Review: SPL MTC Mk2

TECH SPECS

The technical specifications make for impressive reading, the highlights include extremely low noise and distortion figures while, being an active unit, the MTC Mk2 can provide a maximum of 22.5dBu gain to any incoming signal.

The headphone amps are a special Class A/B design that deliver wonderful sonics and are quite addictive to listen through.

To top things off, in typical SPL style, it has also introduced something a bit different with the ‘Phonitor Matrix’. If you’re not already familiar, this is essentially a type of spatial processing that can be dialled in via the Crossfeed controller. The effect mimics the sound of speakers while monitoring through headphones and is achieved by applying interaural time delays and attenuation with a fixed ‘opening angle’ of 30 degrees. When the Crossfeed control is turned all the way to the left the effect is disabled. It is particularly recommended for headphone mixing where the focus is on panning and EQ, reverb placements and depth. Not perhaps a mission-critical feature for some but an interesting addition to what is already a very well-endowed unit.

MIX & MATCH

Once patched in, it was an easy process to get the unit operating in mixing and tracking sessions. I was a little disappointed to hear an unmistakable ‘pop’ in the monitors associated with powering up the unit but soon learnt to switch things on in the right order to avoid this. Switching between speakers and sources was painless and noise-free and I really enjoyed making quick contrast assessments on vocal and instrument levels using my Quested VS2108s and my trusty Yamaha NS10s. I even plugged in an old ghetto blaster just for kicks. I also used the mono and polarity switch buttons in tandem for a bit of M/S assessment, another handy capability of the unit.

I found the Phonitor Matrix quite interesting. It does create the impression of a more distant stereo sound source through the headphones but is also subtle enough that key mix decisions can be made without too much concern over translation. I often use headphones to check for buzzes and extraneous noises in the final stages of mixing and I can see that the Phonitor Matrix would be a handy tool in expanding that role to include fine-tuning the placements of certain effects and levels, particularly out wide in the soundstage.

In tracking mode, the MTC Mk2’s talkback mic really came into its own and the generous gain available is powerful enough to stiffen the spine of even the most distracted guitarist or deaf drummer when required. The mechanical noise of engaging the talkback switch is quite loud due to its proximity to the mic, and I did at some points wish for a latch feature on the button for longer conversations. Of course, both these issues are easily addressed by plugging a talkback footswitch into the ¼-inch jack provided.

There’s no dedicated minijack input for smartphones but again a simple adapter cable into one of the rear inputs solves that issue.

The SPL monitor controller lacks the ability to cater to multiple artist headphone mixes so there’s a limitation there, but in tandem with the average DAW output matrix the MTC Mk2 really does scale up the monitoring and headphone control options and is an absolute pleasure to use. 

SPECIAL SOURCE

There is no shortage of monitor controllers to choose from so it’s important to assess your needs and find the right fit. In terms of features, the MTC Mk2 offers a pro solution with a healthy complement of I/O and inclusions such as dedicated sub and meter outputs, a talkback footswitch and cue bus routing, as well as an elegant front panel and a lot of dedicated switching. The main volume control is a joy to use and the Phonitor Matrix spices things up in the headphone sends too. Most importantly, the MTC Mk2 delivers beautifully transparent sonics across the board. At no point did I feel there was any extra colouration or sonic degradation at play and I was extremely happy with the results from both a mixing and tracking perspective with the SPL patched in. All my loudspeakers sounded true, and the flexibility and fidelity of the headphone outputs was a real highlight. If you’re looking for a great-sounding and well-endowed monitor controller, the SPL MTC Mk2 has you well and truly covered for both high-end home and professional studio applications.