Serpent SPLICE-500 MKII User manual

SPLICE-500™ MKII DUAL MODE FET COMPRESSOR
Thank you for your purchase of the Serpent Audio SPLICE-500™ MKII. This unit is
proudly 100% designed and built in the USA. Through our dedication to advanced
engineering, high-quality components, and research from industry pros, you can
expect years of reliability and great customer service.
THANK YOU
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
DESCRIPTION / OVERVIEW 2
SPECIFICATIONS 2
INSTALLATION & OPERATION 3
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 3
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING 8
WARRANTY 8

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1. DESCRIPTION / OVERVIEW:
The SPLICE-500™ MKII is a single channel FET based compressor, and can be
used for mono applications, or can be paired with a second SPLICE-500™ MKII for
stereo applications. The SPLICE-500™ MKII’s unique circuitry mode switching
allows the user to configure the input & output audio path circuitry between classic
Blackface and Blue Stripe modes, or mix and match the two to create completely
new sounds, unique to the SPLICE-500™ MKII.
2. SPECIFICATIONS:
Maximum Current Consumption: 175mA* @ +/-16V
Input: Constant 600R Input Attenuator, Floating Transformer Balanced
Output: Floating Transformer Balanced
Output (With Mix Enabled): <100 Ohm Output Impedance, Transformer-like
Floating Output, Electronically Balanced (Accepts Balanced or Unbalanced Signals)
External Send: <100 Ohm Output Impedance, Transformer-like Floating Output,
Electronically Balanced (XLR) (Accepts Balanced or Unbalanced Signals)
External Return: 22KHz Input Impedance, Electronically Balanced (XLR), (Accepts
Balanced or Unbalanced Signals)
Maximum Input Level: +30dbu with compression engaged and Input level knob set
to max (fully clockwise)
Maximum Output Level: +24dbu
Output Load: 150 Ohm minimal
Gain: 45db (+/-1dbu) with compression disabled (Ratio set to “BP”)
Gain Reduction Element: FET
THD+N: (20Hz-20KHz) Typically 0.5%
Signal-To-Noise Ratio: >80dbu
*Before installation, ensure that the SPLICE-500™ MKII’s power requirements do
not exceed your 500 series rack’s power supply rating.

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3. INSTALLATION & OPERATION:
The SPLICE-500™ MKII is a 500 series format compressor. It requires one channel
in a 500 series compatible rack.
Be sure to safely and securely seat the edge cards of the SPLICE-500™ MKII into
the edge connectors of your 500 rack before inserting the module. If the mounting
holes on the front of the module do not properly align with the mounting holes on the
rack, it can be adjusted by using a gentle, slight up and down rocking motion while
inserting the module.
NEVER TWIST OR FORCE THE MODULE INTO THE RACK!
The SPLICE-500™ MKII contains a Class A transistor output circuit. Due to the
nature of Class A circuits and the subsequent heat and power dissipation the module
will be warm to the touch while in operation. The unit should be allowed a minimum
of 5 minutes after power down before handling.
It is important to ensure adequate ventilation of the module while in operation. The
SPLICE-500™ MKII should never be placed adjacent to another heat source or high
power 500 module. While it is not required, it is recommended to leave a blank slot
space to the right of the module in your 500 series rack to ensure adequate cooling
and ventilation.
Overheating of the SPLICE-500™ MKII may lead to damage to the product not
covered under warranty.
4. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS:
Input:
A fully adjustable rotary potentiometer, turning the input control clockwise will
increase the amount of signal entering the unit and increase the amount of
compression taking place (once the signal level reaches the compression threshold).
Output:
A fully adjustable rotary potentiometer, turning the output control clockwise will
increase the amount of signal leaving the unit. Use this control to set appropriate
make-up gain after adjusting the input knob for the desired amount of compression.

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Attack:
The Attack time is defined as the amount of time the compressor takes to respond
once the signal has crossed the threshold.
A fully adjustable rotary potentiometer, it allows for the slowest attack time of 800
microseconds (fully counterclockwise) to fastest attack time of 20 microseconds (fully
clockwise).
Release:
The release time is defined as the amount of time it takes the compressor to return
to 63% of the original signal level once the signal has passed above the threshold
point.
A fully adjustable rotary potentiometer, it allows for the slowest release time of 1.1
seconds (fully counterclockwise) to fastest release time of 50 milliseconds (fully
clockwise).
Ratio (Stepped):
The Ratio is defined as the amount of compression that takes place after the input
signal has crossed the threshold point. The higher the ratio, the more the signal that
crosses the threshold will be compressed. Ratios of 10:1 or higher are generally
considered “limiting”, rather than compression.
The SPLICE-500™ MKII has stepped ratio times of: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1.
The Ratio has a control at its fully counterclockwise position labeled “1”, which acts
as a 1:1 ratio / soft bypass and disables compression.
HPF (High Pass Filter):
The High Pass Filter control affects the frequencies going to the internal sidechain
(In any compressor, the internal sidechain is what controls the compression taking
place). Please note, this control does not filter the audio frequencies themselves,
but rather the frequencies that are being compressed.
The High Pass Filter in the SPLICE-500™ MKII is a passive filter circuit and has a
fixed frequency roll off at approximately 150Hz. The HPF is engaged when the
toggle switch is in the up position.

