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Studio & Recording > Preamps > Channel Strips > Focusrite Liquid Channel

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Focusrite Liquid Channel

Item ID: LiquidChannel

Professional Channel Strip with Advanced Convolution of Classic Microphone Preamplifiers and Vintage Compressors

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From Our Research Team:

40 Classic Mic Pres and 40 Vintage Compressors!

The Focusrite Liquid Channel is a revolutionary professional channel strip that can precisely replicate virtually any classic mic-pre and compressor ever made! Combining radical new analog pre-amp technology with special Dynamic Convolution techniques, the Liquid Channel fuses cutting-edge analog design with lightning fast SHARC DSP. Augmented by fully digital controls and optional remote software, The Liquid Channel provides the ultimate fluid vintage collection.



Focusrite Liquid Channel at a Glance:
  • Replicates behavior of vintage units for authentic sound
  • True analog preamp stages with both transformer and electronic impedance matching
  • Special harmonic distortion control lets you match your favorite preamp
  • Digital processing with 192kHz sample rate ability
  • Expansion and remote control options

Liquid technology for accurate sound replication
Rather than creating a similar sound to vintage units, as with modelling devices, The Liquid Channel precisely replicates their sonic behavior. 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 replication.

Liquid pre-amplification
Mic-pre replication 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 replicated.

Not all vintage units are born equal
Second order harmonic distortion is a beneficial artifact of analog 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 - analog and digital
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; 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 replicated 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 replicas and program memories, and permits downloads of additional classic units. So, the Liquid Channel is infinitely expandable.


Focusrite Liquid Channel Features:
  • Digital convertor with 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz sample rates
  • 24-bit resolution
  • 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio measured with 20 Hz/22 kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  • Frequency response +/-0.05 dB between 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Maximum input level +22 dBu
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise 0.00035% (-109 dB)
  • Dynamic range 116 dB measured with 20 Hz/22 kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  • Extremely low jitter - internal clock: <20 pico-seconds, AES digital output: <200 pico-seconds, external clock: <1 nano-second
  • Mic preamps with gain range +6 dB to +80 dB, switched in 1 dB steps
  • Frequency response is variable, set by pre-amp chosen
  • Mic noise: EIN = -126 dB measured at 80 dB of gain with 150 ? source impedance and 20 Hz/22 kHz bandpass filter
  • Noise at analog out: -92 dBu measured at +6 dB gain with 20 Hz/22 kHz bandpass
  • A-weighted filter
  • Noise at AES digital out: -119 dBfs measured at + 6dB gain with 20 Hz/22 kHz bandpass A-weighted filter
  • Maximum input level: +16 dBu
  • Line input with gain range -10 dB to +10 dB, switched in 1 dB steps
  • High pass filter with roll off frequency switchable between 75 Hz and 120 Hz, frequency measured at -6 dB down point, 12 dB per octave roll-off
  • Harmonics with controllable 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 replicated. In "Free" mode the parameter ranges are: Threshold range: -40 db to 20 dB switched in 1 dB steps; Ratio range: 1:1 to limit; Attack range: 0.1 mS to 2.5 S; Release range: 0.1 mS to 2.5 S
  • Make-up gain: -20 dB to +20 dB switched in 0.5dB steps
  • High Shelf, Mid Band and Low Shelf EQ

The Focusrite Liquid Channel is a new classic! Call your Sales Engineer for information today!

Liquid Channel Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Preamp Type Solid State
Number of Channels 1
Frequency Response 20Hz-22kHz
Phantom Power Yes
EQ Yes
Compressor Yes
Other Processing Yes
Analog Inputs 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR
Digital Inputs 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x S/PDIF (Coax)
Digital Outputs 1 x AES/EBU (XLR), 1 x S/PDIF (Coax)
Other I/O 1 x Word Clock In (BNC), 1 x Word Clock Out (BNC)
Computer Connectivity 1 x USB
Rackmount Spaces 2U
Height 3.5"
Depth 10.6"
Width 19"
Weight 19 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number THE LIQUID CHANNEL

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Reviews

based on 7 reviews

Why I love it

by DB from Midwest
July 19, 2011
Music Background: Pro Musician
I have only had my Liquid Channel for a few weeks, but here's why I love it so far

Very simply, as a musician who has played with Grammy artists BUT only possesses very intermediate-lev... read more [+]el engineering skills in my own project studio, this unit serves me perfectly. Here's why...

1. While I love my actual Avalon 737, the Liquid Channel instantly gives me a huge range of preamp/compr models to mix and match w/o the enormous outlay of $$$
2. The "Session Saver" button is just what I have wished for. I have screwed up perfectly good vocal takes in the past (while recording myself) by clipping. This feature will reduce your gain (not compress) if it sees clipping (or possibly potential clipping - I have to review manual). Truly a session saver
3. The settings are recallable if saved. I have already labeled various settings as "YadaYadaSong Verse" and so on. I can do back a month later and have the same settings if needed. LOVE this!

As for whether this thing truly has a billion perfectly convoluted models of great hardware preamps is beside the point for me. These other features are perfect for my situation close [-]

It's Focusrite!!

by Elswee L. Vazquez from Ponce PR
March 9, 2011
Music Background: G-SON'S Studio Owner, working hard to become a great producer!!
Great performance, very flexible and versatile unit. Instead of pay what if worth for only one comp of it's type, pay it for 40 of them plus the ones that can be download for the Focusrite website. If... read more [+] you have the $$ buy it!!! Another recommendation from my sales engineer!! Andrew!! close [-]

Focusrite has got it right...

by David Lloyd Merrill from Miami
April 18, 2007
Music Background: Pro Musician
Forget about the fact that this unit models so many of the classics (40 of 'em!). Forget that you get the warmth of tubes and/or the precision of transistors. Forget the hype if you must (tho this u... read more [+]nit has earned it). This unit is worth every dollar you spend solely due to the rich pallet of sound you can use, modify, or flat-out create. It's about the music, campers -- and the creativity you glean from this is worth much more than what you pay... close [-]

Good Versatility

by Matt from Georgia
September 30, 2006
Music Background: Recording Engineer / Mastering Engineer
Strip off all of the bells and whistles and digital convulution technology and that's where I start my review. The analog circuitry of the preamp is great. It's clean - the noise floor is so low it's... read more [+] unbelievable. It has a fantastic dynamic range. Add in the bells and whistles and this is a very versatile piece of equipment. I don't care if it doesn't sound exactly like some other piece of analog gear (but i'll bet that most engineers would be fooled in a blind shootout) - what this offers is an endless palette of options for recording and mixing. I'm not really fond of the EQ - i'd rather do that in my DAW, but the rest of the unit is really top notch. In addition to tracking, i use the line input to access the compressors for mixing. Best preamp i've ever heard - no, but dang good, and the most versatile one i've EVER used. It's worth the money. close [-]

inSync Review

by: Sean Wooldridge
The Focusrite Liquid Channel is a single channel modeling microphone preamp, compressor, and EQ. By themselves, these may not seem like much to write home about (or justify a $3000 price tag). But the... read more
Read more reviews

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See Also: Focusrite , Focusrite Channel Strips

Focusrite Liquid Channel

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