Heritage Audio, the Spain-based boutique audio company (popular for its Neve-inspired hardware) has a new interesting item to add to our ever-growing outboard wishlist: the HA-609A is 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 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.
Thanks to a proprietary system of diode bridge matching, 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 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, making it the perfect choice for both tracking and mixing.
Watch the video below, if you are not afraid of your GAS, that is.
Price and Availability:
The HA-609A is scheduled to ship in the next few weeks, with an estimated street price of $1,799 USD/1899 EUR. To learn more visit the official web page.
