I didn't realize the Cuthbert or Schlockwood also could push 125% peaks like the 222, those are pretty compelling options for streamlining the system. Curious how expensive the new model will be, I also assume it's going to be pricier than other alternatives.
I don't know if the Culbert has 125% peak capability, I suspect it doesn't since I never heard that claim, but it does have multi frequency processing which I consider a must, as it does seem to make a noticeable difference in my experience.. not that I consider myself particularly knowledgeable in such matters.
Oh! Mark already said that, I missed that
@richpowers I use a Focusrite solo (gen 4, I think?). It's plug and play and gives me everything I need (balanced stereo out, phantom power for mic, headphone monitoring) in a tiny package that runs on USB power. Very affordable for how flexible it is, and Focusrite has a lot of options if you need more input or output.
For some reason I thought those were in the $50 range.. I must have been looking at something else, Those Focusrites are generally over $100 for most versions, however on their site they're currently selling refurbished generation 3 models for $79 with free shipping: https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo-3rd-gen-refurbished
And Aliexpress has the same one new-old-stock (the Gen 3 models came out in 2019) for.. get this.. $13 with $26 shipping
It says: NOTE: For the cheaper option, we remove the retail box to save shipping cost, the products in the no-package option are also 100% original, and we we will also pack it well with carton box to protect it welcome to place order.
Oh, in Dave Richards (Rugster here) very indepth review of the Schlockwood he closes by talking about the Inovonics 222 in comparison: https://aa7ee.wordpress.com/2018/03/13/the-sw200-a-budget-am-broadcast-processor-for-lpam-and-hams-too/
".... One more thought before I wrap up this post and hit the “Publish” button. For many, the natural companion to the Rangemaster has been the Inovonics 222. The Rangemaster documentation has a description and diagram detailing how to connect them. The 222’s main functions were as an NRSC compliance processor, providing audio filtering to keep licensed stations strictly within the 10KHz FCC limit, as well as support for asymmetrical modulation, and peak limiting.
There was a certain amount of dynamics compression inherent in the design, such that some users found it was all they needed in front of their transmitter. Others added the AGC action of an Aphex Compellor and were also happy. On using the SW200, the one thought that keeps popping into my head is that if the 222 was a good companion to the Rangemaster, then the SW200 is the perfect electronic pal, representing as it does, a complete broadcast audio processing chain.
The 222 is no longer manufactured, but the price of the SW200 is significantly less than that of the 222 when it was available new. You can still find used 222’s for less than the price of a new SW200, but the likelihood is that it will have been in constant service for many years, and close to needing new electrolytics (if not already needing them), and perhaps some other servicing. Conversely, the SW200 is brand spanking new and ready to go.
The one area where the 222 is potentially superior to the SW200, apart from it’s physical ruggedness, is the tight filtering. Licensed broadcasters will find that a compliance processor designed specifically for them, such as the 222, will allow their on-air signal to have as much high-frequency response as possible within the limits of the law. The 5KHz cut-off filter option in the SW200 will keep licensed operations within the law, but at the expense of a few of the higher frequencies. Once again, if you’re a Part 15’er, this isn’t a consideration, as you’ll be using the wider default filter on the SW200 anyway.
I guess what I was trying to say in the previous paragraph is that, like the well-known song, in my opinion, the SW200 and the Rangemaster go together like a horse and carriage, or love and marriage. They are the perfect intrepid Part 15 AM broadcasting duo."