LIQUID CHANNEL
The Liquid Channel is a revolutionary professional channel strip that can emulate any classic mic-pre and compressor. Combining radical new analogue preamp technology with Dynamic Convolution™ techniques, The Liquid Channel fuses cutting-edge analogue design with lightning fast SHARC DSP. Augmented by fully digital controls and optional remote software, The Liquid Channel provides the ultimate fluid vintage collection.

Liquid technology

Rather than creating a similar sound to vintage units, as with modelling devices, The Liquid Channel samples their sonic behaviour. This is achieved through Dynamic Convolution™; the application of a unique, level-dependant 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 emulation.

Liquid preamplification

Mic-pre emulation can’t be achieved with software alone. Hardware is required in addition to account for the physical interaction with the microphone. As a result, Focusrite invested vast amounts of time and energy into designing and building the ultimate ‘liquid’ preamplifier, able to match the input impedance and signal path (transformer or electronic) of the device being emulated.

Not all vintage units are born equal

Second order harmonic distortion is a beneficial artefact of analogue circuits (especially tube and transformer-coupled designs) providing the much loved ‘warmth’. However, often two units of the same type will vary in the amount of second order distortion produced, so an additional control for modifying this vintage property is provided. This allows for precise matching of the Liquid Channel to your own beloved mic-pre.

The best of both worlds - analogue and digital

The Liquid Channel combines a highly complex, massively flexible analogue front-end with Dynamic Convolution™ processing, which utilises lightening fast SHARC chips and runs at sample rates of up to 192kHz. The front panel controls are digital, with tactile rotary encoders; all parameters can be stored in one of 99 program memories. At the press of button, you can reload all mic-pre, compressor and EQ settings for an individual session. If using The Liquid Channel in conjunction with a recording platform (e.g. Pro Tools), both the session files and The Liquid Channel’s program memory can be sent via standard data transfer methods, providing a completely mobile recording session. Perfectly emulated vintage classics with the power and ease of use of the digital domain.

Infinite expansion and remote control

The USB port on the rear panel allows remote control of The Liquid Channel, leaving the processor safely racked away. But that’s not all. The software application also serves as an archiving system for additional emulations and program memories, and permits downloads of additional classic units from www.ffliquid.com. So, The Liquid Channel is infinitely expandable.