Hermes Black/Silver
Hermes is revolutionizing mastering. It is now possible to have an audio signal processed by up to eight 2-channel processors in any order that can be saved. You can compare up to four complex processing chains at the touch of a button.
Switch eight stereo processors at will
Hermes accelerates mastering workflows in a way that was previously unattainable. The time-consuming reconnection of the patchbay alone had made real comparison listening almost impossible.
Now you can change, save and compare processing chains in a matter of seconds. All with real buttons, relays and no additional software. Simply type in the order in which you want the audio signal to pass through the processors and save it. All processors can be named for a better overview. The name always appears briefly on the display when the insert buttons A to H are pressed.
Freely route two parallel mix stages
Hermes has two parallel mix stages that can be freely assigned to each of the eight processors and saved with a processing chain. This means that 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, use 120V technology.
Sends & Returns
The stereo channels are strictly separated on two separate boards in order to achieve the highest possible channel separation.The inserts are designed as XLRs for the first four stereo processors and as DB25s for the second four stereo processors.
The 120V technology
120V technology is SPLs reference technology. It is unique in the audio sector worldwide because it operates with a direct voltage of 120 volts. This corresponds to four times the operating voltage of IC-based semiconductor operational amplifiers.
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 work 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 advantages. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and clipping resistance. In terms of sound, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
Incidentally, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the socket. It refers to the operating voltage in the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device's internal linear power supply unit with toroidal Transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into the DC voltages required in the audio device.
Technical data
Analog inputs and outputs; XLR & DB25 (balanced)
- Maximum input and output level: 32.5 dBu
- Input impedance: 20 kΩ
- Output impedance: 75 Ω
- Frequency response (-3dB): 4 Hz to 300 kHz
- Common mode rejection (0 dBu): -75 dBu
- Crosstalk (1 kHz, 0 dBu): -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 power supply; linear power supply with shielded toroidal Transformer
- Operating voltage for analog audio electronics: +/- 60 V
- Operating voltage for relays and LEDs: + 12 V
Power supply unit
- 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
- Weight of the device: 9 kg
- Shipping weight (incl. packaging): 10.65 kg