SPL HERMES All Black

Mastering router for 8 stereo devices with dual parallel mix

• Mastering router for inserting up to 8 stereo processors in any order, without having to repatch
• Two integrated parallel mix stages, assignable to any of the eight devices
• Processing chains that can be saved and recalled with a single button, with quick comparison of up to 4 chains
• Fully passive routing with gas-sealed gold-plated relays
• Input/output and parallel mix stages featuring SPL 120V technology
• Label Mode to assign a name to each device, in an All Black finish

The SPL Hermes All Black is a mastering router designed for those who work with an analog outboard chain and want to experiment with different orders and combinations without touching the patchbay. You can route the signal through up to eight stereo processors in any order you prefer, save the chains, and compare them instantly with the simple press of a button. Everything is controlled by physical switches and relays, with no software involved: the workflow remains physical and immediate, and your existing gear performs at its best.

Flexible mastering routing for eight stereo processors

In a mastering session, listening to a compressor before or after an equalizer usually requires re-wiring, with the risk of losing your auditory reference. With Hermes, you can change the order of processors on the fly and hear the result immediately. Processing chains can be saved as presets and recalled at any time, and quick comparison of up to four chains allows you to evaluate different approaches on the same track with immediate listening references.

Gain Compensation and Label Mode

Gain compensation helps you compare different chains without being misled by level differences—one of the most common mistakes in critical listening. Label mode lets you enter the name of each connected device, so you always know which processor occupies each position in the chain.

Dual Parallel Mix for Parallel Compression and Saturation

Hermes features two parallel mix stages, each assignable to any of the eight processors. You can mix the processed signal with the direct signal directly within the chain for parallel compression or saturation, and compare, for example, two compressors with different mix settings. The parallel mix settings are saved along with the chains, so each preset loads the entire configuration.

Passive Routing and 120V SPL Technology

Hermes’ internal routing is completely passive and uses high-quality relays with gas-encapsulated gold-plated contacts, ensuring reliable switching over time without adding electronics to the signal path between processors. The active stages—namely, input, output, and parallel mix—are built using SPL 120V technology, the same as that found in the German manufacturer’s mastering consoles: high operating voltages provide very wide headroom and an extended dynamic range, ensuring the transparency of the entire signal chain.

All Black Version

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

SPL Hermes All Black Technical Specifications

• Type: stereo mastering router
• Insert: up to 8 stereo (dual-channel) processors in a freely configurable order
• Parallel mix: 2 integrated stages, assignable to any processor
• Memory: storable processing chains, quick comparison of up to 4 chains
• Gain compensation
• Routing: fully passive, gas-encapsulated gold-plated relays
• Active electronics (I/O and parallel mix stages): SPL 120V technology
• Label mode for device names
• Finish: All Black