Focusrite LIQUID-CHANNEL
Channel Strip with Mic Preamp and Compressor Emulators with EQ

The Liquid Channel transports classic front-end processing into the digital age, removing the need for endless patching and adding fluidity and reliability to the studio environment. Quite simply, The Liquid Channel is every mic-pre and compressor combination in history, inside a single 192kHz 2U device.

This is achieved through a unique two-part process. Firstly, the use of dynamic convolution techniques is applied, utilizing lightning fast SHARC chips applying unique level-dependant impulse responses to every sample of audio. However, whilst this is more than sufficient to identically re-synthesize a compressor's sonic behavior, in order to replicate precisely every subtle nuance, the pre-amplifier must physically match the way in which the classic unit interacts with a given microphone. The Liquid Channel's solution to this problem lies in its vast analog front-end. A pre-amp with the ability to change its impedance and vary its signal path to either transformer or electronic, perfectly replicating the interaction characteristics of the original, whilst remaining entirely transparent within the signal path.

The Liquid Channel can therefore replicate precisely the sound of any classic mic-pre and compressor. With entirely digital front panel controls, all parameters can be saved in one of ninety-nine User Memories, meaning that entire session set-ups can all be recalled at the touch of a button. A brand new digital EQ is also available, providing a comprehensive and truly 'liquid' channel strip.

A USB connection on the rear panel links to a software application enabling the archiving of both emulations and surplus User Memories, as well as providing remote operation of the unit itself. The Liquid Channel comes complete with forty classic mic-pre's and forty classic compressors but is infinitely expandable, since the USB port also facilitates downloads of further emulations.

Finally, to account for variances in amounts of second order harmonic distortion (usually perceived as warmth) from one pre-amp to the next, a dial is included to permit control over this value. This essential feature ensures hardcore vintage enthusiasts are satisfied, bringing total control over every sonic attribute. Essentially, The Liquid Channel provides an unlimited supply of vintage sonic performance for the price of one unit, with all the added benefits of digital processing and control.

Features

• 40 mic pres and 40 compressors
  The Liquid Channel comes loaded with forty classic mic pre and forty classic compressor emulations, with an expanding library online.
• Best of both worlds
  The Liquid Channel fuses cutting-edge analogue design with lightning fast SHARC DSP to deliver the finest preamp emulations possible.
• Digital Head, Analogue Heart
  The Liquid Channel uses an analogue preamp front-end to match the input impedance and signal path of the device being emulated before applying dynamic convolution for amplification characteristics.
• Global Recall
  100 Programme Memories allow you to save every parameter, whilst the file format provides easy transfer of these settings to other Liquid Channel users.
• Remote Control
  Free software application LiquidControl allows comprehensive remote operation and archiving facility of emulations and programme memories.
• 192kHz ADC/DAC as standard
  The Liquid Channel features the finest conversion paths possible, ensuring the audio is unaffected whilst dynamic convolution is applied in the digital domain.
• Not all vintage units are born equal
  So the 'Harmonics' dial lets you account for variance in vintage originals, or use levels of 2nd, 3rd and 5th Harmonic distortion creatively.

Specifications

• Converter Performance
  Sample Rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
  Bit Depth: 24-bit
• ADC
  SNR: 120dB measured with 20Hz-22kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  Frequency Response: +/-0.05dB between 20Hz-22kHz
  Maximum Input Level: +22dBu
  THD+N: 0.00035% (-109dB)
• DAC
  Dynamic Range: 116dB measured with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  Frequency Response: +/-0.05dB between 20Hz/22kHz
  Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
  THD+N: 0.0007% (-103dB)
• Jitter
  Internal Clock: <20 pico-seconds
  AES Digital Output: <200 pico-seconds
  External Clock: <1 nano-second
  Analogue and digital path
• Mic Pre
  Gain Range: +6dB to +80dB, switched in 1dB steps
  Frequency REsponse: variable, set by preamp chosen
  THD+N at analogue out: 0.001% measured with a +4dBu 1kHz input signal with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter
  THD+N at AES digital out: 0.0005% measured with a +4dBu 1kHz input signal with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter
  Mic Noise: EIN = -126dB measured at 80dB of gain with 150 ohm source impedance and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter
  Noise at analogue out: -92dBu measured at +6dB gain with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  Noise at AES digital out: -119dBFS measured at +6dB gain with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  Maximum input level: +16dBu
  Input Impedance: variable, set by preamp chosen
  CMRR: Transformer: 123dB @ 60dB of gain
  Electronic: 102dB @ 60dB of gain
• Line Input
  Gain Range: -10dB to +10dB, switched in 1dB steps
  Frequency Response: 0dB +/-0.1dB between 20Hz and 20kHz
  THD+N at analogue out: 0.001% measured with a +18dBu 1kHz input signal with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter
  THD+N at AES digital out: 0.0004% measured with a +18dBu 1kHz input signal with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter
  Noise at analogue out: -92dBu measured at 0dB gain with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  Noise at AES digital out: -120dBFS measured at 0dB gain with 20Hz/22kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  Maximum Input Level: +22dBu
  High Pass Filter
  Roll-off Frequency: Switchable between 75Hz and 120Hz, frequency measured at 6dB down point, 12dB per octave roll-off
• Harmonics
  Distortion Range: 0 to 15 where 15 (maximum) = 10% of 2nd-, 20% of 3rd- and 10% of 5th-order at 0dBFS (level-dependent distortion)
• Compressor
  In 'As Original' mode the parameter ranges will be the same as on the original unit being emulated. In 'Free' mode tha parameter ranges are as follows:
  Threshold Range: -40dB to 20dB switched in 1dB steps
  Ratio Range: 1:1 to limit
  Attack Range: 0.1ms to 2.5s
  Release Range: 0.1ms to 2.5s
  Make-up Gain: -20dB to +20dB switched in 0.5dB steps
• EQ, High Shelf
  Frequency Range: 200Hz-20kHz
  Gain: +/-18dB
• EQ, Mid Band
  Frequency Range: 100Hz-10kHz
  Gain: +/-18dB
  Q: variable between 0.8 and 2.5
• EQ, Low Shelf
  Frequency Range: 10Hz-1kHz
  Gain: +/-18dB
• Weight: 19 lbs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 19" x 3.5" x 10.6", 2U rackmount

Windows System Requirements

• Operating System
  Windows XP Service Pack 2 (all versions) or Windows Vista (32 bit versions only)
  Pro Tools 7.1 or higher (only if using the Liquid 4Pre TDM/RTAS plugin)
• Computer
  Windows XP compatible PC (Pentium 4 1GHz or higher recommended)
  Network card supporting ethernet 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, or 1000Base-T
• CPU/Clock
  1.0 GHz Intel or compatible
  2.0 GHz Pentium 4 or Xeon recommended
• Memory (RAM)
  256MB or more
  512MB or higher recommended

Mac System Requirements

• Operating System
  Mac OS X Tiger (10.4.11 or later) - OS Version subject to change
  Pro Tools 7.1 or higher (only if using the Liquid 4Pre TDM/RTAS plugin)
• Computer: Apple Mac Power PC G4, G5 or Intel Mac (any)
• CPU/CLock
  G4/800 MHz (minimum)
  G4/1.5GHz or higher recommended
• Memory (RAM)
  256MB or more
  512MB or higher recommended