Audio professionals looking for the ultimate stereo recording front end will rejoice over the elysia skulpter 2 qube, a desktop enclosure with two audiophile microphone and instrument preamplifiers based on single resistors controlling a fully discrete Class-A amplifier capable of complementing any signal source with a remarkably true and natural sound.

For additional mojo, each skulpter features two variable saturation/filter stages and an intelligent onboard compressor to make voices and instruments sound like a finished record right from the start. The qube enclosure features two XLR and 1/4" inputs and two XLR and 1/4" outputs. The elysia skulpter 2 qube is a complete recording solution and everything you'll need in front of your DAW.

Ultimate Stereo Recording Front End    Resistor-Controlled Discrete Class-A Amp    Two Variable Saturation/Filter Stages    Intelligent Onboard Compressor    Variable Low-Cut Filter    Sound Like a Finished Record from Start    Complete Recording Solution    qube Enclosure with Stereo I/O    XLR and 1/4" Inputs and Outputs    Handcrafted in Germany

• qube enclosure: two-channel desktop enclosure with XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs
• Build quality: the skulpter 500, just like all elysia products, is designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Germany.
• Class-A topology: consequently represents the art of discrete signal processing.
• Dual sound shaper: two variable saturation/filter stages provide multiple options for making voices and instruments sounds like a finished record.
• Dynamics section: just a single knob… but its powerful hidden features enable it to control dynamics in all its aspects.
• Variable Low-Cut Filter: A Filter Design which lets you choose the best frequency for getting rid of low-end rumble.

Connection

• Discrete Class-A analog hardware combined with two balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs plus two extra TRS Inputs and Outputs to the qube. This will guarantee a flexible audio connection with the best audio quality you deserve. 

Pure Power

• Elysia designed a super-low noise power supply just for the qube to give you the best experience in audio quality. The power supply is included in the package.

• Every aspects, like sound, features, circuitry, components, design, materials, and manufacturing has been thought until there was just nothing left to improve. All of elysia's products are custom designed and manufactured according to their own specifications.
• Only the best components the market has to offer for the elysia skulpter 500. Each product is manually built to order and tested at their headquarters in Germany.
• Their product benefits sum up in an audio quality that is beyond all doubt. Even when extreme settings are used, the sound always stays clean and powerful.

Whether clean or colored, the sonic bliss does not stop at your mic locker. The elysia skulpter 500 provides a balanced DI input with significant headroom, so just about any signal coming from guitars, basses, synths, and effects will benefit greatly from the elysia skulpter 500's pristine amplification and versatile processing qualities.

• The elysia skulpter 500 does not use a potentiometer for changing its gain, but a much more audiophile topology instead: Fixed resistors switched by a cascade of relays and electronic switches. This setup is controlled by an encoder with 20 steps per rotation, providing a total of 40 gain values in 1.5/2 dB steps (total gain range: 3 to 65 dB).
• The following amplifier is a fully discrete class-A design. Similar to many tube amps, it operates in feed forward mode, which means it works without high amounts of negative feedback. The result is a natural and beautiful sounding preamp.
• The elysia skulpter 500 provides an ample amount of gain, starting at unusually low values and going up to what you’ll need to properly amplify ribbons with high gain requirements. A huge benefit of this is that an additional pad becomes completely unnecessary, resulting in a better signal-to-noise ratio.
• The actual mic preamp and the direct input have a separate gain value each. If you change from Mic to DI or vice versa, the gain will automatically change accordingly. This comes in really handy as in most of the cases microphones require a considerably higher amount of gain, which would be way too much for a synth or similar sources plugged into the DI.
• Using single resistors arranged in a cascade guarantees exact gain values. As a result, multiple preamps do not require factory matching or consecutive serial numbers when forming stereo pairs or multichannel configurations.
• When an elysia skulpter 500 is powered off its current gain setting is saved automatically, so the preamp will start with exactly the same amount of gain on the next session.

• Pressing the mute switch instantly reduces the output level to zero. While in this state, instruments can easily be changed on the DI, cables can be swapped, mics can be replaced by others—without blowing ears or speakers.
• In addition, the mute function comes in really handy for canceling source signals from the recording room when silence is needed for listening to playbacks.
• Apart from the dedicated switch, the elysia skulpter 500 automatically soft starts with the mute function enabled for a short moment, which avoids nasty surprises when powering up.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can we get pics for this? I'd like to see interior, dividers, compartments, loaded with gear, etc.

A: Unfortunately, neither B&H nor Porta Brace have supplied such images. If you Google Image search, there is one that shows the main compartment divided into three parts with a Sony camcorder in it.

Q: 2. what are the thread specs? ( do they match typical 19 rack threads? )...

A: Hello Dennis,The ThumbSet screws are 4-40 type and are specific for mounting 500 series modules into our Workhorse power racks - they are too small to mount standard 19 equipment into equipment racks.Regards,Ryan

Q: 3. are these useable for LED panels?

A: It would require a frame to optimize the effect. These would narrow or widen the spread of the light but there is a significant reduction in the brightness of the light output. Even after purchasing these to use with LED PAR cans I have decided not to use them. They would probably be usable to create a very diffuse wash from the panels.

Q: 4. MixPre-6 and OR-27 is that a good match? With/without the Sony L battery sled?

A: Yes, the MixPre6 will fit nicely in the OR-27.

Q: 5. What is the thickest desk the clamp can hold?

A: This clamp would fit desks up to 1.5" thick.

Q: 6. Is the mxl 603 good for voice over application?

A: maybe more than you need. these are entry level balanced pair condenser microphones-- ideal for music performances , but need to be set and placed with great care.voice over work may not need such a balanced pair ( for stereo). a less expensive directional mic or head set may work fine..

Q: 7. Will this fit a Studiologic Numa X Piano GT Digital Piano, Height: 4.8" Width: 50.4" Depth: 12.2" Weight: 48.5 lbs. Manufacturer

A: The GLORIOUS Sound Desk Pro's keyboard drawer is designed to fit keyboards up to 88 keys, so it should be able to accommodate the Studiologic Numa X Piano GT.

Q: 8. Is mounting hardware included?

A: No, mounting hardware is not included with this monitor.

Q: 9. Would this fit the tascam dr70d?

A: Yes, the Orca OR-27 Small Sound Bag will fit the Tascam DR-70D Field Recorder.

Q: 10. Would this set be appropriate for ASMR/binaural recording? I am on a relative budget but want as best quality of sound as I can get.

A: appropriate is relative. these are good mics. they compare to Shure SM81s. They are accurate. their part in the total audio chain from reality to ASMR is just one part. my guess is that they will work well. again, all the other parts of the audio chain have their own effects. most important is how YOU will use them.