Heritage Audio HA 609A Dual Channel Class A Compressor-Limiter User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Heritage Audio
Table of Contents
Heritage Audio HA 609A Dual Channel Class A Compressor-Limiter
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Elite Series HA-609A. Heritage Audio is dedicated to bringing you ´the sound of yesterday for tomorrow´. We specialize in capturing that unique, enticing sound that everybody has fallen in love with. For years engineers, producers and musicians have been yearning for that classic vibe. Usually the only option is to search for old, used original equipment that is almost always in a questionable state of operation. This brings with it a whole lot of other issues, making the experience less than desirable. Not to mention the very high prices asked for this equipment, which makes them virtually unobtainable for the great majority. Now it´s possible to obtain that same sound with a brand new piece that will give you all the problem-free, heavy-duty use you´ll need for years of music making history.
IN THE BOX
DESCRIPTION
Heritage Audio is proud to announce the HA-609A DUAL MONO STEREO COMPRESSOR/LIMITER, a modern, improved take on the classic tracking/mixing diode bridge compressor. As with the other products in their Elite Series, the HA-609A takes advantage of the latest in manufacturing technology to offer an unprecedented value without compromising audio quality — all built at the Heritage Audio factory in Spain. The HA-609A is a modern take on the classic transformer coupled diode bridge compressor/limiter design, with several improvements brought in to accommodate the modern workflow. While some classic iterations of this design utilized some IC chips and a class A/B amplifier stage, the HA-609A features an entirely discrete, Class A design and a total of three Carnhill/St Ives transformers per channel. The addition of a fast attack mode for both the compressor and limiter section allow the HA-609A the flexibility to handle individual tracks as well as groups and 2-bus program material. Thanks to a proprietary system of diode bridge gain reduction cells introduced with our highly regarded SUCCESSOR, the HA-609A has better channel matching than any earlier incarnations; while the use of rotary switches and high quality, stepped pots allow for easy recall and maintain a perfect stereo image. The Heritage Audio HA-609A is a professional diode bridge-based dynamics processor in a convenient 2 rack unit format. It features Carnhill/St Ives transformer balanced inputs and outputs, with the outputs being driven by means of ́73 type Class A amplifiers. It also features St. Ives interstage transformers to isolate the diode bridges in a fully floating configuration. Therefore, there is a total of no less than 6 Carnhill/St Ives transformers per unit, 3 per channel providing tone for days. Unlike vintage diode bridge designs, the HA-609A has dual attack times both in the compressor and limiter sections and expanded threshold and limit level ranges that easily accommodate the hotter modern input signals. Gone is the classic problem of the unit always compressing even at the highest limit levels and compression thresholds, which used to drive the mixing and mastering engineers crazy. Finally, the all discrete Class A construction distinguishes itself from other vintage and current diode bridge units, (which still rely on class A/B amps), and reacts so much better to compression, in a much more musical way.
GETTING STARTED
FRONT
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIMIT LEVEL | LIMIT RELEASE TIME | LIMIT ATTACK TIME | |||
| COMPRESSION | RATIO | COMPRESSION RELEASE | |||
| Sets the output level at | On a 6-position rotary | 2 different times on a push | |||
| THRESHOLD | From a very gentle 1.5:1 | On a 6-position rotary switch. | |||
| which limiting occurs. | switch. From fast 50 | button. Fast is with button | |||
| With an extended range | to a harder 6:1. On a 5- | From medium-fast 100 | |||
| Range is from 0 to +20 | milliseconds to 0.8 | pressed. | from +20 dBu (fully | ||
| position rotary switch. | milliseconds to pretty slow 1.5 | ||||
| dBu on a high quality | seconds and 2 automatic | clockwise) to -20 dBu | |||
| (fully | seconds and 2 automatic | ||||
| stepped potentiometer. | release times (fast on | counterclockwise) on a |
release times (fast on peaks,
| peaks, slow on sustained| | stepped precision| | slow on sustained program).
| program).| | potentiometer.| |
7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12
GAIN MAKEUP| COMPRESSION| GAIN REDUCTION| LINK| LIMIT
IN| COMPRESS IN
Allows for restoring the| ATTACK TIME| METER 1and 2| Engages
the stereo mode.| Enables the limiting| Enables the compression
gain loss up to 20 dB in .5| 2 different times on a| Measures gain reduction
in| When both channels are| section. If audio level| section. If audio level
is below
dB steps, on a 41-step| push button. Fast is with| dB. They are illuminated|
linked, the same control| exceeds the set limit| threshold level, it is
detected precision| button pressed.| when their BYPASS| signal drives both
channels.| level, it will not react. If it| attenuated as per the ratio
potentiometer.| | buttons are disengaged| | is below the limit level, it| law.
If it exceeds the
| | and the unit is active.| | is limited at the limit| threshold level, it
will not
| | | | level.| react.
