TEST: Lake People MC 100

 The Lake People company from Konstanz on Lake Constance has enjoyed a very good reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of headphone amplifiers for many years. The integration of the regional value chain plus a consistent “Made in Germany” also ensures a good feeling when it comes to job security. Like any successful company, Lake People do not rest on the laurels they have already achieved, but are always striving to expand their portfolio. The manufacturer recently scored points with the microphone preamp category and now with the introduction of two monitor controllers. We have the “smaller” version of the two monitor controllers, the Lake People MC 100, for testing, which, unlike the €500 more expensive MC 100 Pro, does not have a 256-fold relay volume control. All other elements of the two variants are identical.

The construction of the Lake People MC 100

Anyone who takes just a quick look at the product in combination with the retail price of €1,799 will immediately see which customer group the Lake People MC 100 was designed for. The possibility of five different input sources in combination with 3 different monitor systems plus a separate subwoofer output shows that this is a real pro device.

The massive housing with dimensions (W x H x D) 290 mm x 90 mm x 254 mm and a weight of 3.4 kg is perfectly crafted and leaves a very durable impression. Interestingly, Lake People cannot deny its connection to the hi-fi sector, as the Lake People MC 100 rests on four feet, which are also often used in the same segment. Unfortunately, the Lake People MC 100 only has an external power supply, which brings with it the usual problem of placement. To be honest, I would have liked a power socket in this price range.

Except for the 3.5 mm stereo jack input, which is located on the front of the housing and will probably be used primarily in mobile devices, all other inputs are located on the back of the housing. Two XLR stereo pairs labeled IN1/IN2, as well as the unbalanced stereo inputs IN3, which is available as an RCA pair on the back, form the analog input section of the controller, with the two unbalanced inputs switching from -10 dBV to + 4 dBu let. A USB-C socket is used as the digital input, with the internal D/A converter allowing a resolution of up to 384 kHz / 32 bit (PCM) and DSD 256.

In the output area, the Lake People MC 100 uses three balanced stereo outputs plus an additional sub out, all of which are in XLR. A three-stage switch can be used to switch the output signal between 0, -6 and -12 dB. In addition, the Lake People MC 100 has two stereo outputs called Slave Out 1 and Slave Out 2, which allow the connection of additional peripherals in the form of, for example, analyzers or external headphone amplifiers, which can be operated independently of the output volume.

When it comes to headphone operation, Lake People has opened up to a new segment, the so-called crossfeed technology, which has been used for many years in SPL's top products. The effect is a more natural reproduction when using headphones, as occurs when using monitors due to the inclusion of the runtime differences. In addition to a separate headphone volume control, Lake People has installed a continuous X-Feed control with which the effect can be mixed continuously. The Lake People MC 100 offers a 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm stereo jack output, which can also be used at the same time if necessary. Both headphone operation and the crossfeed function can be switched using a pressure switch.

If you want to use several pairs of speakers at the same time, for example to send the signal in parallel to another room, this is also no problem. You simply hold down an output pressure switch while you switch on the desired second pair. This configuration is saved even after the device is switched off. In addition, the Lake People MC 100 has one of the most important functions of a monitor controller, such as solo switching of the respective L/R channels, an L/R swap, a phase reversal of the left channel, a mute function for the rear outputs, a DIM switch of -20 dB and a mono switch. All functions are displayed in their status with their own LED.

All controls and switches on the Lake People MC 100 are of the highest quality and should ensure a long service life. The visual concept is coherent and the feel is high quality. A 41-position Alps RK27 was used as the master volume control, which, as expected, attracts attention with a diameter of 5 cm. The controller runs smoothly and immediately conveys a high-quality feeling, which is what you would expect in this price range.

The Lake People MC 100 in practice

When you set up the Lake People MC 100 in your studio for the first time, the product immediately exudes a certain “grandeur”. Due to the weight in combination with the high-quality rubber feet, the product does not move if you accidentally push the device or if you boldly press the buttons. The practical test was carried out using Eve Audio SC408, Eve Audio SC204 with subwoofer TS 107 and two Fame near-field monitors. All cabling was done using Cordial cables.

The readability of the individual settings is a point that is very important to me personally in the studio. Either you're fighting against atmospheric, but occasionally dim lighting or, as in my case, with some direct sunlight in the studio due to the beautiful, large south-facing windows. The status LEDs on the pressure switches are extremely helpful here, as they directly and immediately display the switching status. The white markings and fonts on the black front panel also do their job very well and offer good legibility even in poor lighting conditions.

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Lake People MC 100 meets the highest demands in every respect. The signal is never colored, always remains transparent and is completely free of all kinds of background noise, such as switching noises or mains hum. Even at high level settings, the Lake People MC 100 does not create noise and remains absolutely noise-free over the entire control range.

