Heritage Audio HA-81A: Neve 73-style preamp and 81-style EQ in one
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Heritage Audio continues on its mission to bring us Neve-style outboard gear with the HA-81A hybrid channel strip. The HA-81A combines a discrete, Class-A 73-style preamp with an 81-style equalizer. The best of both worlds?
Heritage Audio HA-81A channel strip
Neve specialist Heritage Audio has paired a preamp based on the famous 1073 with an EQ derived from the 81-series consoles. The new HA-81A channel strip starts with an 80 dB, all discrete Class-A preamp with Carnhill and St. Ives input and output transformers. In addition to gain and output trim controls, it offers -20 dB PAD, a polarity switch and +48 V phantom power. Separate line and mic inputs (XLR) are located at the back of the HA-81A, and there’s a DI input mounted on the front panel.
Next is the 4-band, 81-style equalizer. Heritage Audio claims that it provides detailed control over the bell or shelf curves in the high and low bands. The two mid bands offer Hi-Q-switches and a range of 30 frequency selections. All controls are either rotary switches or precision concentric potentiometers, the manufacturer says.
Heritage Audio HA-81A
By delivering this classic combination in a single 1U rackmount unit, the Heritage Audio HA-81A is an interesting option for anyone looking for the famed sound of the 73-style preamp with the added flexibility of the 81-style EQ. Considering that the HA-81A is built in Spain using “the most cutting-edge methods in manufacturing”, the price seems quite attractive, as well.
Price and availability
According to distributor RAD distribution, the HA-81A is shipping now. The channel strip is priced at USD 1099.
More information
- Heritage Audio HA-81A: RAD Distribution via Gearslutz
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One response to “Heritage Audio HA-81A: Neve 73-style preamp and 81-style EQ in one”
So in other words… it’s a 1084 clone?