The Essentials to Know About the SPL Vitalizer Mk3-T Processor
- "Vitalizer" Signature: a patented psychoacoustic circuit that revitalizes your mixes with more detail, transparency, and a higher perceived level.
- More Headroom: new internal audio power supply at +/- 18 V for increased dynamics and cleaner transients.
- Tube Warmth: Sovtek 12AX7 dual triode for subtle musicality and pleasant harmonics.
- Immediate Controls: Drive, Bass Sound, bass compressor, Mid-Hi Tune, Process, LC-EQ, and Stereo Expander to quickly shape the spectrum and stereo image.
A Classic Third-Generation SPL, Revisited
Heir to an iconic lineage, the Vitalizer Mk3-T continues SPL's approach of "musical processing" rather than corrective. This version replaces the historic golden front panel with the black "SPL Studio" finish and benefits from an internal voltage raised to +/- 18 V. The result: an expanded dynamic range, reduced background noise, and an even more precise rendering, both on stereo buses and in mastering.
Who and What Is It For?
The Mk3-T is aimed at sound engineers, producers, and live sound managers who want to add depth to overly tame mixes, tighten a muddy low end, or widen a stereo image without artifacts. In studio or live settings, it provides an immediate "lift" to vocals, synths, drums, stems, and the main bus, while remaining easy to adjust.
What the Mk3-T Changes in Your Signal Chain
Solid and Controlled Bass
The Bass Sound control sculpts the low-frequency range towards a "soft and warm" or, conversely, more percussive sound. A dedicated bass compressor tightens the foundation for a clean and energetic low end.
Natural Presence and Definition
The Mid-Hi Tune and LC-EQ duo brings clarity and intelligibility. You target the useful frequency range and then add presence without harshness, ideal for vocals, guitar, or the music bus.
Drive, Process, and Mix Cohesion
Drive progressively activates the Vitalizer's filter network, while Process adjusts the intensity of bass and midrange relative to the original signal for a controlled and repeatable result.
Better-Controlled Stereo Space
Stereo Expander widens the stereo base while preserving the center, useful for broadening a mix without losing the stability of key elements.
Audio Architecture and Finish
The Sovtek 12AX7 tube adds subtle musical coloration, while the +/- 18 V power supply offers more headroom. Balanced XLR and 6.3 mm TRS jack inputs/outputs ensure immediate integration into any rack.
Technical Specifications
Processing and Circuits
- Effect for musical processing of stereo signals
- Based on psychoacoustics and audiometry
- Intuitive operation
- Sovtek 12AX7 dual triode tube
- Drive controller for controlled activation of the filter network
- Bass Sound controller to shape the bass range (soft and warm or percussive sound)
- Simple compressor specially dedicated to the bass range
- Mid-Hi Tune controller to adjust the operating frequency
- Process controller to adjust the intensity of bass and midrange relative to the original signal
- LC-EQ for more presence and definition in the midrange
- Stereo Expander to increase stereo base width
- Internal audio voltage: +/- 18 V
Connectivity
- Inputs on XLR and 6.3 mm TRS jack
- Outputs on XLR and 6.3 mm TRS jack
Format, Dimensions, and Weight
- Rack chassis with black "SPL Studio" finish
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 482 x 300 x 44 mm
- Weight: 6.1 kg