Baby RAM - Audio Electronics Heritage Audio - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	500 Series Audio Compressor
Brand	Heritage Audio
Model	Baby RAM
Form Factor	500 Series Module
Width	1.5 inches (38 mm)
Height	5.25 inches (133 mm)
Depth	6.5 inches (165 mm)
Weight	1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
Power Supply	±16 V DC from 500 series rack
Circuitry	Class A discrete, hand-wired
Transformers	Custom input and output transformers
Controls	Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain
Indicators	Gain reduction LED meter
Connectors	Edge connector for 500 series rack
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
Input Impedance	600 ohms
Output Impedance	600 ohms
Maximum Input Level	+24 dBu
Maximum Output Level	+24 dBu
Construction	Steel chassis
Cleaning	Wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth
Safety	Operate only within specified voltage range

Frequently Asked Questions - Baby RAM Heritage Audio

What is the Heritage Audio Baby RAM?

The Heritage Audio Baby RAM is a 500 series FET compressor designed for professional audio recording and mixing. It emulates the classic sound of vintage compressors in a compact module.

How do I install the Baby RAM into a 500 series rack?

Insert the module into an empty slot of a 500 series compatible rack. Ensure the rack is powered off. Align the edge connector with the slot and gently push until secure. Secure with screws if provided.

What are the main controls on the Baby RAM?

The front panel features Threshold, Ratio (2:1, 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, 20:1), Attack, Release, and Makeup Gain controls. Each knob provides precise adjustment of compression characteristics.

How do I use the Baby RAM for vocal compression?

Set a moderate Ratio (4:1), adjust Threshold so that the gain reduction meter shows 3-6 dB on loud passages. Use faster Attack (1-5 ms) and medium Release (100-300 ms). Apply Makeup Gain to compensate.

What is the power requirement for the Baby RAM?

The module requires ±16 V DC provided by the 500 series rack. It draws approximately 150 mA. Ensure your rack can supply sufficient current for all modules.

Can the Baby RAM be used on stereo sources?

For stereo compression, use two Baby RAM modules and link them via the sidechain connection (if available) or manually match settings. Due to component tolerances, matching may require careful adjustment.

How do I clean the Baby RAM?

Disconnect the rack from power. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the front panel and connectors. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.

What is the difference between Baby RAM and the full-sized RAM compressor?

The Baby RAM is a 500 series version of Heritage Audio’s RAM compressor, offering the same discrete FET compression circuitry but in a smaller, modular format for portable or rack-mounted setups.

Does the Baby RAM have a sidechain?

Yes, the Baby RAM includes an external sidechain insert on a TRS jack (tip = send, ring = return). This allows EQ-based or frequency-conscious compression by inserting an external processor into the sidechain path.

What should I do if the Baby RAM is not powering on?

Check that the 500 series rack is powered and supplying ±16 V. Verify the module is fully seated in the slot. If the issue persists, test the module in another slot to rule out a faulty rack connector.

USER MANUAL Baby RAM Heritage Audio

USER MANUAL

Thank you for choosing the Baby R.A.M. 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	6
SIGNAL FLOW	6
TROUBLE SHOOTING	7
WARRANTY STATEMENT	8
REGISTRATION	8
RECALL SHEETS	9

Heritage Audio's Baby RAM is the ultimate passive-monitoring system, delivering the most transparent signal with the best stereo imaging of any other passive designs available!

The Baby RAM is a boutique, passive-circuit monitor controller inspired by classic European console designs. A Baby RAM is the ultimate controller for total transparency — a zero-compromise signal path, paired with a simplified control set ensures your monitors receive the cleanest, purest signal possible without unnecessary complications.

The Baby RAM proudly features a 4 gang, 24 step rotary switch for volume as opposed to cheaper stereo potentiometers, which means the precision of your stereo signal is perfect on every position as well as offering a sub-tenth of a dB precision on every single attenuation position! Baby RAM also has no insertion loss, meaning that there's no extra coloration, signal loss or degradation at any settings.

Even though the Baby RAM packs a zero-compromise circuit design, it couldn't be any easier to use with 2 pairs of stereo inputs and outputs — both balanced and ground free (unbalanced compatible) on gold plated TRS jacks. Mute, Dim, Mono, and Volume monitoring controls make the Baby RAM a breeze to work with. And with it's passive design, it also means you have no concerns with bad power supplies, as no electrical current is needed!

The Baby RAM is built with the most cutting edge methods in manufacturing and design, without ever compromising audio quality or cutting corners.

1	2	3	4	5	6
OUTPUT Selects either Output 1 or Output 2	ATTENUATOR Steps through the volume range in 3 dB increments	MONO SWITCH Collapses the signal from Stereo to Mono	INPUT Selects either Input 1 or Input 2	DIM SWITCH Reduces output by -20 dB	MUTE SWITCH Completely eliminates the output

1	2	3
INPUTS1/4 TRS Jacks	OUTPUTS1/4 TRS Jacks	BAL. & FLOAT / UNBAL.Lifts the ground on the output signal for better Unbalanced compatibility

• Unlimited Headroom: Being a passive device, it is only limited by the preceding and following devices's headroom.
  • Balanced and floating inputs and outputs: Inputs and Outputs TRS JACKs, unbalanced compatible.
• 24 Step Passive Attenuator: In 3 dB steps for sub-tenth dB precision between left and right channels.
• Mute: Less than 100 dBu.
• No added distortion or noise.
• Insertion loss: Less than 0,2 dB.
• Dimensions (W x H x L): 142 mm x 85 mm x 192 mm.

SIGNAL FLOW

PROBLEMS	SOLUTIONS
There is no sound coming from my Baby RAM.	Make sure the ‘MUTE’ button is not pressed.
The audio from my Baby RAM seems less open than the audio directly from my DAW.	Double check that you have not accidentally pressed the ‘MONO’ button.
Even with the volume knob all the way up it doesn’t seem to output as much as before.	You may have the ‘DIM’ button pushed, reducing the output by -20 dB.
There is no signal present at the Baby RAM’s Output.	Verify that you have correctly connected the Input and Output cables.
There seems to be lots of extra noise coming from the unit.	Try pressing the white ‘Unbal’ button on the rear panel.
Is it possible to have both outputs or both inputs active at the same time?	No, you can only use one Input and one Output at an given time.

* For any further doubts or questions please get in contact with us at: [e-mail]

LIMITED 2 YEAR WARRANTY

Heritage Audio Baby R.A.M 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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www.heritageaudio.com

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

[e-mail]