The German online platform Amazona published great review of our Mastering M/S Processor SPL Gemini including various sound samples. The complete review (in German) is available online at Amazona. We have summarized and translated some of the highlights for you here on our blog.
“The SPL Gemini has a 19-inch wide housing with one height unit and an installation depth of 30 cm, and weighs an impressive 5 kg. Like all devices of the mastering series, the front panel is optionally available in black and silver, all-black or – like the test device – in red.”
“The manufacturing of the Gemini is extremely solid and all controls, which include seven individually colored illuminated push buttons and four pots, give a high-quality and long-lasting impression.”
“The SPL Gemini is an analog M/S processor that is used to encode and decode a mid-side signal. Its integrated send and return paths allow convenient and flexible integration of external hardware for M/S applications. In addition, Gemini offers some simple but extremely practical processing options for both channels, such as separate solo function, a balance & trim control for the center, or stereo widening and an elliptical filter for the side channel.”
120V technology:
“As part of SPL’s high-end Mastering series, Gemini is equipped with the well-established, proprietary 120V technology and, like all SPL devices, has been developed and manufactured in Germany.”
“In accordance with the principle ‘the highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage’, SPL designed the SUPRA OpAmps with a DC voltage of +/-60 volts. Standard operational amplifiers, which normally operate at +/-15 volts, would not be able to withstand this four times higher voltage.”
“SPL cites a higher dynamic range and lower noise and distortion as advantages of this technology.”
Operation:
“Operating the Gemini is extremely simple and largely self-explanatory, as the number of functions is quite straightforward. It masters its task as an M/S processor flawlessly; all you have to do is press the Active button on the far left of the front panel.”
Applications:
“Gemini should be especially exciting for users who already have a selection of compressors, equalizers and effects as hardware, as they can be integrated in a variety of ways via the separate inserts.”
“The most obvious example would be a stereo device with two channels for mid and side. However, any mono device can also be used for M/S processing – Gemini sets no limits to creativity and many users will get to know their devices in a completely new context.”
Sound:
“Very impressive is the superior sound of Gemini, which is already very convincing without the internal functions or the usage of inserts. Every signal immediately sounds more relaxed, detailed and transparent, just like with other SPL devices such as the IRON v2 or Crescendo duo, which also use 120V technology.”
Conclusion:
“The SPL Gemini is an outstanding M/S processor for analog studio setups. In addition to its function as a converter for mid-side signals, SPL has equipped it with flexible processing options for both channels. The volume controls, elliptical filter and stereo widening alone can significantly enhance a signal.”
“Thanks to its separate send and return paths, Gemini should be of special interest for owners of analog outboards, because all types of compressors, equalizers or effects – whether stereo or mono – can be used for M/S processing, which opens up enormous creative potential.”
“The sound of the Gemini, just like other SPL devices equipped with 120 volt technology, is extremely great and enhances any signal in a beautiful, subtle way.”