Heritage Audio HA-609A: Neve-style dual mono/stereo compressor/limiter
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Heritage Audio HA-609A · Source: Heritage Audio
Heritage Audio HA-609A · Source: Heritage Audio
Heritage Audio has introduced the HA-609A diode bridge compressor/limiter. The HA-609A offers two linkable channels with entirely discrete class A circuitry. The company says that it’s a modern take on a classic design, using modern manufacturing technology to offer an “unprecedented value without compromising audio quality”.
Heritage Audio HA-609A
The HA-609A features a class A design with three Carnhill / St Ives transformers per channel. Heritage Audio says that the discrete circuitry distinguishes the HA-609A from some other iterations of the classic transformer coupled diode bridge compressor/limiter design, which used ICs and a class A/B amplifier stage. It uses the same proprietary diode bridge gain reduction cells, which were introduced in the Successor stereo bus compressor. According to Heritage Audio, these allow for precise channel matching. The HA-609A uses rotary switches and stepped potentiometers for easy recall and maintaining the stereo image, which is particularly useful in mastering.
Class A design
The limiter and compressor sections can be activated individually. The limiter offers a level control, which ranges from 0 to +20 dBu, and six switchable release times. The compressor section has five ratios and six release settings, as well as makeup gain of up to 20 dB. The attack time isn’t freely adjustable, but both the limiter and compressor sections offer slow and fast settings, accessible via the fast attack switches. Next to the VU meters on the right, the HA-609A has true bypass switches for both channels, as well as a stereo link switch. It does not offer the Successor’s parallel compression blend knob, nor does it have a sidechain input.
Price and availability
According to Heritage Audio, the HA-609A will start shipping this month. The price will reportedly be around EUR 1,800.
More information
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- Class A design: Heritage Audio
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