Updated with a new name and sleek, redesigned black faceplate, the SPL Crescendo-8 is an eight-channel preamplier designed for audio engineers who want an absolutely clean, transparent, distortion-free tone when tracking microphone-based sound sources. Exceedingly low distortion and noise are both made possible by the 120V rails, giving you up to 70 dB of gain without any signs of overdriving. Each channel can capture a frequency range of 20 Hz to 100 kHz with lots of dynamic range. 

Every channel sports a gain knob, a 48V phantom power switch, a pad switch, a polarity-inversion selector, and a switch for reducing the level displayed on the dedicated VU meter. The unit as a whole sports eight inputs and outputs. Connections are possible via XLR I/O on each channel, or through DB25 connectors, should you want to route this unit straight into a compatible patchbay or ADC.

A transformerless design, Class-A operation in the output stage, and SUPRA op-amps facilitate not only a low-noise performance, but the ability to drive long cable runs on the output side without sonic degradation. A shielded power supply is built into the unit, which ensures noise-free operation from the power of this preamp.

8 x Mic Inputs    120V Rails for Low Noise / High Headroom    8 x Gain Knobs    Phantom Power, Pad & Polarity Switches    XLR & DB25 Connections    Transformerless Design    Class-A Output Power    Wide Frequency Range    Integrated Power Supply

Thanks to the 120 VDC audio rail, this preamp sports a large dynamic range, a low amount of distortion, and a neutral tone. This means you can capture the nuances of various sound sources without worrying about overloading the preamp.

The SPL SUPRA op-amps enable an internal operating voltage of ±60V, which makes the unit more than capable of amplifying the fastest transients, the finest of details, and the complete frequency spectrum with almost inaudible distortion.

Use the gain knob for the setting of the preamplification to control a range from 18 to 70 dB. For high-level signals, which do not need to be amplified that much, you can use a PAD with -20 dB of attenuation. Thus the control range of the amplification is shifted between -2 to 50 dB.

The differential amplifiers in the input stage are built-up with transistor pairs, consolidated in in a special housing. A precise matching of the transistors, as well as thermal coupling, guarantee high common mode rejection and very low THD values. The choice of transistors and electrical resistors has a massive impact on the sound.

The discrete op-amps of the output stage are able to drive long cable paths without any problems. The output stages operate as current amplifiers, which with 6mA of quiescent current also provide Class-A operation. SPL minimized the use of coupling capacitors to avoid their sonic disadvantages which include diffusion, blurring, and loss of dynamics. However, to eliminate DC voltage, active servo circuits are used.

Each of the eight preamplifiers of the Crescendo provides its own VU meter, phase reversal switch, phantom-power selector, -20 dB PAD switch, and 10 dB reduction switch, for the display of the VU Meter's level.

The toroidal transformer power supply is integrated in the housing of the Crescendo. To avoid electrical interference from the power supply on the preamplifier, the power supply is shielded with a special Mu-metal sheet. The transformer itself is also Mu-metal encapsulated.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is this adapter compatible with the Sony HXR-MC2500 camcorder?

A: Yes, the Saramonic SR-PAX1 can be used with any camera that has a 3.5mm mic input.

Q: 2. Does it fit (without vignetting) Samsung Galaxy S20/S21 Ultra? I tried 2 different lenses already and they both have vignetting and very very unsharp corners. how about this lens?

A: Unfortunately we do not test the lenses with specific phones. This is an universal lens compatible with most smartphones.

Q: 3. I'm looking for blend a piezo pickup and condenser mic both mounted on double bass. Does this will works?

A: It might. Give it a try. It is a returnable item.

Q: 4. can this unit only be powered by the internal battery?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter is powered by a 9V battery. It does not have an internal rechargeable battery.

Q: 5. I am trying to buy a 4x or 5x adaptor (tele) lens for iPhone2020SE... Does such a thing exist. My goal is to shoot a head&shoulders shot for a video blog from 6 to 8 feet away. Will a 3x lens suffice?

A: A 3x lens should be enough for what you are trying to do. We do not have 4X or 5X lens adapters.

Q: 6. Is there a bodypack (Lapel) set that will work with this set of handheld mics?

A: The wireless receivers used for the VocoPro Acapella-8 Eight-Channel Digital Wireless System are the same as the wireless receivers that are included with the VocoPro Digital-Quad Systems. Check to see which frequency bands your receivers operate on and then you can select one or two of the Digital-Quad Systems that include bodypack transmitters and lavalier mics (depending on whether you want to have two or four wireless bodypacks) so you can use all of the mics (handheld and lavalier) at the same time. You will want to select systems that operate on different frequency bands than the receivers and handheld transmitters that you already have. There are only four options for the frequency bands. The options for the systems with the bodypack transmitters are the VocoPro Digital-Quad-B1 Four-Channel UHF Wireless Headset & Lavalier Microphone System - 902 to 910.7 MHz (B&H # VOHYBQDB1), the same system for B2 - 913.3 to 925.8 MHz (B&H # VOHYBQDB2), the same system for B3 - 903.1 to 912.2 MHz (B&H # VOHYBQDB3), and the same system for B4 - 915 to 927.2 MHz (B&H # VOHYBQDB4). The systems with bodypack transmitters include both lavalier and headset mics, so you have the option of using either style mic with the bodypack transmitter If you would prefer to have bodypack transmitters to pair with your existing receivers, instead of the handheld transmitters, please contact us directly by phone or through live chat and we can order them for you from VocoPro.

Q: 7. Hello..is the receiver input is 4 pin mini xlr input?

A: The mic input on the VocoPro bodypack transmitters is a TA3 3-pin mini-XLR connector while the receivers have standard 3-pin XLR and 1/4" connectors. Each receiver module in the VocoPro Digital-Play-8 accommodates four transmitters and offers individual XLR output signals for each mic as well as a single 1/4" output for a combined output signal with a mix of all four mics.

Q: 8. can we use Shure wireless with Vocopro?

A: No, Shure wireless components are not directly compatible for use with the VocoPro Acapella-8 Eight-Channel Digital Wireless System with Handheld Microphones. Independent Shure wireless systems could possibly be used alongside this system, however.

Q: 9. how connect cable?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter has a 3.5mm TRS output to connect the cable which will also connect to the mic input on the camera. You can use a cable like the Kopul CMX-RC30 Right-Angle Coiled Stereo Mini Cable (B&H # KOCMXRC30B) to connect to a camera with a 3.5mm TRS mic input.

Q: 10. I have 2 3.5mm mics will they be on separate left and right channels or be all in one?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter can be used to connect two microphones with 3.5mm connectors. There are separate left and right inputs on the back to connect both mics and a button on the front labeled "M/S" which is used to select between mono and stereo mode. When using the mono setting, the left and right channels will be combined as one mixed signal on both the left and right channels (same audio on both sides). When using the stereo mode, the two mics will be separated on different sides.