Heritage Audio MOTORCITY EQualizer User manual

USER MANUAL
August/2022)Rev.)1.0.)
7 BAND PASSIVE EQ
AMERICAN HERITAGE

2
INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE FREQUENCY DESCRIPTIONS
INDIVIDUAL FREQUENCY DESCRIPTIONS
GETTING STARTED
APPLICATIONS!
SPECIFICATIONS!
SIGNAL FLOW!
TROUBLE SHOOTING
WARRANTY STATEMENT
REGISTRATION
RECALL SHEETS
2
2
3
4
5
12
13
16
16
17
18
18
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INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank you for choosing the MOTORCITY EQualizer. 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.
MOTORCITY EQ
AC POWER CORD EU & US
POWER SUPPLY HA-PSU04

DESCRIPTION
Heritage Audio would like to congratulate you on being the lucky owner of our MOTORCITY EQualizer, the world’s first
reproduction of the “Holy Grail” of classic EQ’s. With its introduction the MOTORCITY EQualizer is the first member of
our ´American Heritage´ line of products as it´s a faithful reproduction of the actual EQs from Detroit´s very own
MOTOWN Studios. Originally designed by in-house engineers with the idea of producing the greatest possible impact
on the music they were creating that dominated the charts for over a decade. This was their secret weapon.Until now
we have mainly focused on designing and manufacturing equipment inspired by legendary vintage British console
modules, using the same hand-wired, transformer-coupled Class A circuitry, but also making sure they are compatible
with modern day studio environments.Now we wanted some of that American flavor.
After a long gruelling process of meticulously researching and engineering everything to the exact original specifications
of this iconic 1960s Motown design, we did it.We actually achieved that huge, classic, punchy, warm signature sound
that has blessed so many hit records all without a hint of harshness or distortion.It wasn´t easy, but it was definitely
worth it. Sadly, there were only about 2 dozens of these EQs produced so we were very lucky to get our hands on 2
original Motown units owned by eight-time Grammy winning producer, mixdown artist, and innovative engineering
genius Michael Brauer.With these two we were able to make a spec-to-spec copy to ensure we capture that
unmistakable sound. The unique passive equalization circuit we incorporated is identical to the original design. And with
the 10-gauge hand brushed aluminum face plate, historically accurate control layout including custom molded bakelite
knobs, the MOTORCITY EQualizer certainly looks the part."
The MOTORCITY EQualizer is a completely analog, passive EQ design with access to seven frequency points across
the tonal spectrum.Each frequency has a stepped rotary switch capable of a flat response at ´0´ and a cut or boost of up
to 8 db in 1 dB stepped increments. As these are stepped rotary switches it´s very easy to make precise settings and
quick recalls. Frequency points are at: 50 Hz, 130 Hz, 320 Hz, 800 Hz, 2000 Hz, 5000 Hz, and 12,500 Hz.It also
features a master gain control (±8 dB), again in 1 dB stepped increments.
Reproducing a vintage design supposes many challenges, but one of the biggest is that it is no longer possible to obtain
the original parts.Therefore, we at Heritage Audio had to have them custom built from scratch. We only used 100 %
period-correct materials, values and tolerances. That means this MOTORCITY EQualizer is the real deal, not just
something similar, a close copy or a ´new and improved´ version of the original. You might ask why we went through so
much trouble to recreate this all-time classic…Well, we couldn´t say it any better than Michael Brauer himself when
asked about the EQs - ´It simply got that sound!´.
The MOTORCITY EQualizer really is the genuine article made available to the general public for the first time
ever.Something to be celebrated for sure. For the first time in history you can incorporate this one-of-a-kind equalizer
into your own setup.Now we can´t guarantee you the massive string of hits that Motown had over six decades ago, but
we can provide you with a tool that´ll pump up your tracks with the sound that did."
3

4
COMPLETE FREQUENCY DESCRIPTIONS
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
50 Hz
130 Hz
320 Hz
800 Hz
2000 Hz
5000 Hz
12500 Hz

INDIVIDUAL FREQUENCY DESCRIPTIONS
5
50 Hz - Boost/Cut Curves
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
50 Hz
Usually felt more than heard - Adds weight & a solid foundation and hits in the chest.
Can increase Low-end rumble(noise).
SUB-BASS

6
130 Hz - Boost/Cut Curves
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
130 Hz
Add for warmth, deeper sound and more thump.
Too much makes things boomy, too little makes things too thin.
BASS

7
320 Hz - Boost/Cut Curves
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
320 Hz
Used to add bass presence, definition and fullness.
Too much makes things muffled and muddy, too little makes things hollow.
LOW MIDRANGE

8
800 Hz - Boost/Cut Curves
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
800 Hz
Helps to make things stand out in the mix.
Too much can produce honk and cause ear fatigue, so use carefully.
MIDRANGE

9
2 kHz - Boost/Cut Curves
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
2 kHz
Used to add presence and definition of attacks of drums & percussion and add crunch &
whack.
Too much will cause ear fatigue, so use carefully.
UPPER MIDRANGE

