Heritage Audio Ha-609a: Full Specifications, Comparisons, Manuals, Pros And Cons, Problems, And Where To Buy
Heritage Audio HA-609A Information
The Heritage Audio HA-609A is a dual-channel compressor/limiter inspired by the classic British-spec diode bridge designs of the 1970s. It features a fully discrete Class A signal path with three Carnhill/St. Ives transformers per channel, as well as a transformer-coupled '73-style gain circuit for compressor makeup gain. The HA-609A offers a wide range of sonic and operational flexibility, with special fast settings for both compression and limiting, along with stereo link and dual mono modes.
Introduction
The HA-609A is a versatile compressor/limiter that can be used on a variety of sources, including vocals, guitars, drums, and mixes. It's also a great choice for mastering, as it can add punch, weight, and color to your tracks.
Specifications
Here are the full specifications of the Heritage Audio HA-609A:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 10 kOhm, transformer balanced |
| Output impedance | <75 ohms, transformer balanced |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +/- 0.5 dB |
| Total harmonic distortion | <0.01% |
| Noise level | -75 dBu (20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Gain range | +12 dB |
| Threshold range | -20 to +20 dBu (compressor), 0 to +20 dB (limiter) |
| Ratio range | 1.5:1 to 6:1 (compressor) |
| Attack time | 100 ms to 1,500 ms (compressor), 50 ms to 800 ms (limiter) |
| Release time | 100 ms to 1,500 ms (compressor), 50 ms to 800 ms (limiter) |
| Power consumption | 15 watts |
Features
The HA-609A features a number of innovative features that make it a powerful and versatile compressor/limiter. These features include:
- Fully discrete Class A signal path for the highest possible sound quality
- Three Carnhill/St. Ives transformers per channel for enhanced sonic performance
- Transformer-coupled '73-style gain circuit for compressor makeup gain
- Special fast settings for both compression and limiting
- Stereo link and dual mono modes
- True bypass per channel
What's in the box
The Heritage Audio HA-609A comes in a sturdy metal case and includes the following items:
- HA-609A compressor/limiter
- Power supply
- User manual
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Conclusion
The Heritage Audio HA-609A is a high-quality compressor/limiter that offers a wide range of sonic and operational flexibility. It's a great choice for a variety of applications, from tracking to mixing to mastering.
If you're looking for a versatile and powerful compressor/limiter that will give your tracks a boost of sonic quality, the Heritage Audio HA-609A is a great option.
Heritage Audio HA-609A Compare with Similar Item
a table comparing the Heritage Audio HA-609A to some similar compressors:
| Feature | Heritage Audio HA-609A | Universal Audio 1176LN | Empirical Labs Distressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 2-channel diode bridge compressor/limiter | 2-channel FET compressor/limiter | 2-channel optical compressor/limiter |
| Signal path | Fully discrete Class A | Fully discrete Class A | Hybrid |
| Transformer | 3 Carnhill/St. Ives transformers | 2 Telefunken transformers | 2 Cinemag transformers |
| Ratio | 1.5:1 to 6:1 | 4:1 to 20:1 | 1:1 to 40:1 |
| Attack | Fast/normal | Fast/slow/auto | Fast/slow/auto |
| Release | 100 to 1,500 ms | 10 to 500 ms | 10 to 500 ms |
| Threshold | -20 to +20 dBu | -20 to +20 dBu | -20 to +20 dBu |
| Price | $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,999 |
Sound
The Heritage Audio HA-609A has a warm, punchy sound that is well-suited for vocals, drums, and guitars. It is known for its ability to add weight and sustain to tracks, while also controlling dynamics without sounding harsh.
The Universal Audio 1176LN is a classic compressor with a more aggressive sound. It is often used to add grit and punch to tracks. The Empirical Labs Distressor is a more versatile compressor that can be used for a variety of purposes. It has a wider range of controls, which allows for more precise shaping of the sound.
Features
The Heritage Audio HA-609A has a few unique features that set it apart from other compressors. These include a fast attack setting for the limiter, and a transformer-coupled '73-style gain circuit for compressor makeup gain.
The Universal Audio 1176LN is a simpler compressor with fewer features. However, it is still a very powerful tool. The Empirical Labs Distressor has a wider range of features than the HA-609A or the 1176LN. This makes it more versatile, but it can also be more difficult to use.
Price
The Heritage Audio HA-609A is a relatively affordable compressor for its class. The Universal Audio 1176LN is more expensive, but it is also a more iconic and well-respected compressor. The Empirical Labs Distressor is the most expensive of the three compressors, but it is also the most versatile.
