HA-609A - Compressor Heritage Audio - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Dual Mono Stereo Compressor/Limiter
Brand	Heritage Audio
Model	HA-609A
Dimensions (W x H x L)	482 mm x 88 mm (2U) x 184 mm
Weight	Approximately 5.5 kg
Power Supply	External HA-PSU04 (included)
Inputs	2 x XLR transformer balanced, 10 kΩ impedance
Outputs	2 x XLR transformer balanced, Class A driven, <75 Ω impedance
Maximum Input Level	> +22 dBu
Maximum Output Level	> +26.5 dBu into 600 Ω
Frequency Response	±0.5 dB, 15 Hz – 30 kHz (compressor and limiter engaged)
Self-Noise	< -75 dBu (20 Hz – 20 kHz), -80 dBu A-weighted
THD+N (50 Hz – 20 kHz)	< 0.07% at +20 dBu (not engaged)
Compressor Threshold	-20 dBu to +20 dBu, 41-step precision potentiometer
Compressor Ratio	1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1 (5-position rotary switch)
Compressor Release	100 ms, 400 ms, 800 ms, 1500 ms, A1, A2 (6-position rotary switch)
Compressor Attack	2 times: Normal and Fast (push button)
Limiter Limit Level	0 dBu to +20 dBu, 41-step precision potentiometer
Limiter Release	50 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms, 800 ms, A1, A2 (6-position rotary switch)
Limiter Attack	2 times: Normal and Fast (push button)
Gain Makeup	Up to 20 dB in 0.5 dB steps, 41-step precision potentiometer
Bypass	True bypass, relay-based per channel
Link Mode	Stereo link with button; left channel controls both
Construction	All discrete, Class A; 6 x Carnhill/St Ives transformers
Warranty	2 years limited (original purchaser)

Frequently Asked Questions - HA-609A Heritage Audio

How do I power on the HA-609A?

Connect the included HA-PSU04 power supply to the rear POWER CONNECTOR and then press the front panel POWER button. The ON/OFF indicator will light up when powered.

Why are the VU meters not lighting up?

This is normal in bypass mode. The meters illuminate only when the unit is active (BYPASS button disengaged).

How do I use stereo link mode?

Press the LINK button on the front panel. When linked, the left channel controls both channels, ensuring matched compression and limiting for a perfect stereo image.

What is the difference between A1 and A2 auto release times?

A1 uses 50 ms on peaks and approximately 500 ms (compressor) or 800 ms (limiter) on sustained program. A2 uses 50 ms on peaks and about 1.5 seconds on sustained program. These settings adapt automatically to the input signal.

How can I achieve faster attack for percussive sounds?

Press the ATTACK FAST button for the compressor or limiter section. This provides a quicker reaction to transients, useful for drums and percussion.

Why is there no signal output from the HA-609A?

Check that the GAIN MAKEUP knob is not fully down, verify proper cable connections, ensure the unit is not in bypass, and confirm your DAW routing is correct. Also make sure the COMPRESS IN and LIMIT IN buttons are engaged if you want those sections active.

How do I adjust compression threshold and ratio?

Use the COMPRESSION THRESHOLD stepped pot (counterclockwise increases compression) and the RATIO rotary switch (1.5:1 to 6:1). For limiting, set the LIMIT LEVEL pot and press LIMIT IN.

What is the recommended gain makeup procedure?

After applying compression, use the GAIN MAKEUP stepped pot to restore output level. Turn it clockwise to add gain in 0.5 dB steps up to 20 dB. Match the level to the bypassed signal for A/B comparison.

How do I clean and maintain the HA-609A?

Disconnect power before cleaning. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the front panel and chassis. Avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners. Ensure ventilation holes are unobstructed. No user-serviceable parts inside; refer to qualified service for repairs.

What does the 2-year warranty cover?

Heritage Audio warrants the HA-609A against defects in materials and workmanship for 2 years from original purchase. It covers repair or replacement at their option. Excludes normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, and improper use. Proof of purchase is required.

USER MANUAL HA-609A Heritage Audio

USER MANUAL

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION	2
CONTENTS	2
DESCRIPTION	3
GETTING STARTED	4
APPLICATIONS	5
SPECIFICATIONS	7
SIGNAL FLOW	7
TROUBLE SHOOTING	8
WARRANTY STATEMENT	9
REGISTRATION	9
RECALL SHEETS	10

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.

1	2	3	4	5	6
LIMIT LEVELSets the output level at which limiting occurs. Range is from 0 to +20 dBu on a high quality stepped potentiometer.	LIMIT RELEASE TIMEOn 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 TIME2 different times on a push button. Fast is with button pressed.	COMPRESSION THRESHOLDWith an extended range from +20 dBu (fully clockwise) to -20 dBu (fully counterclockwise) on a stepped precision potentiometer.	RATIOFrom a very gentle 1.5:1 to a harder 6:1. On a 5-position rotary switch.	COMPRESSION RELEASEOn 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).
7	8	9	10	11	12
GAIN MAKEUPAllows for restoring the gain loss up to 20 dB in .5 dB steps, on a 41-step detected precision potentiometer.	COMPRESSION ATTACK TIME2 different times on a push button. Fast is with button pressed.	GAIN REDUCTION METER 1and 2Measures gain reduction in dB. They are illuminated when their BYPASS buttons are disengaged and the unit is active.	LINKEngages the stereo mode. When both channels are linked, the same control signal drives both channels.	LIMIT INEnables 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 INEnables 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.
13	14	15	16
BYPASS 1 and 2True bypass, relay-based type. They effectively bypass the whole unit.	POWERTurns power ON.	ON/OFF INDICATORLights up when ON.	LINK INDICATORLights up when LINK.

1	2	3
LINE INPUTs (L&R)Transformer balanced, XLR Gold Plated.	POWER CONNECTORTo Be Connected to the HA PSU04 Power Supply	LINE OUTPUTs (L&R)Transformer balanced,73 type Class A amp driven, XLR Gold Plated.

BASS RECORDING

GUITAR RECORDING

• 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

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. Up 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 kno to return to a good, healthy level.
There is no signal from the HA-609A.	Double check that you have made the right connection 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 trad 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 I 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: [e-mail]

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/

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HERITAGE AUDIO. C/ Alfonso Gómez, 38, 3C. 28037 Madrid – Spain. Tel: [phone]

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