pretty simple if you understand the parameters generally associated with limiters and compressors. Each of the two channels have the same exact make up, each with parameters for drive, 'charisma,' and output level. The drive level allows you to set the level of the tubes, while the charisma parameter is kind of like a hard knee parameter, which can add a good amount of punch and clarity to your sound depending on the same you set it. A manual isn't necessary, but I haven't seen it so I can't speak to it's make up.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound of the SPL Charisma 2 tube limiter is really impressive, as it's the kind of unit that sounds good right off the bat and is easy to get a good sound from. It's great for mixing all sorts of different instruments, as it can really help things cut through the mix well and/or add warmth and fullness to your sound if that's what you're after. SPL products tend to have a similar type of sound, and the Charisma 2 definitely follows this type of mold. I've got nothing bad to say about the Charisma 2 as it's a great mixing tool.
OVERALL OPINION
In general, the SPL Charisma 2 can really save you during mixing! It's almost fool proof to use and it's really easy to dial in a great tone with this. The price isn't nearly as much as you might think considering you're getting two high quality tube based limiters here. While this is undoubtedly a professional's piece of gear, the price makes it accessible to just about anyone interested in this versatile and unique tube limiter...
UTILIZATION
Using the SPL Charisma 2 is pretty simple if you understand the parameters generally associated with limiters and compressors. Each of the two channels have the same exact make up, each with parameters for drive, 'charisma,' and output level. The drive level allows you to set the level of the tubes, while the charisma parameter is kind of like a hard knee parameter, which can add a good amount of punch and clarity to your sound depending on the same you set it. A manual isn't necessary, but I haven't seen it so I can't speak to it's make up.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound of the SPL Charisma 2 tube limiter is really impressive, as it's the kind of unit that sounds good right off the bat and is easy to get a good sound from. It's great for mixing all sorts of different instruments, as it can really help things cut through the mix well and/or add warmth and fullness to your sound if that's what you're after. SPL products tend to have a similar type of sound, and the Charisma 2 definitely follows this type of mold. I've got nothing bad to say about the Charisma 2 as it's a great mixing tool.
OVERALL OPINION
In general, the SPL Charisma 2 can really save you during mixing! It's almost fool proof to use and it's really easy to dial in a great tone with this. The price isn't nearly as much as you might think considering you're getting two high quality tube based limiters here. While this is undoubtedly a professional's piece of gear, the price makes it accessible to just about anyone interested in this versatile and unique tube limiter...