SPL Mercury All Black – Mastering D/A Converter with 120V Technology

The SPL Mercury All Black is the first mastering-grade D/A converter built with 120V technology, delivering unmatched clarity, dynamic range, and headroom. Designed for professional mastering engineers, producers, and high-fidelity enthusiasts, Mercury supports seven digital input sources and features fix and variable outputs, making it a state-of-the-art monitoring controller.

Key Features

• 120V Technology: Unparalleled dynamic range and signal integrity.
• Seven Digital Input Sources: USB, two coaxial, two optical, and two AES/EBU inputs (including Dual-Wire mode).
• High-Resolution DA Conversion: 32-bit, 768 kHz PCM and DSD256 playback.
• Professional Synchronization: Sync all inputs via Word Clock or embedded sync code.
• Selectable 0 dBFS Reference Levels: +14 dBu to +24 dBu calibration.
• Fix & Variable Outputs: Balanced analog stereo outputs for ultimate flexibility.
• SLP120 Super Low-Pass Filter: Ultra-clean signal path with 120V analog filtering.

Advanced Digital Input Section

Mercury offers seven digital stereo inputs, each with dedicated selection buttons for quick source switching. The detected sample rate is displayed in real-time.

• USB (Type B): 32-bit, up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD256 (DoP).
• Coaxial S/PDIF (x2): Supports up to 192 kHz.
• Optical S/PDIF (x2): Supports up to 192 kHz.
• AES/EBU (x2): Supports up to 192 kHz, with Dual-Wire (DW) mode on AES2.

Precision Synchronization

• Source Sync: Each input uses its embedded sync signal.
• External Sync: Sync to an external Word Clock for mastering precision.
• 0 dBFS Calibration: Hold the Sync button to select output reference levels: +14, +15, +16, +17, +18, +20, +22, +24 dBu.

Fix & Variable Outputs

Mercury provides two independent stereo analog outputs:

• Fix Out: Balanced XLR output, calibrated to the selected 0 dBFS reference level.
• Var Out: High-precision ALPS RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer controls output level for monitoring applications.

Premium 32-bit DA Conversion

At the core of Mercury is the DAC768v2, featuring:

• AKM AK4493 SEQ DAC: Latest-generation VELVETSOUND™ technology.
• Spartan-7 FPGA: Upgraded processing for superior accuracy.
• SLP120 Analog Low-Pass Filter: 120V technology for unmatched headroom and natural stereo imaging.

The Power of 120V Technology

The SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers provide:

• +/-60V internal voltage: Four times the headroom of standard DACs.
• Exceptionally low distortion: 0.000992% THD at 1 kHz.
• Massive dynamic range: 135 dB for the most delicate details.
• Fatigue-free listening: Relaxed, natural sound even at extreme transients.

Unmatched Audio Performance

Unlike standard DACs operating at +/-15V, Mercury’s 120V technology allows it to process input levels up to +32.5 dBu without distortion.

Built for Perfection

• 4mm Black Anodized Aluminum Front Panel: Elegant and durable.
• Solid Aluminum Knobs: Premium feel for precise adjustments.
• High-Quality Steel Chassis: Powder-coated for long-lasting durability.

Specifications

Analog Inputs & Outputs:

• Maximum Input & Output Gain: +32.5 dBu
• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 75 Ω
• Common Mode Rejection: -82 dBu
• Frequency Range (-3 dB): 4 Hz – 300 kHz
• Crosstalk (1 kHz): -108 dBu
• THD (0 dBu, 1 kHz): 0.000992%
• Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dBu
• Dynamic Range: 135 dB

Digital Inputs:

• AES/EBU (XLR): 44.1 – 192 kHz
• Coaxial S/PDIF (Cinch): 44.1 – 192 kHz
• Optical S/PDIF (TOSLINK): 44.1 – 192 kHz (up to 176.4/192 kHz with glass fiber)
• USB (B) PCM: 44.1 – 768 kHz
• USB (B) DSD: DSD64 – DSD256 (DoP)
• 0 dBFS Reference Calibration: 15 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 500 mA
• Fuse for 115V: T 1A
• Power Consumption: Max 40 VA
• Standby Power Consumption: < 0.3W

Dimensions & Weight:

• W x H x D: 482 x 44 x 300 mm (19 x 1.73 x 11.8 inches)
• Unit Weight: 4.55 kg (10 lbs)
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 kg (14.77 lbs)

The SPL Mercury All Black is the ultimate mastering-grade D/A converter, offering exceptional accuracy, pristine audio quality, and state-of-the-art conversion. Whether in a professional mastering studio or a high-end audiophile setup, Mercury ensures that every nuance of the music is faithfully reproduced.