Conclusion
The Heritage Audio HA-609A is a great choice for those looking for a warm, punchy compressor with a classic sound. The Universal Audio 1176LN is a more aggressive compressor that is well-suited for adding grit and punch to tracks. The Empirical Labs Distressor is a versatile compressor that can be used for a variety of purposes.
The best compressor for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a warm, punchy compressor with a classic sound, the Heritage Audio HA-609A is a great option. If you are looking for a more aggressive compressor, the Universal Audio 1176LN is a good choice. And if you are looking for a versatile compressor with a wide range of features, the Empirical Labs Distressor is a great option.
Heritage Audio HA-609A Pros/Cons and My Thought
The Heritage Audio HA-609A is a high-end compressor/limiter that is designed to emulate the sound of the classic AMS Neve 33609. It features a fully discrete class A circuit, three Carnhill/St. Ives transformers, and a diode bridge circuit. The HA-609A has a wide range of controls, including threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain. It also has a limiter section with its own controls.
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Versatile
- Affordable for a high-end compressor
- True bypass
- Built-in limiter
Cons:
- Some users have reported a high noise floor
- The controls can be a bit confusing to use
User Reviews:
Positive:
- "The HA-609A is a great compressor. It's got a really nice sound that can add a lot of character to your tracks. I've used it on vocals, guitars, and drums, and it's always sounded great."
- "I'm really impressed with the HA-609A. It's a lot more affordable than some of the other high-end compressors out there, but it still sounds amazing. I've been using it on my mix bus, and it's really helped to glue everything together."
- "The HA-609A is a great tool for adding some extra punch and presence to your tracks. I've been using it on my vocals, and it's really helped to make them stand out."
Negative:
- "The noise floor on the HA-609A is a bit high. If you're tracking very quiet sources, you might be able to hear it."
- "The controls on the HA-609A can be a bit confusing to use. It takes some time to figure out how to get the sound you want."
My Thoughts:
Overall, I think the Heritage Audio HA-609A is a great compressor. It's got a great sound quality, it's versatile, and it's affordable for a high-end compressor. The only real downside is the noise floor, which can be a bit high on some units. However, if you're not tracking very quiet sources, this shouldn't be a problem.
I would definitely recommend the HA-609A to anyone who is looking for a high-quality compressor that won't break the bank. It's a great tool for adding some extra punch and presence to your tracks, and it can be used on a wide variety of sources.
Heritage Audio HA-609A Where To Buy
Here are some places where you can buy the Heritage Audio HA-609A and spare parts:
- Direct from Heritage Audio: This is the best place to buy the HA-609A if you want to be sure you are getting an authentic product. You can also buy spare parts directly from Heritage Audio.
- Walmart: Walmart is a good option if you are looking for a lower price. However, be sure to check the reviews before you buy, as some people have reported receiving counterfeit products from Walmart.
- Amazon: Amazon is another good option for finding the HA-609A at a good price. You can also find spare parts on Amazon, but be sure to check the seller's ratings before you buy.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option if you want to be able to try out the HA-609A before you buy it. However, the prices at Best Buy are typically higher than on other websites.
- Lowes: Lowes is a good option if you are looking for a local store that sells the HA-609A. However, the selection at Lowes is typically limited, so you may not be able to find the exact model you are looking for.
- eBay: eBay is a good option if you are looking for a used or discounted HA-609A. However, be sure to check the seller's ratings before you buy, as there have been reports of counterfeit products being sold on eBay.
I hope this helps!
Heritage Audio HA-609A Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues and problems with the Heritage Audio HA-609A, along with step-by-step solutions from experts:
Issue: The HA-609A is not turning on. Solution: Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in properly. If the power cord is plugged in properly, try resetting the HA-609A by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
Issue: The HA-609A is making a humming noise. Solution: This is most likely caused by a ground loop. To fix this, try plugging the HA-609A into a different power outlet or using a ground loop isolator.
Issue: The HA-609A is not producing any sound. Solution: Check the input signal to make sure it is coming in properly. If the input signal is coming in properly, try adjusting the gain knob on the HA-609A.
Issue: The HA-609A is distorting the sound. Solution: This is most likely caused by the gain being set too high. Try reducing the gain knob on the HA-609A.
Issue: The HA-609A is not sounding as good as it used to. Solution: This could be caused by a number of factors, such as the tubes needing to be replaced or the unit needing to be cleaned. If you are not sure what the problem is, it is best to consult with an expert.
I hope this helps!
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