MASTERING

Hermes

Mastering Router with dual Parallel Mix

Hermes revolutionizes mastering. Now it is possible to have an audio signal processed by up to eight 2-channel processors in any order that can be stored. At the push of a button you can compare up to four complex processing chains.

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Connect, route, store, compare

Hermes accelerates mastering workflows in an unprecedented achievable way. The time-consuming replugging of the patchbay alone had made true comparison almost impossible.

Now you can change, store and compare processing chains in seconds. All with real buttons, relays and without additional software.

Simply push the processor buttons A to H in the order in which the audio signal should pass through the processors and store it. 

All processors can be named for a better overview. The name always appears briefly in the display when an insert button is pressed.

“The Hermes is extremely versatile. I remember 10, 15 years ago, there was no way around working with an actual patchbay. Back in the days I tried to find gear with a mix knob, to do parallel compression, or to blend a little bit of saturation. With Hermes, we can now apply this concept to every piece of gear that we have on the mastering chain.”

“With Hermes, I can patch in and out devices in real time and change the order of the devices. Different signal chains are available at the touch of a button. In addition, it still offers me almost unlimited processing possibilities with two analog parallel mix stages, such as parallel compression.”

“This equipment has significantly changed the quality of my masters to a higher level.”

 

“I never found it so easy quick and intuitive to configure my analog signal flow. And that without touching any jacks or cables.”

“My actual configuration is now limitless regarding the routing possibilities.”

“In Hermes I really like the option of parallel processing. And the option to store and compare processing chains.”

Free routing of two parallel mix stages

Hermes has two parallel mix stages that can be freely assigned to each of the eight processors and stored with a processing chain.

This means that even two compressors with different parallel mix settings can be compared quickly and easily.

The routing is completely passive with gas-encapsulated and gold-plated high-end relays.

All active stages, such as the input/output stages and the parallel mix stages work in 120V technology.

Play Video
Hardware and M/S-Mastering: SPL Hermes + Gemini - Test/Review/Workshop/Tutorial (The Soundphile)
Play Video
First Look at the SPL Hermes – Video by Phable

Sends & Returns

The stereo channels are strictly separated on two boards to achieve the highest possible channel separation.

The inserts are connected with XLRs for the first four stereo processors and with DB25 for the second four stereo processors.

Play Video
This video leads you step by step through Hermes.
Play Video
This video introduces you to the entire mastering series.

The 120V technology

The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.
This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

The idea for SPL 120V technology and the SUPRA operational amplifier based on this technology were developed in the 1990s by SPL founder and chief developer Wolfgang Neumann.

With the goal of building the best mastering console ever, this basic technological philosophy then took shape for the first time – thus the SPL MMC1 Mastering Console for Galaxy Studios saw the light of day in 2000.

SPL MMC 1 in the “Galaxy Mastering Studios”
SPL MMC 1 in den “Wisseloord Studios”

The outstanding sonic and technical features quickly got around in the scene – so further orders were not long in coming.

Besides the MMC 1, another legendary product with 120V technology was created with the PQ, the “King of Parametric Equalizers”.

Since that time, 120V technology has been the foundation for all SPL premium products. Meanwhile, not only for mastering applications, but also for the, studio or hifi use.

SPL PQ – Modell 2050

What exactly is that?

And what does it do?

Good questions need good answers.

And that’s what the 120V technology video gives you.

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Comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device.
All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.

SPL devices with 120V technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.

These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the 120V technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.

Home is where the heart is

That’s why we manufacture all devices in our own production facility in Niederkrüchten on the Lower Rhine, Germany.

Videos

Play Video
Hardware- und M/S-Mastering: SPL Hermes + Gemini - Test/Review/Workshop/Tutorial (The Soundphile)​
Play Video
SPL Hermes – Overview Video
Play Video
SPL User Story: AUDIOMEISTEREI
Play Video
First Look at the SPL Hermes – Video by Phable​
Play Video
SPL Mastering Gear @ Studio DMI with Luca Pretolesi

Reviews

Studio Magazin
Bonedo

Button Inlays

Replacing fuses and voltage selection

The replacement of fuses and the switching of mains voltages must only be performed by qualified technicians. Fuses must only be replaced with fuses of the same type and specifications.

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Replacement of defective fuses for 115V
Play Video
Replacement of defective fuses for 230V
Play Video
Changing the mains voltage from 115V to 230V
Play Video
Changing the mains voltage from 230V to 115V

Specifications

Analog inputs & output; XLR & DB25 (balanced)

Maximum input & output gain
32.5 dBu
Input impedance
20
Output impedance
75 Ω
Frequency range (-3 dB)
4 Hz to 300 kHz
Common mode rejection
-75 dBu
Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0dBu)
-130 dBu
Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0dBu, P-Mix on)
-110 dBu
Noise (A-weighted)
-121 dBu
Noise (A-weighted, P-Mix on)
-104 dB

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

Operating voltage for analog audio
+/- 60 V
Operating voltage for relays and LEDs
+ 12 V

Mains Power Supply

Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber)
230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Fuse for 230 V
T 1 A
Fuse for 115 V
T 2 A
Power consumption
max. 40 VA

Dimensions & Weight

W x H x D (width x height x depth)
482 x 88 x 300 mm
19 x 13.46 x 11.8 inch
Unit weight
9 kg
19.84 lbs
Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
10.65 kg
23.48 lbs

Reference: 0 dBu = 0,775V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Manuals

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What does it actually mean …

In Stock!

The product is in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany, and will be shipped the same or next working day.

We process the orders after receipt of the order and update the stock in the online shop regularly. If the product is no longer available at short notice due to high order volume, you naturally have the right to withdraw from the purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).

In any case, you will receive an e-mail with details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.

Available soon!

The product is not in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany. Usually it will be available again within 5 working days.

In any case, you will receive an e-mail with the details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.

Of course you have the right to withdraw from your purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).

Currently unavailable.

This product is currently sold out and unavailable.

Was bedeutet eigentlich …

Auf Lager!

Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten vorrätig und wird noch am selben oder nächsten Werktag versendet.

Wir arbeiten die Bestellungen nach Bestelleingang ab und aktualisieren den Bestand im Online-Shop regelmäßig. Falls das Produkt wegen hohem Bestellaufkommens kurzfristig nicht mehr verfügbar ist, hast du selbstverständlich das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).

In jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.

Bald verfügbar!

Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten nicht vorrätig. Gewöhnlich ist es innerhalb von 5 Werktagen wieder verfügbar.

Auf jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.

Selbstverständlich hast du das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).

Zur Zeit nicht verfügbar.

Dieses Produkt ist derzeit ausverkauft und nicht verfügbar.

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