DN50 — Dual-Channel Spring Reverberation System

The DN50 is a two-channel spring reverb introduced by Klark Teknik in the mid-1970s, just before the digital reverb revolution rendered most spring units obsolete. It survives in studio inventories for one reason: the dense, complex, non-digital tail of a six-spring tank cannot be emulated convincingly by any contemporary digital algorithm, and engineers periodically return to spring reverb for sources that demand its specific character.

Reverb Architecture

Each of the two independent channels drives a six-spring tank, vibrating and resonating with the input signal to produce the complex modal density characteristic of spring reverberation. The two channels can be used as a true stereo pair or as two independent mono effects sends.

Front-Panel Control

Each channel provides input and output trim controls, a dry/wet mixer to set the reverb-to-direct balance, and a two-band shelving EQ for shaping the reverb tail tonally. XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs allow integration with mixing console aux sends or insert points.

Application

Vintage studio applications on snare, vocals, guitar and electromechanical keyboards where the specific character of a Klark Teknik spring tank is the desired effect. Also a favourite in dub and experimental electronic production for the percussive "clang" of the springs themselves.

Specification Highlights

• Two independent channels, six-spring tank per channel
• Input and output trims per channel
• Dry/wet mix control per channel
• Two-band shelving EQ per channel
• XLR and 1/4" I/O
• Manufactured in England