Catena Mark II deeply improves the concept of our big Catena device.
Now TWO (!) stereo channels, with total multi-band dynamics.
A lot easier to use than to describe, Catena Mark II splits the incoming stereo signal in four bands, with selectable crossover frequencies. Each band is available on its dedicated hardware send-return connection.
Each band also includes dedicated dynamics, so that Catena is a four bands stereo multi-band compressor, limiter and expander (times two stereo channels!).
Everything with an included Mid/Side encoder/decoder (do all above on Mid and Side) and total side-chaining (e.g. band2 from channel 1 ducks band 3 on channel 2, etc. etc.).
- 100% analog audio path.
- Hardware signal splitting-recombining for separate processing of frequency bands through hardware chains.
- Two stereo channels (L-R, L-R)
- Balanced inputs/outputs and sends/returns.
- Multi-band compression, limiting, expanding.
- Inter-band, inter-track ducking.
- Mid/Side.
- Total recall.
- External editor (for metering, presets, templates, etc.)
- 3 rack units.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
(Additional questions: please write to sales@sknoteaudio.com)
Q.: How to buy one unit?
A.: Write to sales@sknoteaudio.com, specifying the number of units you need. Price tag is 2.500 USD/Euro each (VAT, taxes, shipment to be computed separately), with special price for multiple units.
Q.: Do I need its software to use this?
A.: NO! Just switch it on and use it and use it like with Mark I. You CAN use the provided editor, though, for new level of integration with the DAW.
Q.: I’m a bit concerned about how you could stuff so much inside a unit, while setting this price tag.
A.: No black magic. It is all about clever (if we may) design, using modern concepts while keeping the audio path untouched and totally analog. Same (or improved) quality, lots more stuff.
Q.: Why double stereo channel instead of just making it cheaper (one channel)?
A.: Two channels at once let us link frequency bands between channels. So, for example, Mid band from channel one can control compression on mid band on channel two.
Q.: Anything that is left out of the “Total Recall”?
A.: No!
Q.: Where are the Mid/Side encoding/decoding matrices located on the audio path?
A.: When engaged, stereo input is immediately converted into Mid/Side. Final output is converted back into Left/Right.
Q.: Can I mix processed signal with any level of dry (un-processed) signal?
A.: Yes. Note that Dry-mixing is performed per-band, to prevent phase artefacts coming by mixing frequency-split signal with the original.
Q.: What do you mean when you say that it is dynamic, now?
A.: Each band is a Compressor/Limiter/Expander. Action can happen internally, on the bands, so using it as a multi-band compressor. Can be performed on the split frequency bands, instead, so working like a multi-band compressor with an hardware chain on each band.
Q.: Can be used as an hardware EQ?
A.: Yes, of course. Note, though, that the bands are split, not freely assigned like with a parametric equaliser. They are defined in terms of crossover frequencies and bands’ gains.
Q.: Do you offer custom “mastering” version (limited parameter ranges -| higher sensitivity).
A.: Yes. Just send an email to discuss.
Catena Mark II is available now with a price tag of 2.499 USD/Euro.
sales@sknoteaudio.com for info and ordering.
Units are powder-coated steel and anodised aluminium.
Sizes: 3RU (rack units) * 24 cm deep.
Case: steel (powder-coated) and anodised aluminium.
Mains: universal.
Inputs: 2 x stereo, electronically balanced.
Internal routing: each input to Mid/Side encoder, frequency splitting (four bands), mix with dry band, send, return, re-combining, Mid/Side decoder.
Outputs: 8 x stereo frequency bands, 2 x stereo, electronically balanced.
VCAs: Blackmer.
Input dynamics: 24dBu.
Output dynamics: 26 dBu.
Effects: Gain, Dynamic Gain (with threshold, attack and release times, compression, limiting, expanding) and Dry-mix on each frequency band.
Special features: Inter-channel, inter-band full connectivity (e.g. one band from channel 1 controls another band on channel 2).
Controls: 8 pots, 13 switches.
Metering/Display: 10 bi-color LEDs (level metering) (replicated in realtime on the external editor, with additional metering detail).
Interface to DAW: USB/MIDI standard (Mackie).
Interface to editor: USB host.
D-sub standard: Tascam.