SPL MERCURY All Black

32-bit, 768 kHz DSD4 Stereo Mastering DA Converter - All Black

• The first mastering D/A converter featuring SPL 120V technology, shown here in the All Black finish
• DAC768v2 with AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip: PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256 (DSD4)
• 120V SLP120 analog low-pass filter for greater dynamics, headroom, and stereo image depth
• Seven stereo digital inputs with direct selection: USB, 2 x AES/EBU (with Dual-Wire), 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical
• Synchronization to source or external Word Clock and 0 dBFS calibration from +14 to +24 dBu
• Fixed output and variable output with ALPS RK27 potentiometer: also functions as a monitor controller

The SPL Mercury All Black is SPL’s mastering digital-to-analog converter in an all-black finish. It is the first mastering DAC built with the German manufacturer’s 120V technology—the same used in its mastering consoles—and packs seven stereo digital inputs, full synchronization, and a dual analog output into a 1U rack unit, making it a monitor controller as well. A tool designed for mastering studios, mixing rooms, and post-production facilities where conversion is the final step before critical listening.

DAC768v2 with AKM AK4493 SEQ chip: 768 kHz and DSD256 conversion

At the heart of the Mercury is the SPL DAC768v2 conversion card, based on the AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip, which offers even lower distortion and a wider dynamic range compared to the previous AK4490. It converts PCM audio up to 32-bit and 768 kHz—sixteen times the resolution of a CD—and Direct Stream Digital up to DSD256 (DSD4). The digital logic is managed by the latest-generation Spartan 7 FPGA.

SLP120 Filter: the 120V analog low-pass filter

Every DAC requires an analog low-pass filter after the conversion chip. In the Mercury, this stage—called the SLP120 (Super Low-Pass)—is built using 120V technology and specifically tuned to the new chip. The result is greater dynamic range and headroom in the analog stage, with a more precise and three-dimensional stereo image.

SPL 120V Technology for Mastering Listening

The 120V circuits operate at ±60 V thanks to SPL SUPRA’s proprietary operational amplifiers, which provide four times the voltage of standard integrated operational amplifiers. Most ±15 V devices reach a maximum of about +21.5 dBu, while the Mercury handles levels up to +32.5 dBu, with approximately 12 dB more headroom. The components always operate within their optimal range: the result is a detailed, natural, and relaxed listening experience even during long sessions. The technology was developed in the 1990s by Wolfgang Neumann, founder of SPL, and debuted in 2000 with the MMC1 mastering console for Galaxy Studios.

Seven digital inputs with synchronization and Word Clock

The Mercury accepts up to seven stereo digital sources: one USB, two AES/EBU, two coaxial, and two optical. Each source has its own backlit button on the front panel, allowing you to switch between players and compare different versions of a master in an instant; AES input 2 also supports Dual-Wire mode. The display shows the sample rate and sync status: every source, except USB, can use its own clock, sync to another source, or sync to an external Word Clock.

0 dBFS Calibration for Every Studio Standard

Press and hold the Sync button for more than two seconds to access reference level calibration: 0 dBFS can correspond to +14, +15, +16, +17, +18, +20, +22, or +24 dBu. This allows you to align the Mercury with your studio’s standard and the sensitivity of your monitors and downstream analog outboard gear.

Fixed and variable output: the Mercury as a monitor controller

The FIX OUT, a balanced XLR output, follows the calibrated reference level and is ideal for feeding an analog mastering chain or a recorder. The VAR OUT provides the same signal with a continuously adjustable level via an ALPS RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer, prized for its precise channel tracking and smooth rotation. By connecting your monitors to the VAR OUT, the Mercury becomes a high-end monitor controller without any additional stages in the signal path.

All Black Version

The All Black version offers the same technical features as the standard Mercury in an all-black finish, designed to blend into racks and control rooms with a dark aesthetic.

SPL Mercury All Black Technical Specifications

• Type: Stereo mastering D/A converter with monitor controller
• Analog Technology: SPL 120V (±60 V)
• Converter: SPL DAC768v2, AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUND chip, Spartan 7 FPGA, SLP120 filter
• Digital inputs: 1 x USB Type B, 2 x AES/EBU (XLR, AES 2 with Dual-Wire), 2 x S/PDIF coaxial (RCA), 2 x S/PDIF optical (TosLink)
• AES/EBU and Coaxial PCM Sampling Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz
• Optical PCM sample rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz; 176.4 / 192 kHz with fiber optic cable shorter than 1 m
• USB PCM sample rates: 44.1 to 768 kHz, up to 32-bit
• DSD via USB (DoP): DSD64 (2.8 MHz), DSD128 (5.6 MHz), DSD256 (11.2 MHz)
• Synchronization: via source, via another source, or via external Word Clock (except USB)
• Analog outputs: FIX OUT and VAR OUT balanced stereo via XLR
• 0 dBFS calibration: +14, +15, +16, +17, +18, +20, +22, +24 dBu (default +15 dBu)
• VAR OUT potentiometer: ALPS RK27
• Maximum level: +32.5 dBu
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency response (-3 dB): 4 Hz – 300 kHz
• THD (0 dBu, 1 kHz): 0.000992%
• Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dBu
• Crosstalk (1 kHz): -108 dB
• Dynamic range: 135 dB
• Power supply: internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
• Mains voltage (selectable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: T 500 mA (230 V), T 1 A (115 V)
• Power consumption: max 40 VA, less than 0.3 W in standby
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 44 x 300 mm (19" rack, 1U)
• Weight: 4.55 kg
• Weight with packaging: 6.7 kg