SPL Audio BiG – Double Slot Module for Stereo Stage Processing

The series 500 Stereo Image Enlarger.
Dual-slot channel for stereo image processing in the 500 series.

BiG is distinct.BiG is unique.
BiG offers up new imaginative avenues for sound shaping and produces a noticeably larger stereo image.
With only three controls, intuitive.

Through/On
The On/Bypass switch allows the module to be turned on (On) or off (Bypass).Fast switching between the processed and raw signals is possible.

LED signal lights

The signal LEDs (Sig) show whether the corresponding channel’s input is receiving an audio signal or not.
(At a value greater than -20 dBu)

Shaping Range of Stereo Images                           

• Range:

The frequency range that has to be processed can be chosen using the Range control.

• Stage:

The frequency range that was previously chosen with the Range control can be adjusted forwards or backwards on the stereo stage using the Stage control.

• BIGNESS:

The massive BIGNESS control modifies the stereo image shaping’s intensity.

• BASS

After the BIGNESS portion, you can utilise the BASS/Off switch to either activate (BASS) or disable (Off) an extra bass boost.
A passive filter designed in a circuit comparable to the SPL IRON Mastering Compressor’s AirBass function provides the bass boost.

Sounds well

We develop every SPL gadget by ear in addition to following the strategy.
On the circuit boards, every significant component is mounted with through-hole technology.

The heart is at home.

We produce all of our equipment in Niederkrüchten, Germany, which is located on the Lower Rhine.

For the 500 series format, the SPL BIG 500 is a cutting-edge stereo image processing module with extra bass boost control.

The SPL BIG 500 employs a novel technique to creatively and innovatively modify the incoming audio’s stereo. With just three knobs on the Big module, amplifying your music is a cinch. The Bigness knob, which is a huge knob, allows you to adjust how much the input audio is processed.

Range and Stage, two settings in the Stereo Image Shaping module, combine to move certain frequencies either forward or backward.

The Big module also includes a Bass switch that adds a bass boost after the Bigness section. This is achieved through the use of a passive filter based on the AirBass circuit found on the SPL Iron Mastering Compressor

The frequency area to be processed is chosen via the Range control, and the Stage control lets you move the chosen area forward or backward.

Black magic?

In BiG, an analogue filter network processes a difference signal that is extracted from the input signal before it is mixed back into the original signal during a dedicated mixing step. This is a totally unique and distinct method of stereo processing, not M/S processing. When the treated stereo signal is summed to mono, it produces a clean mono signal free of undesired artefacts like phase shifts and cancellations.

Input & Output:

• 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

Dimensions & Weight

Double-spaced module for 500 Series

• Unit weight
  • 1.98 lbs
  • 0.9 kg
• Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
  • 2.31 lbs
  • 1.05 kg

FEATURES:

• With the On/Bypass switch, you can easily switch between processed and unprocessed signals by turning the module on or off.
• Signal LEDs (Sig) show whether an audio signal (with a level higher than -20 dBu) is present at the corresponding channel’s input.
• The frequency range that has to be processed can be chosen using the Range control.
• The frequency range that was previously chosen with the Range control can be adjusted forwards or backwards on the stereo stage using the Stage control.
• The massive BIGNESS control modifies the stereo image shaping’s intensity.
• After the BIGNESS portion, you can utilise the BASS/Off switch to either activate (BASS) or deactivate (Off) an additional bass increase.
• A passive filter designed in a circuit akin to that of the SPL IRON Mastering Compressor’s AirBass function provides the bass boost.

Achieving precise and immersive stereo imaging is a crucial goal for audio professionals working in studio environments. Whether mixing, mastering, or producing high-fidelity recordings, having control over the stereo stage can make the difference between a flat, uninspiring sound and a vibrant, spatially rich audio experience. The SPL Audio Bi G double slot module is engineered specifically to address this need by delivering exceptional stereo stage processing capabilities, allowing you to sculpt your sound with accuracy and clarity.

The core advantage of the SPL Audio Bi G lies in its specialized design as a double slot module dedicated to stereo stage enhancement. This unit is not just another signal processor; it is a precision tool that refines the spatial characteristics of your audio signal, giving you the ability to widen, narrow, or otherwise manipulate the stereo image with professional-grade fidelity. This means that your mixes will translate better across different listening environments, from high-end monitoring systems to consumer headphones, ensuring that your artistic intent is preserved and enhanced.

One of the standout features of the Audio Bi G is its wide frequency response range, spanning from 10 Hz to 100 kHz at -3 dB. For the user, this translates to an ultra-transparent processing path that handles the full audible spectrum—and beyond—without coloration or loss of detail. This wide bandwidth ensures that the subtle nuances in your audio, including very low and very high frequencies, are maintained, thus preserving the natural character of your recordings. Additionally, the module boasts an impressive dynamic range of 113 dB, which means it can handle extremely quiet and very loud signals with minimal distortion or noise, allowing for the highest possible audio fidelity.

The input impedance of 20 kΩ and output impedance of 150 Ω are carefully balanced to ensure optimal interfacing with other professional audio equipment. This means that the module integrates seamlessly into existing studio setups without causing impedance mismatches that can degrade signal quality. Moreover, the maximum input and output gain of 21 dBu provides ample headroom for professional signal levels, giving you the flexibility to work with a wide range of source material without compromising clarity or introducing unwanted distortion.

Another critical performance metric is the common mode rejection ratio of greater than 82 dB. In practical terms, this means the SPL Audio Bi G significantly reduces noise and hum caused by electromagnetic interference or ground loops, resulting in a cleaner audio signal. This is especially important in complex studio environments where multiple devices and cables can introduce unwanted noise. Furthermore, with an exceptionally low noise floor measured at -92.3 dBu (A-weighted), the module ensures that even the quietest details in your mix are preserved without being masked by background hiss or hum. Total harmonic distortion and noise are kept to a minimum at just 0.03%, guaranteeing transparent processing that respects the integrity of the original audio.

Physically, the SPL Audio Bi G is designed to fit neatly into a double slot module space, making it a compact yet powerful addition to any studio rack. Its robust construction and premium components ensure durability and long-term reliability, essential for professional use. This module is ideal for audio engineers, producers, and mastering specialists who demand precise control over the stereo field to craft compelling and immersive soundscapes. Whether you are enhancing the spatial dimension of music tracks, dialog, or sound design elements, the Audio Bi G provides the tools needed to elevate your work.

In summary, the SPL Audio Bi G double slot module offers a sophisticated solution for stereo stage processing that combines technical excellence with practical usability. Its wide frequency response, high dynamic range, low noise, and distortion figures ensure that your audio is treated with the utmost fidelity. By integrating this module into your studio, you gain the ability to refine your stereo imaging with confidence, resulting in mixes that are both sonically rich and technically precise. At a price of ₹55,010, it represents a valuable investment for professionals seeking to enhance the spatial quality and clarity of their audio productions.