Hermes Mastering Router Manual
Content Hermes Version 1.
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 13 Parallel Mix2 On / Off 14 Parallel Mix 1 Gain-Control 15 Parallel Mix 2 Gain-Control 16 Parallel Mix 1 Gain-Control On / Off 17 Parallel Mix 2 Gain-Control On /Off 18 Parallel Mix 1
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.
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 definable presets allow the comparison of complex processing chains with just a flip 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.
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.
Technical Aspects 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.
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.
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 electromechanical design and large contact surface. The image shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conductors or wires. Conductor 2 (Pin 2) corresponds to the (+) or hot Signal.
Cabling: Rear Side 10 7 9 8 10 9 1 Sends A-D (left) 2 Sends A-D (right)) 3 Returns A-D (left) 4 Returns A-D (right) 5 Sends / Returns E-H (left) 6 Sends / Returns E-H (right) 7 Input / Output (left) 8 Input / Output (right) 9 Ground-Lift (see details on page 7 10 Voltage (see details on page 6) 8
Cabling: Rear Side 4 6 3 5 We also provide a Screenshow video manual on the product page on our website: https://hermes.spl.
Rear Side: Connections 1 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. 2 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. 3 Returns A-D (left) In the Returns A-D (left) section, Hermes provides four balanced input jacks.
Rear Side: Connections 7 Input / Output (left) The signal, which is supposed to be sent to the left channel of all devices connected to the inserts, is sent to the input (left), XLR, female. After the insert chain, this signal is outputted 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 8 1 11 2 3 4 5 6 1 Insert-Taster 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 7 9 10
Control Elements 12 18 14 13 19 16 15 17 12 Parallel Mix 1 On / Off 13 Parallel Mix 2 On / Off 14 Parallel Mix 1 Gain Control 15 Parallel Mix 2 Gain Control 16 Parallel Mix 1 Gain Control On / Off 17 Parallel Mix 2 Gain Control On / Off 18 Parallel Mix 1 Blend Control 19 Parallel Mix 2 Blend Control We also provide a Screenshow video manual on the product page on our website: https://hermes.spl.
Control Elements 1 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.
Control Elements 6 Preset 3 [123 >] With the button 3 in the Preset section, you can activate or store Preset 3. On the second functional level (Label Mode), this button enables the selection of letters and numbers. The selection runs in the normal order of letters, hence A, B, C, … 7 All Bypass [Enter] When the ALL BYPASS button is active, the audio signal is not routed through the insert chain, but is sent from the input of Hermes directly to the output.
Control Elements 11 Display for the position of the Parallel Mix In this display, the assignment of the Parallel Mix stages is shown. 12 Parallel Mix 1 On / Off With this button, you can turn the Parallel Mix 1 on or off. 13 Parallel Mix2 On / Off With this button, you can turn the Parallel Mix 2 on or off. 14 Parallel Mix 1 Gain Control With this detended potentiometer, you can increase or attenuate the level of Parallel Mix 1 up to 10 dB..
M/S with Hermes & Gemini Pairing Hermes and Gemini Hermes and Gemini (Mastering M/S Processor) operate in their complete range of functions 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 processing chain.
Specifications Measurements Inputs Max. Input Level ...................................................................... + 32,5 dBu Max. Input Level (Parallel Mix, Gain active) ............................... + 28 dBu Input Impedance ...................................................................... 20 kOhm (bal.) Outputs Max. Output Level .................................................................... + 32,5 dBu Output Impedance ...................................................................
Security Advices Connections Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health risks and damage the equipment. Water and humidity Do not use this device anywhere near water (for example in a bath room, a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or similar environments). Otherwise your are dealing with an extremely high risk of fatal electrical shocks! Insertion of objects or fluids Be careful to not insert any object into any of the chassis openings.
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.
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Engineer: Track(s)/Groups: Date: Artist: Album: Titel: Copy Master: Recall Settings
