The Masterpiece Analog Mastering System has evolved
from the concept by Billy Stull to the design by Mr. Rupert
Neve to successful use in Mastering facilities world wide.
Produced by Legendary Audio, the focus is on, and always has
been, providing the highest quality analog audio in innovative
configurations to process audio for enhancement, repair, or
creative reconstruction.
The only downside has been the high cost of the high quality
which has put the Masterpiece outside of the financial resources
of many potential end users.
Looking to have it both ways, Legendary Audio has incorporated
some innovative and cost efficient manufacturing procedures
which has not only lowered the cost, but actually boosted the
performance as well.
It started when, in 2006, the massive power supply was moved
to an external housing.
This took substantial heat out of the Masterpiece chassis and
lowered the already low noise levels on the Tape Texture and
Classic features. The overall noise level of the Masterpiece
improved substantially as well.
Even though there was additional cost of the power supply
housing, cabling etc. the selling price was reduced from $19,000
to $17,500. Not just a cost reduction, but an improvement in
performance!
Still looking for excellence and cost efficiencies, Legendary
Audio determined that with the displacement of the power supply,
and some attention to chassis airflow, the original cooling
fans and their related components were not required for most
operating environments. Removing the steel side panels of the
Modules created additional natural convection and saved the
cost (and weight) of these parts. And, of course, there is
no chance of any low-level sound of the fans.
The Masterpiece 2 was beginning to take shape.
Now with the sides of the Modules omitted and the circuits
exposed (similar to a typical recording console) it was deemed
more protective to not have the Modules so easily moved from
slot to slot with the handles and thumbscrew. So removing the
handles and replacing the thumbscrew with a recessed screw
saved even more cost as well as protecting the circuitry. The
modules can still be moved by releasing the set screw, but
not quite so easily and quickly as the original Masterpiece.
The Shielding Package (the steel module side panels) can be
ordered as an option if desired, but would also require the
Cooling Package (the fans and related components).
To accomplish the most flexibility and cost options, the Low
and High Pass Filter feature (on the Main Module) is now optional.
Many engineers have low and high pass filter options on their
digital or other analog equipment, so this is offered as an
option now on the Masterpiece 2
to keep from having to purchase this feature if not required.
All circuits and features are the same as the
Masterpiece and the outboard power supply is included. The
basic Masterpiece 2 has no fans, side panels on the modules,
handles, or active Low and High Pass Filter section. The cooling
fans and shielding, and the Low and High Pass Filter section
can be ordered as an option or added later for $900
each.
Pricing for the new Masterpiece
2 is $14,500.
For a limited time, orders for
the Masterpiece 2 will qualify for the choice of
the Low and High Pass filter section (a $900 value) or the
three day Mastering School at South Padre Island (also a $900
value) at no extra cost.
For any questions or order placement, contact billy@legendaryaudio.com
or call 512-289-3428
