Coleman M3PH vs. SPL MTC 2381

[bdunard]

Ok, I found a thread on this earlier but I don't think anyone actually ever tried both. I am going to purchase one this week and would like to know the pros and cons...especially if you have heard both. Thanks!

[DAWgEAR]

I own the M3PH II and I am very happy with it. I have no experience with the SPL MTC 2381.

Pros of the M3PH II: passive signal path (excluding the headphone amp which is not passive), VERY accurate STEPPED attenuation knob for precise repositioning and recall, mono, phsase, and independent L/R mute buttons. Plus excellent customer service. Built like a tank. Rackmountable.

Cons: no talkback. (This is not important for my needs, YMMV).

In quickly looking at the SPL unit's specsat SPL's web site, I see no mention of a passive signal path nor of a stepped attenuator. You might want to verify. For me these absences would be unacceptable. Also, I see a mono button, but no phase and L/R mute buttons. As I said, I quickly glanced at the site and I may have missed something (please correct me if I'm wrong!), but I would research these issues if they are important to you.

In it's favor, the SPL does have talkback.

Good luck.

[doorknocker]

What about the Coleman M3A MkII? Might be a slightly cheaper alternative with basically the same features as the M3PH II, except that it's fully passive, I believe.

Any drawbacks with the M3A?

[bdunard]

They headphone amp would be pretty important factor for me. I don't really know how to compare them but I wonder if both put the same quality headphone amps into the units.

[Ben Walters]

The 2381 does have a stepped attenuator, and while it is not passive it is fully discrete and very transparent sounding.

[bdunard]

What is the MKII difference in the Coleman?

[Rep]

I have been wanting one of these real bad since I had a chance to get a hold of one.

the SPL Controller MTC 2381 combines volume level control, source switching, and head phone...ect.
... really cool looking package sitting on the desk top...

http://www.vintageking.com/s.nl/sc.1...t.A/id.1485/.f

[Rep]

Originally Posted by Ben Walters

The 2381 does have a stepped attenuator, and while it is not passive it is fully discrete and very transparent sounding.

I think you are right that although it is not fully passive, it is very transparent

For MAX ATTENUATION No distortion performance,
That does NOT put A POT. at the attenuation
...nothing beats A Balanced Stereo Stepped Attenuator.....

http://www.goldpt.com/vcb_sa2x.html

[samara]

Aside from some cosmetic differences, the M3PH MKII has a green faceplate and aluminum knobs, Glenn added a phase reverse switch. Other than that, everything is the same (mono sum, left and right mutes, etc...).

The TB4MKII provides similar monitor switching and volume control functionality with a talkback mic, cue send and headphone output.

Hope this helps,

Samara

[yeloocproducer]

Maybe this is the wrong place to post but I couldn't resist since the classifieds are down. I have a Coleman MP3H with a little bit of the silkscreening worn off the front panel (not too bad tho) for $450 plus shipping. It's built like a tank, I've never had any problems with it and have mastered many records through it. The only reason I'm selling it is b/c my Cranesong Avocet arrives this week, which is about 5 times the price of this unit. Sorry about the shameless plug. PM me if interested.

[signalflow]

The TB4MKII provides similar monitor switching and volume control functionality with a talkback mic, cue send and headphone output.

[howard]

Nice piece above! Email Coleman, very helpful and knowledgeable.

[Jonathan Starr]

The Coleman website mentions that the third output channel on the M3PHMKII is switchable between fixed and attenuated output. One of the reviews on the site of an older model mentions this fact as well.

Is there an internal switch or jumper for this, cause I don't see anything on the outside to accomplish this. I want to use one output to drive meters.

[Jeff16years]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Starr

The Coleman website mentions that the third output channel on the M3PHMKII is switchable between fixed and attenuated output. One of the reviews on the site of an older model mentions this fact as well.

Is there an internal switch or jumper for this, cause I don't see anything on the outside to accomplish this. I want to use one output to drive meters.

i have an older one but i have never done this or been inside the unit.

I read somewhere that there is a internal dipswitch that makes out put #3 constantly active to drive meters.

hope this is helpful..

btw i love mine.

[headz]

Originally Posted by Rep

I think you are right that although it is not fully passive, it is very transparent

For MAX ATTENUATION No distortion performance,
That does NOT put A POT. at the attenuation
...nothing beats A Balanced Stereo Stepped Attenuator.....

http://www.goldpt.com/vcb_sa2x.html

rep, this one looks ver good - but quite expensive.

many other devices out on the street use ALPS attentuators which are OK but not top end class, so if you know a good tech guy who could build a DIY version with some 'high end' non stepped attentuator (about 30-80dollars), some high grade silver cables plus neutrik 'gold' XLRs (together about 30 dollars) plus a metal housing and nice knob (20-30 dollars) your set just a bit below this top device..

currenty sort out to go this way with some features added...