As expected, the headphone amplifier area, Lake People's flagship discipline, also offers absolute top values. The amplifier has a very high headroom, so that there was never any saturation or even distortion, even at high volumes. The headphone area should in fact be seen as a separate, additional bonus area and in no way a bonus to a monitor controller. This fact also puts the ambitious retail price into perspective, as in addition to the controller section you also get a professional headphone amplifier.

Of course, I was also excited about the crossfeed function, as an SPL Phonitor Mini has been in use in my studio for years and has already served me very well with the internal matrix. In fact, Lake People starts at the same point in signal processing, although the effect is a little more subtle, but without any tonal changes. The extent to which one appreciates or condemns the unnatural reproduction of the extreme stereo setup of a headphone is up to each user, but with the crossfeed function you have an unpretentious option to shift the listening experience in the direction of monitor reproduction in just a few simple steps. This applies to both the professional and consumer sectors, where you can use the Lake People MC 100 as a high-end headphone amplifier and shift your listening experience more towards a concert hall.

Conclusion

With the Lake People MC 100, the German company has a monitor controller that is outstanding in every respect in its portfolio. Workmanship, audiophile properties, concept and flexibility allow the “Made In Germany” trademark to shine in the best light and offer the user craftsmanship at the highest level.

In addition to the very good controller properties, the product also offers an excellent headphone amplifier, which, thanks to the crossfeed function, offers a practical, first-class feature that, as far as I know, has only been offered by SPL in the Phonitor series.

An armada of excellent detailed solutions and top-class technology are only offset by the use of an external power supply and the very closely spaced headphone jacks, but this is not enough to really detract from the product.

All in all an outstanding product, which e.g. Currently one of the best that is available in this product category. The product is here to stay and is guaranteed to establish itself as a classic of this genre in the medium term.

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Additional Informations:

Introduction:
In the landscape of professional audio equipment, Lake People Audio stands as a beacon of craftsmanship, precision, and sonic excellence. Founded on a commitment to uncompromising quality and meticulous attention to detail, Lake People has earned a sterling reputation among audiophiles, recording engineers, and music enthusiasts worldwide. As we embark on a journey through the rich history of Lake People Audio, we uncover the story of a company driven by a passion for audio perfection and a relentless pursuit of sonic fidelity.

Founding Vision:
The origins of Lake People Audio can be traced back to the late 1980s when Fried Reim and his team embarked on a mission to create audio equipment that would meet the demanding standards of professional recording studios and audiophiles alike. Drawing upon their expertise in electrical engineering and a deep appreciation for high-fidelity sound reproduction, Reim and his colleagues set out to design and manufacture audio products that would elevate the listening experience to new heights of clarity and purity.

Early Innovations:
In the early years of Lake People Audio, the company focused on developing high-quality headphone amplifiers and headphone distribution systems, catering to the needs of recording studios, broadcast facilities, and critical listening environments. One of Lake People's early breakthroughs was the introduction of the G109P headphone amplifier, renowned for its transparent sound, low noise floor, and exceptional dynamic range. This pioneering amplifier quickly gained a reputation for delivering studio-quality sound reproduction, making it a staple in professional audio workflows.

Expansion and Diversification:
As Lake People Audio gained traction in the professional audio market, the company expanded its product lineup to include a broader range of audio equipment, including preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Each product was meticulously engineered and handcrafted in Lake People's facilities in Germany, ensuring unparalleled build quality and sonic performance. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation attracted a loyal following of audio enthusiasts and industry professionals who sought out Lake People products for their reliability, transparency, and sonic purity.

Partnerships and Collaborations:
Over the years, Lake People Audio has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading audio companies and professionals, further enhancing its reputation as a trusted name in the industry. Collaborations with renowned mastering engineers, recording studios, and artists have provided invaluable feedback and insights that have helped shape the development of Lake People's products, ensuring that they meet the exacting standards of audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. These partnerships have also allowed Lake People to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in audio engineering, incorporating the latest innovations into its product designs to deliver cutting-edge performance and reliability.

Global Recognition and Acclaim:
As Lake People Audio continued to expand its presence in the global audio market, the company garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for its commitment to excellence and innovation. Lake People products have earned numerous awards and accolades from industry publications and organizations, cementing the company's reputation as a leader in professional audio technology. Whether used in recording studios, broadcast facilities, or audiophile listening rooms, Lake People equipment is synonymous with uncompromising quality, precision engineering, and pristine sound reproduction.

Continued Evolution and Excellence:
As we look to the future, Lake People Audio remains dedicated to its founding principles of precision, passion, and sonic excellence. The company continues to push the boundaries of audio technology, exploring new avenues for innovation and refinement in pursuit of the perfect sound. With each new product release, Lake People reaffirms its commitment to providing audio professionals and enthusiasts with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of their music and audio productions. As the company's journey unfolds, one thing remains certain: Lake People Audio will continue to set the standard for uncompromising quality and sonic purity in the world of professional audio.