Two Classic FET Compressors in One!
The Serpent Splice MKII takes classic FET compression to a whole new level, faithfully re-creating the circuitry, sonics, and behavior of not one, but two renowned FET compressors. The Splice MKII’s unique mode switching lets you switch between legendary Black Panel and Blue Stripe circuits with the press of a button. The Splice MKII can even mix and match the two for entirely new sounds — a unique feature that really caught our attention at Sweetwater.
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Mode switching
The Splice MKII audio path consists of two sections: the Input amplifier circuitry and the Output amplifier circuitry. Serpent's unique circuitry mode switching lets you switch the audio path circuitry between classic Black Panel and Blue Stripe modes — or mix and match between the two. When both Input and Output mode LEDs are off, the Splice is configured for classic FET compression. When both Input and Output mode LEDs are illuminated (Blue), the unit is configured for Blue Stripe mode. Alternatively, you can also mix and match by engaging the Blue Stripe circuit on only the Input and Output paths to create new sounds and behaviors unique to the Splice MKII.
Slam mode
Individually, the Splice MKII's selectable ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 deliver everything from mild compression to brickwall limiting. But the onboard sonic surprise is Slam mode, which approximates the infamous "All Buttons In" setting on the classic vintage FET compressor that inspired the Splice. Deployed on the right source — drum room mics, for instance — the so-called Slam mode can trigger warped, explosive results akin to a seismic event in your control room. Symptoms may include increased distortion, a plateaued slope on initial transients, and extended lag time — kind of like a fun-house mirror for audio. At Sweetwater, we know of few other processors that can brutalize your signal quite so delightfully.
Four compressor circuits in one:
- Input circuit Black + Output circuit Black = classic mode
- Input Blue + Output Blue = classic Blue Stripe mode
- Input Black + Output Blue = “BlackStripe” mode (unique to the Splice)
- Input Blue + Output Black = “BlueFace” mode (unique to the Splice)
Serpent Splice MKII FET Compressor Features:
- Stereo linkable with front-panel switch
- External Send and Return with front-panel switch
- Slam mode (“All Buttons In”) front-panel switch
- True Bypass (relay controlled) with front-panel switch
- Integrated Mix/Blend control with switchable bypass for convenient parallel processing
- Integrated active sidechain filters
- Switchable 600R output loading lets you easily optimize the Splice for compatibility with both vintage and modern equipment
- 45dB of gain (with no limiting)
- Attack time is 20 to 800µs
- Release time is 50ms to 1.1s
- Compression ratios are 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1, soft bypass
- True VU meter with meter buffer circuitry
- Integrated linear power supply
- 115/230-volt compatible (user selectable on rear panel)
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