13| 14| 15| 16|
BYPASS 1 and 2
True bypass, relay-based type. They effectively
| POWER
Turns power ON.
| ON/OFF INDICATOR
Lights up when ON.
| LINK INDICATOR
Lights up when LINK.
|
bypass the whole unit.| | |
REAR
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|
LINE INPUTs (L &R)
Transformer balanced, XLR Gold Plated.
| POWER CONNECTOR
To Be Connected to the HA PSU04 Power Supply
| LINE OUTPUTs (L &R)
Transformer balanced,73 type Class A amp driven, XLR Gold Plated.
APPLICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
- Maximum input level: Over +22 dBu.
- Maximum output level: Over +26,5 dBu into 600 Ω.
- Self-Noise: Less than -75 dBu 20 Hz-20 Khz. -80 dBu A-weighted.
- THD+N (50Hz- 20Khz): not engaged, less than 0,07 % at +20 dBu.
- Frequency response, COMPRESS and LIMIT OUT, ± 0.5 dB, 15 Hz- 30 Khz.
- Input impedance: 10 KΩ, transformer balanced and floating.
- Output impedance: Less than 75 Ω, transformer balanced and floating, Class A driven.
- Compressor characteristics: Threshold from –20 to +20 dBu on a 41-step precision potentiometer. Ratio selectable on a rotary switch, 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1. Release selectable on a rotary switch, 100, 400, 800, 1500 ms, A1 and A2 auto release times. A1 corresponds to 50 ms on peaks and around 500 mS on sustained program. A2 to 50 ms on peaks and 1.5 seconds on sustained program.
- Limiter characteristics: Limit level selectable from 0 to +20 dBu on a 41-step precision potentiometer. Release selectable on a rotary switch, 50, 100, 200, 800 ms, A1 and A2 auto release times. A1 corresponds to 50 ms on peaks and around 800 ms on sustained program. A2 corresponds to 50 ms on peaks and about 1.5 seconds on sustained program.
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 482 mm x 88 mm (2 Rack units) x 184 mm.
SIGNAL FLOW
TROUBLE SHOOTING
| PROBLEMS | SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|
| There doesn´t HA-609A. | seem |
| connected. | the |
| There is no lighting in my VU meters. | This is normal, how it should be in |
Bypass mode. Upon activating the unit it will light up.
When compressing heavily I can´t get enough signal on to my interface.| Make
sure to compensate with the GAIN MAKEUP knob to return to a good, healthy
level.
There is no signal from the HA-609A.| Double check that you have made the
right connections with the right cables.
There is still no signal from the HA-609A.| Make sure the GAIN MAKEUP is not
fully turned down.
There is still no signal whatsoever from the HA-609A.| Double check your
routing in your DAW to make sure it´s correct.
There are way too many peaks getting through regardless of the compressor or
limiter settings.| Try using the ATTACK FAST button to make the processors
react quicker and more aggressively.
Too many of the initial hits (transients) of my drum/ percussion track sound
way too softened and blurred.| Make sure the ATTACK FAST button is not pressed
to allow more of the initial transient through unaffected.
Too many of the initial hits of my drum/percussion track still sound way too
softened and blurred.| Try deactivating the LIMITER or reducing its effect a
lot.
I´m getting altogether too much compression applied to my signal.| Back off a
bit on the THRESHOLD and/or reduce the RATIO.
The compression seems to be overpowering the signal and seems to simply just
reduce the volume.| Experiment with the RELEASE setting to find a more
appropriate timing. The A1 and A2 automatic settings can be very helpful here.
I´m trying to compress a stereo signal but my levels are all over the place
between the two channels, Left and Right.| Make sure you have pressed the LINK
button to make the Left channel the main controller for both channels.
Even though I don´t have the BYPASS button pressed the Compressor and Limiter
aren´t responding.| Both the Compressor and the Limiter have their own IN
buttons. Make sure these are pressed when you want them to work.
For any further doubts or questions please get in contact with us at: support@heritageaudio.com
WARRANTY STATEMENT
LIMITED 2 YEAR WARRANTY
Heritage Audio HA-609A is warranted by Heritage Audio SL to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 2 years to the original
purchaser. In the event of such defects, the product will be repaired without
charge or, at our option, replaced with a new one if delivered to Heritage
Audio prepaid, together with a copy of the sales slip or other proof of
purchase date. The warranty excludes problems due to normal wear, abuse,
shipping damage or failure to use the product in accordance with the
specifications. Heritage Audio shall not be liable for damages based upon
inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss of time, interrupted operation
or commercial loss or any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or
otherwise. This warranty is not transferable. Heritage Audio and the Heritage
Audio “H” logos are registered Trademarks owned and/or licensed by Heritage
Audio.
REGISTRATION
Please visit our website: https://heritageaudio.com/registration/
RECALL SHEETS
HERITAGE AUDIO. C/ Alfonso Gómez, 38, 3C. 28037 Madrid – Spain. Tel: +34 917 266 189 info@heritageaudio.com
References
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