Content Hermes Version 1.1 – 12/2018 Package Contents Product Registration Introduction The routing matrix for the mastering studio Technical Aspects 120 Volt Technology 120 Volt Technology – Diagram Installation Voltage Selection First Steps Cabling: Rear Side XLR inputs and output DB25 inputs and outputs Ground Lift switch to avoid ground loop 1 Sends A-D (left)
Content Control Elements 1 Insert buttons A-H 2 New [Delete] 3 Store [Hold 2s to Label] 4 Preset 1 [< ABC] 5 Preset 2 [ABC >] 6 Preset 3 [123 >] 7 All Bypass [Enter] 8 Main-Display 9 Position Parallel Mix 1 10 Position Parallel Mix 2 11 Display for the position of the Parallel Mix 12 Parallel Mix 1 On / Off...
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.
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 propri- etary and unequaled 120V DC audio rail.
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 oper- ating voltage used for audio applications - in all our products from the Mastering series for years.
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%.
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 con- cerning the topic “Changing the mains voltage”. If you ever have to exchange a fuse, we recommend the video “Exchange defective fuses”.
Cabling: Rear Side XLR inputs and outputs We used exclusively Switchcraft/Neutrik XLR input and output plugs to guarantee perfect connectivity in the studio. They provide an optimal connection thanks to their electrome- chanical design and large contact surface. The image shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conduc- tors or wires.
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Cabling: Rear Side Sends A-D (left) Sends A-D (right)) Returns A-D (left) Returns A-D (right) Sends / Returns E-H (left) Sends / Returns E-H (right) Input / Output (left) Input / Output (right) Ground-Lift (see details on page 7 Voltage (see details on page 6)
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Cabling: Rear Side We also provide a Screenshow video manual on the product page on our website: https://hermes.spl.audio...
Rear Side: Connections Sends A-D (left) In the Sends A-D (left) section, Hermes provides four balanced output jacks. These are male XLR jacks. These outputs send the signal for the left input channels of connected devices. Sends A-D (right) In the Sends A-D (right) section, Hermes provides four balanced output jacks, male XLR. These outputs send the signal for the right inputs of connected devices.
(left), XLR, female. After the insert chain, this signal is out- putted through the output (left), XLR, male. With this input / output, you can (for example) pair Hermes to the main insert of a mastering console like the SPL DMC Mastering Console or a DAW.
Control Elements Insert-Taster A-H New [Delete] Store [Hold 2s to Label] Preset 1 [< ABC] Preset 2 [ABC >] Preset 3 [123 >] All Bypass [Enter] Main-Display Position Parallel Mix 1 Position Parallel Mix 2 Display for the position of the Parallel Mix...
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Parallel Mix 1 Gain Control On / Off Parallel Mix 2 Gain Control On / Off Parallel Mix 1 Blend Control Parallel Mix 2 Blend Control We also provide a Screenshow video manual on the product page on our website: https://hermes.spl.audio...
Control Elements Insert buttons A-H With the insert buttons A to H, you can activate or deactivate the respective Insert. Furthermore, the order of the selection corresponds with the order of the inserts of the mastering chain. If you (for example) first activate insert D and then insert B afterwards, this will also correspond to the signal flow, which means that the signal is firstly sent to insert D and then to insert B.
If, for example, an SPL IRON Mastering Compressor is connected to insert D, its name can be labeled at this insert with the Label Mode. Another very helpful information is the little dot at the lower right hand corner of a number, when a processing chain is shown.
Control Elements Display for the position of the Parallel Mix In this display, the assignment of the Parallel Mix stages is shown. Parallel Mix 1 On / Off With this button, you can turn the Parallel Mix 1 on or off. Parallel Mix2 On / Off With this button, you can turn the Parallel Mix 2 on or off.
M/S with Hermes & Gemini Pairing Hermes and Gemini Hermes and Gemini (Mastering M/S Processor) operate in their complete range of fun- ctions as stand-alone devices. A pairing of Hermes and Gemini enables lots of further possibilities. If the M/S Encoder and Decoder stages of Gemini are each paired with an insert of Hermes, it is possible to freely choose a position for the M/S Encoder and Decoder within the pro- cessing chain.
Opening the unit Simply put: DON‘T, if you are not a certified SPL technician or engineer. Really: Do not open the device housing, as there is great risk you will damage the device, or – even after being disconnected – you may receive a dangerous electrical shock!
Security Advices Controls and switches Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes. Repairs Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a quali- fied technician when you think repairs are needed –...
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