SPL Gemini, Gemini 1720, Gemini 1724, Gemini 1723 Series Manual
Gemini
Mastering M/S Processor
Manual
Content
Gemini
Version 1.1 – 03/2019 2
Package Contents 2
Product Registration 2
Introduction 3
The rst M/S processor in 120V technology 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
Ground Lift switch to avoid ground loop 7
1 Inputs 8
2 Sends 8
3 Returns 9
4 Outputs 9
Pairing Gemini and DMC 10
Insering a processor 10
Pairing Gemini and Hermes 11
Control Elements 12
1 Active 12
2 Insert (MID) 12
3 Solo (MID) 13
4 Balance & Trim 13
5 Balance 14
6 Trim 14
7 Insert (SIDE) 14
8 Solo (SIDE) 14
9 Filter & Width 14
10 Stereo Width 15
11 Elliptical Filter 15
Specications 16
Measurements 16
Content
Security Advices 17
Notes on Environmental Protection 18
Contact 19
Copy template settings 20
Version 1.1 – 03/2019
Developer: Bastian Neu
This manual includes a description of the product but no guarantee as for specific charac-
teristics 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
Gemini Mastering M/S Processor
Power cord
Manual
The Gemini Mastering M/S Processor is available in different colors.
Black: Model 1720
Red: Model 1724
All Black: Model 1723
Do consider keeping the original packaging. It can come in ver y 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 rst M/S processor in 120V technology
With Gemini M/S Mastering Processor M/S processing enters the SPL Mastering series.
Gemini is an M/S Encoder and Decoder.
Mid signals (voice, snare, bass …) can clearly be seperated from side signals (guitar, spatial sounds, cymbals …) and can individually be processed. When working on the sum
signal, M/S coding often is the best way to specically get access to individual elements
within a mix.
Gemini also provides the possibility to work on the stereo panorama.
With the Balance control you can position the mid signal within the stereo panorama.
With the Trim control, you can adjust the level of the mid signal in relation to the side signal. In connection with the Stereo Width control, the mixing ratio of both channels can be
adjusted.
An Elliptical Filter, which can cut low frequency ratios of the side band is also provided.
The SPL Gemini Mastering M/S Processor was 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
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