SPL Mercury Stereo Mastering-Grade D-A Converter
Description
Designed for the forward-thinking, discerning mastering engineer, the Mercury from SPL is a D-A converter with monitor control, one with a vast array of choices for digital input sources, as well as convenient synchronization and calibration options. The unit sports AKM's renowned Velvet-Sound converter technology, allowing you to achieve sample rates and resolutions up to 768 kHz / 32-Bit (PCM) or Direct Stream Digital up to DSD4.
Most importantly, this converter was built on SPL's signature 120V rail technology, giving the unit a boost in headroom and dynamic range over many other hardware pieces. The internal DLP120 low-pass filters used throughout the conversion stage for PCM and DSD playback have been optimized to take advantage of these 120V rails, and thus, aid in crystal-clear playback of digital material in the analog domain.
The front panel houses seven digital input switches, as well as an Alps Big Blue potentiometer to control output level to your monitors. You'll also note a Sync switch with multiple functions. First, it allows you to sync most of the incoming digital sources to any other digital input, as well as sync to an external wordclock. Press it down for two seconds, and the switch accesses your analog calibration options. You can calibrate 0 dBFS to equal -18 dBu, -10 dBu, and other values. In addition to this multifunction control, you'll note the Mute switch, which mutes both analog outputs.
On the rear of the unit, you'll find all your connection points, including two fixed XLR outputs, two variable XLR outputs (these are controlled by the front-panel pot), as well as digital connections, such as AES (single-wire and dual-wire), coaxial SPDIF, optical SPDIF, and USB. A BNC wordclock input is also on hand.
Though packing a plethora of features, the Mercury only occupies 1 RU of rackspace. With all these features, the unit is eminently suitable for mastering and high-end mixing applications.
Key Features:
• 7 Selectable Digital Input Choices
• PCM: 32-Bit / 768 kHz, Up to DSD4
• 2 Analog Outputs (Fixed and Variable)
• 120V Rails for Headroom & Dynamic Range
• USB, Coax S/PDIF, TOSLINK, and AES/EBU
• 4 x XLR Outputs
• BNC Wordclock Input for External Sync
• Multiple Syncing Options via Sync Button
• Multiple Analog Reference Levels
• 1 RU of Rackspace
What's Included?
• SPL Mercury Stereo Mastering-Grade D-A Converter and Monitor Controller
• Limited 2-Year Warranty