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Mix (AKA Blend):
A fully adjustable rotary potentiometer, the Mix/Blend knob enables blending
between the dry (uncompressed) signal and wet (compressed) signal, allowing
parallel compression completely within the box, with zero phase shift and zero
additional routing required. The mix circuit is engaged when the toggle switch is in
the up “IN” position.
Note: The Mix circuitry is a completely standalone electronically balanced
circuit inserted after the Output Transformer. When enabled, the output
signal at the Output XLR will be electronically balanced. When bypassed,
the Mix circuit is completely removed from the audio path chain.
Note: One of our favorite ways to use this feature is to set the Mix to 100%
Wet. Adjust the other settings on the compressor so that you can clearly
hear the style and characteristic of compression until you have the desired
sound of the gain reduction. At this point you may have too much of a good
thing. Simply turn the Wet signal down until you have blended in the
desired amount of Dry signal. Listen for overall amount of dynamics and
control. You should be able to dial in quickly and easily just the right amount
for detail and density, squeeze and sustain.
Meter:
The LED meter indicates gain reduction. When no gain reduction is occurring, only
the Yellow “0” LED will be illuminated.
Meter 0 (Allow 30 minutes of warm-up time before adjusting):
The LED meter 0 position is factory calibrated and should not need to be adjusted.
However, should it be necessary to calibrate the “0” position, this can be done by
inserting a small flathead screw driver into the hole located on the front panel below
the LED indicators labeled “MET_0” and following the instructions below.
1) Set the Ratio Switch to “1”
2) Turn the “MET_0” screw counterclockwise until only the Red “S” LED is
illuminated.
3) Now slowly turn the “MET_0” screw clockwise just to the point where the
Red “S” LED turns off and the Yellow “0” LED is illuminated.
4) Continue to turn the “MET_0” screw clockwise 1/2 turn.

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Mode Switching:
The Audio path of the SPLICE-500™ MKII consists of two sections; the Input
amplifier circuitry and the Output amplifier circuitry. The SPLICE™ MKII’s unique
circuitry mode switching allows the user to switch the audio path circuitry between
classic Blackface and Blue Stripe modes, or mix and match between the two.
When both Input & Output Mode LED’s are off (Black), the unit is configured for
Blackface mode.
When both Input & Output Mode LED’s are illuminated (Blue), the unit is configured
for Blue Stripe Mode.
Alternatively, the unit can be configured to mix and match the Input & Output circuits,
creating entirely new sounds unique to the SPLICE™ MKII (i.e. Blue Stripe Input
circuit + Blackface Output circuit, or Blackface Input circuit + Blue Stripe Output
circuit)
Note: The default mode when unit is powered on is Blackface.
Note: The switching recovery time for Input mode switching is
approximately 2 seconds when the release knob time is set to its fastest
setting (fully clockwise). Long release time settings will increase the Input
switching mode cycle time.
Slam (AKA All Buttons In):
Slam Mode is a high distortion mode, also known as “All Buttons In”. Slam mode is
engaged when the toggle switch is in the up position. While in Slam mode, the Red
“S” LED will illuminate when no gain reduction is present.
Note: To achieve a classic Slam mode sound, the Ratio must be set to the
“4” or “20” positions with Slam mode enabled. Setting the ratio to 2, 8, or
12 with slam mode enabled will result in different distortion effects.

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Link In:
The SPLICE-500™ MKII can be stereo linked with a second unit for stereo
applications using the supplied cable. To connect two SPLICE-500™ MKII units
together, connect the supplied cable from J202 on unit “A” to J202 on unit “B”. The
link wire can be secured in the wire hook on the PCB. Refer to the diagram below
for the location of J202. Stereo mode is enabled by placing the “Link” toggle switch
on both units to the up position.
600R Loading Jumper:
The SPLICE-500™ MKII allows for easily terminating the output signal with a 600R
load for optimal signal transfer for use with both vintage and modern gear.
Note: When connecting the SPLICE-500™ MKII’s output to vintage/600R
equipment (typically known as “bridging”), the loading jumper should be
disabled (connected to pins 2 & 3). When connecting the output to modern
equipment (or when the Mix function is enabled), the Loading jumper
should be enabled (connected to Pins 1 & 2). The SPLICE-500™ MKII is
factory set with the jumper enabled. See diagram below.

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4. MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING:
Normal cleaning and maintenance practices should be followed with the SPLICE-
500™ MKII as with all of your other studio gear. The SPLICE-500™ MKII uses high
quality components, and sealed pro-audio switches and pots, so the switches and
pots do not require any regular cleaning.
5. WARRANTY:
The SPLICE-500™ MKII is covered under a limited warranty from manufacturer
defect for a period of 1 year from date of purchase by the original owner, subject to
factory inspection. Warranties are tracked by serial number. Warranties are non-
transferrable.
Warranty does not cover loss or theft, nor does coverage extend to damage caused
by misuse, abuse, neglect, unauthorized modification or tampering, improper storage
conditions, power surges, lightening, or other natural disasters. Warranty does not
cover wear and tear items (such as pots and switches) or cosmetic wear. Shipping
and transport damages are not covered under warranty.
In the event of required maintenance within the warranty period, unit should be
returned to Serpent Audio (or authorized repair facility). Inbound freight charges are
the responsibility of the end user. Warranty does not cover return overnight or
express shipping charges.
Serpent Audio does not authorize field repairs. Any modifications/attempted repairs
by unauthorized personnel or tampering/ removal of the warranty seal or serial
number label will void the warranty. Repairs outside of the warranty period will be
subject to parts and labor charges determined at the time of repair.
Serpent Audio reserves the right to alter the hardware, software, documents, and
design of its products without notice.
Email: i[email protected]