Product details

The SPL Audio Hermes is a professional analog mastering router designed to streamline complex mastering signal chains and enable instant A/B comparisons between different processing configurations. It allows engineers to route audio through up to eight stereo processors in any desired order, store custom signal paths, and compare up to four processing chains without manually repatching equipment. Featuring two assignable parallel mix stages, passive relay-based routing, and SPL’s proprietary 120V technology in its active circuitry, Hermes offers precise workflow control and high-headroom analog signal handling for professional mastering studios.

Key Features

Eight Stereo Processor Inserts: Connect and route up to eight two-channel processors, including equalizers, compressors, limiters, and other mastering hardware.
Flexible Signal-Chain Routing: Arrange processors in any order using dedicated front-panel controls, allowing rapid experimentation with different mastering sequences.
Preset Storage and Recall: Save complex routing configurations and switch between stored processing chains at the press of a button.
Four-Chain Comparison: Store and compare up to four different mastering signal paths for efficient evaluation of tonal balance, dynamics, and overall sound.
Dual Parallel Mix Stages: Two integrated parallel mixing sections can be assigned to any of the eight processors, enabling parallel compression and other blended-processing techniques.
Parallel Mix Level Compensation: Dedicated ratio and gain controls help balance the processed and unprocessed signals when configuring parallel effects.
Passive Relay-Based Routing: The audio routing matrix uses gas-encapsulated, gold-plated relays to maintain a direct analog signal path.
SPL 120V Technology: Active input/output and parallel-mix circuitry operates on a ±60 V audio rail, providing high headroom and excellent signal-handling capability.
Processor Naming and Display: Assign names to connected processors for easier identification when selecting inserts and building signal chains.
Balanced Analog Connectivity: Combines XLR connections with DB25 multichannel connections to integrate a range of professional mastering processors.
Silent, Rapid Switching: Facilitates quick comparisons between processing configurations without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting hardware.
Professional Rackmount Construction: The 19-inch, 2U design fits into mastering racks and dedicated analog processing setups.

Technical Specifications

Product Type: Analog mastering router
Processor Capacity: 8 stereo (dual-channel) processors
Routing: User-configurable processor order
Stored Processing Chains: Up to 4 for rapid comparison
Parallel Mix Stages: 2, assignable to any processor
Routing Architecture: Passive switching via gold-plated, gas-encapsulated relays
Analog Operating Voltage: ±60 V
Analog Connections: Balanced XLR and DB25
Maximum Input Level: +32.5 dBu
Maximum Output Level: +32.5 dBu
Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
Output Impedance: 75 Ω
Frequency Response (-3 dB): 4 Hz–300 kHz
Common-Mode Rejection: -75 dBu
Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0 dBu): -130 dBu
Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0 dBu, Parallel Mix Active): -110 dBu
Noise (A-weighted): -121 dBu
Noise (A-weighted, Parallel Mix Active): -104 dB
Power Supply: Internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
Mains Voltage: Selectable 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption: 40 VA
Dimensions (W × H × D): 482 × 88 × 300 mm
Rack Format: 19-inch, 2U
Weight: 9 kg