SPL Hermes All Black – Mastering Router with Dual Parallel Mix

The SPL Hermes All Black revolutionizes the mastering workflow, allowing seamless routing of up to eight stereo processors in any order—stored and recalled instantly. With dual parallel mix stages, engineers can compare different processing chains and dial in perfect parallel compression settings in seconds.

Key Features

• 120V Technology: Unmatched dynamic range, signal integrity, and headroom.
• 8 Stereo Inserts: Fully customizable signal routing for external processing.
• Real-Time Routing & Recall: Instantly compare processing chains without re-patching.
• Dual Parallel Mix Stages: Assign different processors to parallel mixes for A/B comparison.
• Fully Analog, Passive Routing: Gas-encapsulated, gold-plated relays ensure transparency.
• XLR & DB25 Connectivity: High-quality connections for maximum signal fidelity.
• Direct Integration with Hermes Mastering Router: Combine classic L/R processing with M/S mastering.
• Intuitive Labeling & Recall: Name processors, recall settings instantly.

Connect, Route, Store, Compare

Hermes eliminates the tedious re-patching of mastering processors, allowing you to:

• Route and store up to four different processing chains.
• Compare chains at the push of a button.
• Apply parallel processing freely across multiple devices.
• Instantly recall complex configurations.

The processor buttons A to H define the signal flow. Each processor can be assigned a name, which appears on the display when selected.

Dual Parallel Mix Processing

The dual parallel mix feature allows two different processors (e.g., compressors) to have distinct parallel processing settings and be instantly compared.

• Compare parallel compression settings on different compressors.
• Fine-tune the mix balance for optimal transparency.
• Switch between parallel and standard signal chains in real-time.

Sends & Returns

For optimal stereo separation, Hermes employs two separate circuit boards, one for each channel.

• The first four stereo processors use XLR connectors.
• The remaining four use DB25 connectors, ideal for multi-channel ADC integration.

Seamless Integration with Gemini & Hermes Mastering Router

The Hermes Mastering Router allows M/S processing alongside standard stereo processing. It integrates directly with the Gemini M/S Processor for advanced stereo field manipulation.

By routing M/S encoded signals through separate processing chains, engineers can precisely shape the stereo image and then decode it back to L/R.

The 120V Technology – Unparalleled Audio Performance

SPL’s 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers provide the highest possible signal integrity:

• +/-60V internal voltage: Four times higher than standard mastering routers.
• Extremely low noise: -121 dBu ensures absolute signal purity.
• Wide frequency response: 4 Hz – 300 kHz for detailed reproduction.
• High common mode rejection: Eliminates unwanted noise and interference.
• 12 dB additional headroom: Ensures distortion-free audio, even with high input levels.

Specifications

Analog Inputs & Outputs:

• Maximum Input & Output Gain: +32.5 dBu
• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency Range (-3 dB): 4 Hz – 300 kHz
• Common Mode Rejection: -75 dBu
• Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0 dBu): -130 dBu
• Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0 dBu, P-Mix on): -110 dBu
• Noise (A-weighted): -121 dBu
• Noise (A-weighted, P-Mix on): -104 dBu

Internal Linear Power Supply:

• Operating Voltage for Analog Audio: +/- 60V
• Operating Voltage for Relays & LEDs: +12V

Mains Power Supply:

• Mains Voltage (Selectable): 230V AC / 50Hz; 115V AC / 60Hz
• Fuse for 230V: T 1A
• Fuse for 115V: T 2A
• Power Consumption: Max 40 VA

Dimensions & Weight:

• W x H x D: 482 x 88 x 300 mm (19 x 13.46 x 11.8 inches)
• Unit Weight: 9 kg (19.84 lbs)
• Shipping Weight: 10.65 kg (23.48 lbs)

The SPL Hermes All Black redefines the mastering workflow, making routing, recall, and parallel processing more efficient than ever. Designed for professional mastering engineers, it ensures the highest-quality signal flow with effortless control over complex processing chains.