10
5 kHz - Boost/Cut Curves
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
5 kHz
Used to add clarity to signals and give them an edge.
Too much will make things harsh and irritating while reducing will distance the sound.
PRESENCE

11
12.5 kHz - Boost/Cut
100
1000
10000
Hz
dBu
15!
10!
5!
0!
-5!
-10!
-15
12.5 kHz
Used to make things sparkle and to add air.
Too much will accentuate hiss and cause ear fatigue.
BRILLIANCE

GETTING STARTED
12
FRONT
REAR
1
2
3
POWER INPUT
To Be Connected to the HA PSU04 Power Supply
LINE OUTPUT
Male Gold Plated XLR Connector
LINE INPUT
Female Gold Plated XLR Connector
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
1
2
3
4
5
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 50 Hz
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 130 Hz
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 320 Hz
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 800 Hz
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 2000 Hz
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
3
1
6
7
8
9
10
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 5000 Hz
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB at 12500 Hz
LEVER SWITCH
ON/OUT/IN
STEPPED ROTARY SWITCH
±8 dB of GAIN
RED JEWEL
Indicator light

BASS
RECORDING
APPLICATIONS
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MONITOR
SPEAKERS
THUNDERBOLT
COMPUTER
LINE INPUT
AUDIO INTERFACE
D.I. INPUT
PREAMP TT-73
OUTPUT
PREAMP TT-73
TRACK
INSERT
MONITOR
SPEAKERS
THUNDERBOLT
COMPUTER
LINE INPUT
AUDIO INTERFACE
LINE OUTPUT
AUDIO INTERFACE
INSERTED
ONTO SNARE TRACK

14
MIX BUSS
INSERT
MONITOR
SPEAKERS
THUNDERBOLT
COMPUTER
AUDIO
INTERFACE
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE INPUTS
PROCESSED
STEREO MIX
STEREO MIX DAW
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE OUTPUTS
MOTORCITY EQ
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE OUTPUTS
MOTORCITY EQ
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE INPUTS

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MASTERING
MONITOR
SPEAKERS
THUNDERBOLT
COMPUTER
AUDIO
INTERFACE
SUCCESSOR
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE OUTPUTS
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE INPUTS
MASTERED MIX
STEREO MIX DAW
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE OUTPUTS
MOTORCITY EQ
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE OUTPUTS
HA-609A
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE OUTPUTS
HA-609A
LEFT & RIGHT
LINE INPUTS
COMPRESSOR
LIMITER

SPECIFICATIONS
•Line input impedance: 2400 Ωbridging, transformer balanced and floating.
•Output impedance: Less than 75 Ω, transformer balanced and floating, to drive a load of 600 Ω.
•Maximum output: Greater than +26,5 dBu into 600 Ω(internally terminated).
•THD: Less than 0,025 % at 1 kHz, Less than 0,05 % at 100 Hz.
•Frequency response: 20 Hz (+0,3 dB) to 20 kHz (-0,2 dB).
•Self noise: Less than -100 dBu.
•Power consumption: Less than 90 mA @ 48 V DC.
• Dimensions (W x H x L): 482 mm x 116mm (2 Rack units) x 381 mm..
•Weight: 6,8 Kg.
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SIGNAL FLOW
LINE INPUT
LINE OUTPUT
OUTPUT AMP
HA-A22!
CUSTOM
TRANSFORMER!
TONE!
CONTROL!
GAIN MAKEUP!
TONE!
CONTROL!
GAIN MAKEUP!

TROUBLE SHOOTING
PROBLEMS
SOLUTIONS
Applying Cut and Boost to the frequencies doesn´t have
any affect on the signal.
Make sure the MOTORCITY EQualizer isn´t in OUT
mode.
There is a very distorted signal being outputted from the
unit.
Check to see if you have left the OUTPUT GAIN knob in
too high of a position.
There is almost no output signal at all.
Check to see if you have left the OUTPUT GAIN knob in
too low of a position.
When I activate the equalizer there is just too much of an
increase in the signals volume.
Adjust the OUTPUT GAIN knob to a lower position to
compensate for any big equalizer adjustments of
frequencies.
When I activate the equalizer there is just too much of a
drop in the signals volume.
Adjust the OUTPUT GAIN knob to a higher position to
compensate for any adjustments made to frequencies.
The MOTORCITY EQualizer just makes every track sound
too good.
Be thankful you finally have the ´Holy Grail´ of EQs at your
fingertips.
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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 MOTORCITY EQualizer 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
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Please visit our website:
WARRANTY STATEMENT
https://heritageaudio.com/registration/

RECALL SHEETS
19
Session / Title: Track: Connected Equipment: !
Date: Instrument: Frequency: Notes:
Session / Title: Track: Connected Equipment: !
Date: Instrument: Frequency: Notes:

www.heritageaudio.com
HERITAGE AUDIO. C/ Alfonso Gómez, 38, 3C. 28037 Madrid – Spain. Tel: [phone]
[email protected]