Prodigal Dual Channel Strip
is a professional solid state analog audio input
chain. It can be used in stereo, or dual mono, with both
channels configured independently. Each channel consists of a
bandwidth adjustable discrete transistor preamplifier,
equalization, FET de-esser and FET compressor/limiter, with
simultaneous peak and VU metering of input and output, as
well as selectable gain reduction metering for the de-esser or
compressor. The unit also features a fully independent monitor station
and powerful headphone amplifier.
With dual channel processing and a built-in
monitoring system, the Prodigal is versatile and portable,
needing only the addition of a laptop computer, ADC, and some
powered speakers to function as the hub of a compact, premium
quality, professional recording setup.
Class A mic/line/instrument preamplifier is a low current, low noise discrete transistor design,
using hand-matched components. It accepts mic and line signals via the main rear XLR inputs, or high impedance
instruments and additional line level devices via the front
panel TRS jack inputs. Includes phase reversal and 20dB pad for all inputs, and P48 for microphones. The
20Hz~20kHz bandwidth is sweepable to 200Hz~2kHz, to help
suppress undesired outband audio prior to EQ and dynamics processing.
Equalization section provides a
single band of sweepable cut or boost, a de-mud filter to
attenuate anything muddy and un-musical at 300Hz, and an air
filter to accentuate edges and add spaciousness by boosting
above 10kHz.
De-esser reduces sibilance in vocals, and high
frequency transients such as pick noise on guitars. It applies
natural sounding FET limiting to all frequencies above a
sweepable crossover point. The Hz control sets that point, and
the ess control sets the amplitude threshold above which
limiting occurs. This threshold level is varied in response to a sample of the full-bandwidth signal,
which helps keep the amount
of de-essing consistent regardless of program volume or
dynamics. When de-essing occurs, the limit LED glows with
proportional intensity. The output meter can be conveniently switched to display de-esser
gain reduction. Left and right channel FETs have been
hand-matched to preserve stereo imaging.
Compressor/limiter transparently reduces peaks in program material. It applies ultra fast FET soft-knee
limiting in sparkling linear phase. The
compress control varies ratio and threshold together
so that more input results in more compression, with peaks
maintained at around -12dBFS. Great for airy vocals, or tight,
level bass tracks, the Prodigal compressor loves to be driven hard. When limiting occurs, the limit LED glows with
proportional intensity. The output meter can be conveniently switched to display compressor
gain reduction. Left and right channel units may be linked, and FETs have been hand-matched to preserve stereo imaging.
LED level meters display input and output levels in
–dB Full Scale. Both meters simultaneously display VU as a solid
bar, with an instantaneous peak level dot riding above. Peak
hold is 3 seconds with a slow decay.
Output meter can be switched to display gain
reduction levels for either the de-essers or the compressors.
Gain reduction is displayed directly as a solid bar and no
additional ballistics have been applied.
Monitor station provides central control of the
listening environment. One of its inputs is fed directly from the Prodigal
Channel Strip mix bus, but apart from that it may be thought of
as an entirely separate device. Its principal function is to mix
local audio at zero latency with playback from your DAW or other
recording device. The resulting mix is then sent to the
headphone output on the front panel, and via the studio
master fader to one or two studio monitor outputs on the rear panel. The second
studio monitor output might be connected to a sub-woofer or
other speakers, an additional headphone amplifier, or used to
send a sub-mix to another recorder. A second playback input has
been provided for other audio sources, such as a CD player or
tape machine. A third mini jack input has been provided on the front
panel for playback from your iGadget. In situations where engineer and
performer are physically isolated, this third input may also be
used as a talk-back input simply by connecting a smart-phone
with a mic-to-speaker app installed.
User Manual (Version 6.0. Includes
Tech Specs, Patch and Cable Guide). 6Mb
Tech Specs and Patch. 2.7Mb
Recall Sheet. 0.5Mb
Glossy Brochure. 1Mb |