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Serpent Splice-500 MkII 500 Series FET Compressor

500 Series FET Compressor with Blackface and Blue Stripe Input and Output Modes
$1,349.00

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Serpent Splice-500 MkII 500 Series FET Compressor
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Two Classic FET Compressors in One 500 Series Module!

The Serpent Splice-500 MKII packs all the great sonics and functionality of the acclaimed Splice MKII rack unit into a single 500 Series module. The Splice-500 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-500 MKII’s unique mode switching lets you switch between legendary Blackface and Blue Stripe circuits with the press of a button. The Splice-500 MKII can even mix and match the two for entirely new sounds — a unique feature that really caught our attention at Sweetwater.

Mode switching

The Splice-500 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 Blackface 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 Blackface mode. 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 the Input and Output circuits (e.g., Blackface Input circuit with Blue Stripe Ouput circuit or Blue Stripe Input circuit with Blackface Output circuit) to create new sounds and behaviors unique to the Splice-500 MKII.

Four compressor circuits in one:

  • Input circuit Black + Output circuit Black = classic Blackface 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)

Slam mode

Individually, the Splice-500 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.

Serpent Splice-500 MKII FET Compressor Features:

  • Stereo linkable with front-panel switch
  • Slam mode (“All Buttons In”) front-panel switch
  • Integrated Mix/Blend control with switchable bypass for convenient parallel processing
  • Integrated sidechain highpass filter
  • 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, and soft bypass
  • LED gain reduction meter
  • Backed by a 2-year limited warranty

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Tech Specs

  • Processor Type: FET Compressor
  • Number of Channels: Single (stereo linkable)
  • Controls: Input, Output, Mix, Ratio, Attack, Release
  • Ratio: 2:1 to 20:1, Soft Bypass (1:1)
  • Side Chain Inserts: Highpass Filter
  • Module Slot Size: Single
  • Power Usage: ±16V DC, 175mA
  • Manufacturer Part Number: Splice SA76-500

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Splice Is Nice

Wonderful, wonderful 1176 style compressor. The ability to mix and match Blueface and Blackface input and output stages is amazing. The character you can coax out of this unit is boundless. You can achieve results on bass and the drum buss with this unit that, in my opinion, are simply out of reach for even the best 1176 plugins. Previously, the Purple MC77 has set the bar for 1176 style compressors for me, but the Splice has the sound and character to match and greater versatility. Highly, highly recommend this compressor.
Music background: Studio Musician, Recording Artist
Rated 5/5

Excellent 1176 Solution

I am fortunate enough to work in several great studios that have all manners of 1176s, from a vintage REV D UREI to modern UAs, Purple MC76, 1178s, and other clones like Warm and Klark. I purchased the Splice after being very impressed with Serpent's bus compressor (which I also own) and the glowing reviews of it. I cannot be more impressed..... the sound is fantastic and the feature set and form factor are added bonuses. A fellow engineer and I shot it out against a vintage blackface UREI and across various sources found it to be as good or even better (on drums, specifically) than the vintage unit. We also preferred it to the other clones, especially because it has the compressor bypass (so you can use it as a line amp), which many of the other clones leave out.

The blue stripe mode on a rock vocal will bring a particular smile to your face.
Music background: Professional Audio Engineer
Rated 4.5/5

An amazing multitool for FET compression

As I had hoped, the Splice 500 does it all. From a light glue to an "all buttons in" smash. And it does it with the tonal qualities of the Rev E and the blue stripe...and in between. Same great sound as the 2U, which is great for my small project studio.

I like the stereo link function so you only have to control one if you have a pair and want stereo. Dry/wet knob is great for one-stop parallel compression. The knobs are sizeable without being cramped. I might have used a different color coating on the small switches so they are more visible. But it's a well designed and thought out product.

The only reason I took off half a star is I contacted them with a question through their website and never heard back from them.
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