DISC Focusrite The Liquid Channel

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Liquid Technology for Accurate Sound Replication

The Focusrite Liquid Channel precisely replicates the sonic behavior of many vintage units using Dynamic Convolution - the application of a unique, level-dependent set of responses to an audio signal. These measured responses, sampled at numerous levels and with every possible setting combination, are applied to the input stream on a sample-by-sample basis for accurate replication.

Analog and Digital Combined

The Liquid Channel combines a highly complex, massively flexible analog front-end with Dynamic Convolution processing, which utilizes lightning-fast SHARC chips and runs at sample rates of up to 192kHz. The front panel controls are digital, with tactile rotary encoders. Enjoy a completely mobile recording session by using the Liquid Channel in conjunction with a recording platform (e.g. Pro Tools) and sending the session files and program memory via data transfer methods. All parameters can be stores in one of 99 program memories, giving you quick and easy set-up and operation every time.

Not All Vintage Units are Equal

You can match The Liquid Channel to your favourite mic-preamp using the control for modifying the vintage property. In analog circuits (especially tube and transformer-coupled designs) second order harmonic distortion is a beneficial artifact, providing what's commonly referred to as "warmth".

Remote Control and Infinite Expansion

The Focusrite Liquid Channel is infinitely expandable as the software application permits downloads of additional classic units from Focusrite, as well as serving as an archiving system for additional emulations and program memories. The USB port on the rear panel allows remote control of The Liquid Channel, leaving the processor safely racked away.

Pre-Amplification

Mic-pre emulation can't be achieved in software alone. Hardware is also required to provide the physical interaction with the microphone. The hardware front-end is designed so as to be able to match the input impedance and signal path (transformer or electronic) of the device being emulated.

Features

• Loaded with 40 classic mic-pre and 40 classic compressor emulations
• Endlessly expandable library of emulations via USB download
• 100 Programme Memories allow you to save every parameter
• File format provides easy transfer to other Liquid users
• LiquidControl™ software allows comprehensive remote operation
• 192kHz internal processing and ADC/DAC as standard
• New Focusrite Digital EQ based on the Forte Suite software
• Adjustable harmonic distortion accounts for variance in vintage originals
• Cascade up to 8 units for multichannel-linking of all parameters

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 - 22 kHz
• 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 pre-amp 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 the 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 to 20kHz
• +/-18dB

Mid Band

• Frequency range: 100Hz to 10kHz
• Gain: +/-18dB
• Q: variable between 0.8 and 2.5

Low Shelf

• Frequency range: 10Hz to 1kHz
• Gain: +/-18dB

Weight

• 8.6kg
• 19Ibs

Dimensions

• 484mm (W) x 85mm (H) x 270mm (D)
• 19" (W) x 3.5" (H) x 10.6" (D)
• 2U rackmount