SPL Hermes, 1624, 1620, 1623 Series Manual
Hermes
Mastering Router
Manual
Content
Hermes
Version 1.1 – 12/2018 2
Package Contents 2
Product Registration 2
Introduction 3
The routing matrix for the mastering studio 3
Technical Aspects 4
120 Volt Technology 4
120 Volt Technology – Diagram 5
Installation 6
Voltage Selection 6
First Steps 6
Cabling: Rear Side 7
XLR inputs and output 7
DB25 inputs and outputs 7
Ground Lift switch to avoid ground loop 7
1 Sends A-D (left) 10
2 Sends A-D (right) 10
3 Returns A-D (left) 10
4 Returns A-D (left) 10
5 Sends / Returns E-H (left) 10
6 Sends / Returns E-H (right) 10
7 Input / Output (left) 11
8 Input / Output (right) 11
Pairing Hermes and DMC 11
Control Elements 12
1 Insert buttons A-H 14
2 New [Delete] 14
3 Store [Hold 2s to Label] 14
4 Preset 1 [< ABC] 14
5 Preset 2 [ABC >] 14
6 Preset 3 [123 >] 15
7 All Bypass [Enter] 15
8 Main-Display 15
9 Position Parallel Mix 1 15
10 Position Parallel Mix 2 15
11 Display for the position of the Parallel Mix 16
12 Parallel Mix 1 On / Off 16
13 Parallel Mix2 On / Off 16
14 Parallel Mix 1 Gain-Control 16
15 Parallel Mix 2 Gain-Control 16
16 Parallel Mix 1 Gain-Control On / Off 16
17 Parallel Mix 2 Gain-Control On /Off 16
18 Parallel Mix 1 Blend-Control 16
19 Parallel Mix 2 Blend-Control 16
Content
M/S with Hermes & Gemini 17
Pairing Hermes and Gemini 17
Specications 18
Measurements 18
Security Advices 19
Notes on Environmental Protection 20
Contact 21
Copy template settings 22
Version 1.1 – 12/2018
Developer: Wolfgang Neumann
This manual includes a description of the product but no guarantee as for specific characteristics or successful results.
Unless stated otherwise, everything herein corresponds to the technical status at the
time of delivery of the product and user manual by SPL electronics GmbH.
The design and circuitry are under continuous development and improvement.
Technical specifications are subject to change.
Package Contents
Hermes Mastering Router
Power cord
Manual
The Hermes Mastering Router is available in different colors.
Black: Model 1620
Red: Model 1624
All Black: Model 1623
Do consider keeping the original packaging. It can come in very useful whenever you need
to transport your gear. If there is ever the need to send it in for repair, the original packaging guarantees a safe shipment..
Product Registration
Register your device to get useful information concerning the product. On the front page
of this manual you will find a QR code, which includes the link to the registration form and
automatically fills in the serial number and product name into the form. Alternatively you
can also call up the online form with your internet browser via the following link:
https://spl.audio/register
2
Introduction
The routing matrix for the mastering studio
The Hermes Mastering Router revolutionizes Mastering.
With Hermes, it is possible to route an audio signal through up to eight dual-channel processors in any order.
User denable presets allow the comparison of complex processing chains with just a ip
of a button.
In addition, Hermes has two integrated parallel mix stages that work with any of the eight
processors allowing for comparison of two compressors with different parallel mix settings. The parallel mix stages are stored with the processing chains.
Hermes routing is entirely passive using gas-capsuled and gold-plated high-end relays.
All active electronics like the in and output stages and the Parallel Mixes use SPL‘s proprietary and unequaled 120V DC audio rail.
Hermes speeds up the workow in mastering in ways that were previously extremely difcult, and makes the most out of your existing mastering gear.
Repatching to hear a simple change is a thing of the past with Hermes – you can change
processor sequences on the y, store them, and compare settings instantly. All with real
switches, relays and no software application
You will rediscover your processors, because the possible combinations and Parallel Mix
stages open up new horizons.
The Hermes Mastering Router was designed, developed and manufactured in Germany.
3
Technical Aspects
120 Volt Technology
SPL‘s goal was to push analog signal processing to the limits. That‘s why we combined
the best possible components with a high-grade optimized circuit design.
We have been using the in-house developed 120 Volt technology - the highest-ever operating voltage used for audio applications - in all our products from the Mastering series
for years. Some of the most highly respected Mastering studios today revolve around
SPL consoles and signal processors from our Mastering series (Bob Ludwigs Gateway
Mastering & DVD in the USA, Simon Heyworth‘s Super Audio Mastering in the UK, Galaxy
Studios in Belgium, and the legendary Wisseloord in the Netherlands, for instance).
