Heritage Audio ELITE Series User manual

USER MANUAL
DUAL CHANNEL CLASS A
COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
ELITE SERIES
HA-609A
August/2022)Rev.)1.0.)

2
INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION
GETTING STARTED
APPLICATIONS!
SPECIFICATIONS!
SIGNAL FLOW!
TROUBLE SHOOTING
WARRANTY STATEMENT
REGISTRATION!
RECALL SHEETS
2
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3
4
5
7
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INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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.
Peter Rodriguez
CEO!
Heritage Audio - Madrid, Spain
© 2022 Heritage Audio S.L. is the sole owner of the copyright of all information and drawings contained in this manual which are not to be copied or
reproduced by any means or disclosed in part or whole to any third party without written permission.
Heritage Audio reserves the right to alter specifications without notice. The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to
be accurate at the time of publication. However, no responsibility is taken by us for inaccuracies, errors or omissions nor any liability assumed for any
loss or damage resulting either directly or indirectly from use of the information contained within it.
HA-609A
AC POWER CORD EU & US
POWER SUPPLY HA-PSU04

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.
3

GETTING STARTED
4
FRONT
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.
All XLRs are:
Pin 1: GND!
Pin 2: Hot!
Pin 3: Cold
1
2
3
3
2
1
GND!
Hot (+)!
Cold (-)
MALE XLR
FEMALE XLR
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
5
4
3
2
1
11
6
7
8
9
12
14
10
16
15
3
LIMIT LEVEL
Sets the output level at
which limiting occurs.
Range is from 0 to +20
dBu on a high quality
stepped potentiometer.
LIMIT RELEASE TIME
On a 6-position rotary
switch. From fast 50
milliseconds to 0.8
seconds and 2 automatic
release times (fast on
peaks, slow on sustained
program).
LIMIT ATTACK TIME
2 different times on a push
button. Fast is with button
pressed.
COMPRESSION
THRESHOLD
With an extended range
from +20 dBu (fully
clockwise) to -20 dBu (fully
counterclockwise) on a
stepped precision
potentiometer.
RATIO
From a very gentle 1.5:1
to a harder 6:1. On a 5-
position rotary switch.
COMPRESSION RELEASE
On a 6-position rotary switch.
From medium-fast 100
milliseconds to pretty slow 1.5
seconds and 2 automatic
release times (fast on peaks,
slow on sustained program).
REAR
1
7
8
9
10
11
12
GAIN MAKEUP
Allows for restoring the
gain loss up to 20 dB in .5
dB steps, on a 41-step
detected precision
potentiometer.
COMPRESSION
ATTACK TIME
2 different times on a
push button. Fast is with
button pressed.
GAIN REDUCTION
METER 1and 2
Measures gain reduction in
dB. They are illuminated
when their BYPASS
buttons are disengaged
and the unit is active.
LINK
Engages the stereo mode.
When both channels are
linked, the same control
signal drives both channels.
LIMIT IN
Enables the limiting
section. If audio level
exceeds the set limit
level, it will not react. If it
is below the limit level, it
is limited at the limit
level.
COMPRESS IN
Enables the compression
section. If audio level is below
threshold level, it is
attenuated as per the ratio
law. If it exceeds the
threshold level, it will not
react.
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15
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ON/OFF INDICATOR
Lights up when ON.
LINK INDICATOR
Lights up when LINK.
BYPASS 1 and 2
True bypass, relay-based
type. They effectively
bypass the whole unit.
POWER
Turns power ON.
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BASS
RECORDING
APPLICATIONS
5
LINE INPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE
USB - COMPUTER
D.I. INPUT
ATIVATE D.I. INPUT
GUITAR
RECORDING
LINE INPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE
USB - COMPUTER
INPUT CH 1
HA-609 A
GUITAR FX PEDAL
MIC PREAMP INPUT
TT-73
ACTIVATE +48 V FOR CONDENSER MIC
GUITAR AMP INPUT
OUTPUT CH 1
HA-609A
INPUT CH 1
HA-609 A
OUTPUT CH 1
HA-609A

MIXING
DAW
6
MIXING
MIXBUS
MONITOR
SPEAKERS
THUNDERBOLT
COMPUTER
OUPUTS DAW 1 & 2
INPUT CH 1
HA-609A
INPUT CH 2
HA-609A
INPUT DAW CH 2
INPUT DAW CH 1
OUTPUT CH 2
HA-609A
OUTPUT CH 1
HA-609A
MONITOR
SPEAKERS
THUNDERBOLT
COMPUTER
OUPUTS 1 & 2 DAW
INPUT CH 1
HA-609A
INPUT CH 1
EQUALIZER
INPUT CH 2
EQUALIZER
OUTPUT CH 1
HA-609A
OUTPUT CH 2
HA-609A
INPUT CH 2
HA-609A
OUTPUT CH 2
EQUALIZER
OUTPUT CH 1
EQUALIZER
INPUT CH 2
COMPRESSOR
INPUT CH 1
COMPRESSOR
OUTPUT CH 1
COMPRESSOR
OUTPUT CH 2
COMPRESSOR
INPUT DAW
CH 2
INPUT DAW
CH 1

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.
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SIGNAL FLOW
MIC/LINE INPUT
LINE OUTPUT
CHANNEL RIGHT
CHANNEL LEFT
MIC/LINE INPUT
LINE OUTPUT
INPUT AMP
COMPRESSOR
LIMITER
OUTPUT AMP
INPUT AMP
COMPRESSOR
LIMITER
OUTPUT AMP

TROUBLE SHOOTING
PROBLEMS
SOLUTIONS
There doesn´t seem to be any power feeding the
HA-609A.
Make sure the HA-PSU04 power supply has been
connected.
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.
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* For any further doubts or questions please get in contact with us at: [email protected]!

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
9
Please visit our website:
WARRANTY STATEMENT
https://heritageaudio.com/registration/

RECALL SHEETS
10
LINK
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www.heritageaudio.com
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[email protected]