Product details

The SPL Audio Phonitor 3 DAC is a premium monitoring solution that combines a high-performance headphone amplifier, a professional analog monitor controller, and a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter in one desktop unit. Designed for recording studios, mixing and mastering engineers, and critical listening environments, it supports both digital and balanced analog audio sources. SPL’s proprietary 120V technology provides exceptional headroom and low distortion, while the integrated Phonitor Matrix recreates important aspects of loudspeaker listening over headphones, helping engineers make more reliable decisions about stereo imaging, panning, and spatial balance.

Key Features

SPL 120V Technology: Uses high-voltage analog circuitry operating at ±60 V to deliver exceptional headroom, dynamic range, and low distortion.
Integrated High-Resolution DAC: The DAC768v2 converts digital audio into analog signals with support for PCM resolutions up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD256.
Premium AKM Conversion: Incorporates the AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip and SPL’s SLP120 analog low-pass filter for detailed digital-to-analog conversion.
USB Digital Input: Connects directly to a computer-based DAW through USB Type-B, supporting high-resolution PCM and DSD audio.
AES/EBU Input: Provides professional balanced digital connectivity through an XLR connector, supporting PCM sample rates up to 192 kHz.
Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF: Offers two additional digital connection options for compatible audio interfaces, CD players, streamers, and other digital sources.
Two Balanced Analog Stereo Inputs: Accepts two analog stereo sources through balanced XLR line inputs for monitoring external converters and other studio equipment.
Six Stereo Sources: Allows selection between two analog stereo inputs and four digital stereo inputs.
High-Power Headphone Amplifier: Drives a wide range of professional and audiophile headphones with detailed, controlled audio reproduction.
Phonitor Matrix: Uses adjustable crossfeed, speaker angle, and center-level controls to approximate the spatial perception of loudspeaker monitoring through headphones.
Comprehensive Monitor Controller: Includes source selection, mono/stereo switching, laterality adjustment, left/right solo, channel swapping, and independent left/right polarity inversion.
Headphone and Speaker Switching: Switches between headphone and loudspeaker monitoring, with a central mute position for convenient control.
Balanced Speaker Output: Connects active studio monitors or a power amplifier driving passive speakers through balanced XLR outputs.
Adjustable Headphone Gain: A rear-panel DIP switch provides an additional 12 dB of headphone output level for less-sensitive headphones.
Selectable Output Modes: Configurable rear-panel settings allow the analog output to operate as a volume-controlled preamp output or a direct output, with optional Phonitor Matrix routing.
Dual Analog VU Meters: Illuminated mechanical meters display left- and right-channel input levels.
Premium Desktop Construction: Features a solid aluminum volume knob, high-quality analog components, and a robust enclosure designed for demanding studio use.
Optional Expansion Rack: The optional rack enclosure supports rackmount installation and provides switching between up to four stereo speaker pairs.