The 120 Volt technology is based on op-amps developed internally by SPL‘s co-founder
and Chief Developer Wolfgang Neumann. The Hermes Mastering Router features the
most advanced generation of these op-amps. They boast with even better tech specs
thanks to the thermal behavior optimization they underwent under the hands of Bastian
Neu.
Ultimately, the supply voltage is key for the overall dynamic response of a processor.
Voltage is to an electrical circuit what cylinder capacity is to an internal combustion
engine:
You can‘t replace cylinder capacity with anything else, except more cylinder capacity.
4
Technical Aspects
-115
THD&N
120 Volt Technology - Diagrams
These diagrams clearly show the advantages of our 120-volt technology in comparison to
other circuits with a lower operating voltage. The direct relation between operating level
and maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher the operating level,
the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle. And since virtually all essential acoustic and musical parameters depend on this relation, a higher operating voltage also has a
positive impact on the dynamic range, distortion limit and signal-to-noise ratio. The result
is a clearly more laid-back and natural sound with less unpleasant coloring.
Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A
3 dB increase corresponds to doubling the acoustic power, +6 dB correspond to twice the
sound pressure level, and +10 dB correspond to twice the perceived loudness.
Volt
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
dBu Dynamic Range
145
140
135
130
125
120
30 V
+/- 15 Volt +/- 18 Volt +/- 60 Volt
124,2
OPA 134@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@120 V
Operational Voltages
120 V
36 V
141,4
129,1
dBu
35
30
25
dBu
-105
-107
-109
-111
-113
20
15
10
5
0
21,5
OPA 134@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@120 V
TL 071@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@120V
106
Maximum Levels
33,2
22,5
111,7
114,2
When it comes to volume, the 120-volt technology exhibits a performance that is twice
that of common components and circuits, in regard to maximum level and dynamic range,
with values that are approximately 10 dB higher. THD measurements of the SPL op-amps
show a difference of more than 3 dB compared to the OPA134 at 36 V — in terms of sound
pressure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than 50%.
The operating level most commonly used for audio equipment is 30 volts.
5
Installation
Voltage Selection
Before connecting the Hermes Mastering Router to the mains, make sure that the voltage
selection corresponds to the values of your local power grid (230 or 115 volts). Inside the
power connector, to the right, next to the on/off switch, there is an opening that displays
the voltage selected. If the voltage indicated does not correspond to the one required,
change it by following this procedure:
Open the power connector lid with a small screwdriver (use the tiny slots on the right hand
side). Use the screwdriver to lever the red fuse holder from above until you can grab it.
Take the fuse holder out and replace the fuse with one corresponding to the local power
grid specifications. You can find the adequate values on the rear of the unit or on page 16
of this user‘s manual. Turn the fuse holder around 180 degrees and place it back again.
When you close the lid again, you should see the correct voltage displayed in the opening.
On the product site on our website (http://hermes.spl.audio) you will find a video concerning the topic “Changing the mains voltage”. If you ever have to exchange a fuse, we
recommend the video “Exchange defective fuses”.
First Steps
Before turning on the Hermes Mastering Router you must first connect the included 3-pin
power cord to the 3-pin IEC socket. The transformer, power cord and IEC socket all comply
to the VDE, UL and CSA regulations.
The Hermes Mastering Router should not be installed in close proximity to equipment
that emits magnetic fields or emanates heat. Avoid exposure to heat, moisture, dust, and
vibrations. Do not install the Hermes Mastering Router close to any power amps or digital processors. Instead, install it in a fully “analog rack” where any interferences can be
avoided (Word Clock, SMPTE, MIDI etc.).
The unit should be powered off before connecting or disconnecting any cables or equipment to it.
Use the On/Off switch on the rear panel to turn the unit on or off. The illuminated red LED
in the middle of the front panel indicates the unit‘s operating status. The On/Off switch
was placed on the rear panel to avoid any emissions due to voltage-carrying conductors
running across the unit and affecting sound. When powering on or off, there‘s no need
to observe a specific sequence regarding the connected devices. However, like with any
audio signal chain, power amplifiers should always be powered on last and powered off
first. The Hermes Mastering Router can be powered on and off with the use of a circuit
breaker, as long as the total load does not exceed the rating of the latter.
After switching on the device, the name “Hermes” and the installed software version
appears on the display. After that, all buttons light up left to right, in the order from top to
bottom, starting with “On 1”. Afterwards, the last selected configuration is loaded.
6
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