Budapest-based Gainlab Audio had a pair of new releases on display at this year’s NAMM Show. The first was an all-valve saturation unit that we’ve already covered in SOS News, while the second offers the company’s take on a high-end monitor controller. Like many devices of its kind, The Lieutenant combines a rackmounted switcher with a desktop remote, but as well as taking care of source and destination switching, headphone amplification and talkback, it also boasts a built-in power sequencer!
Monitor Control
The Lieutenant offers switching between four input sources — two balanced line-level analogue, digital S/PDIF and Bluetooth — and is capable of routing them to three balanced line-level outputs. The main level control is handled by a relay-based system, and the unit offers both automatic and manual level trims for each output to maintain a consistent playback level when switching between different sets of speakers.
There are two headphone outputs, one of which can be assigned a dedicated cue mix, and the unit is also equipped with a built-in talkback mic. As for monitoring functions, the controller offers dim, mono and mute functions, along with a Focus section that makes it possible to audition a band-limited (high-frequency, midrange or low-frequency) version of the active input signal.
Power Sequencer
Interestingly, along with its array of monitor control functions, The Lieutenant features an onboard power sequencer. Its mains input is joined by three power outputs that can be used to feed additional gear in the user’s studio, with a trio of top-panel switches allowing the gear to powered on manually or automatically. As such, it’s possible to configure the controller to power a studio setup up or down in a particular sequence, making sure monitors are the last thing to power up and first to power down in order to avoid clicks and pops as other equipment fires up, for example.
Pricing & Availability
The Lieutenant is available to pre-order now, priced at $2750£2599 including VAT.
gainlabaudio.com/lieutenant-monitor-controller-studio-command-station