Elite Series HA-73 - Audio Preamplifier Heritage Audio - Free user manual and instructions

Type	Microphone Preamp (Single Channel)
Brand	Heritage Audio
Model	Elite Series HA-73
Inputs	Mic (XLR), Line (XLR), DI (1/4" jack)
Output	Line (XLR)
Mic Input Impedance	1200 Ω (high) / 300 Ω (low, press LOZ)
Line Input Impedance	10 kΩ
DI Input Impedance	>2 MΩ
Output Impedance	<75 Ω
Maximum Output Level	>+26.5 dBu into 600 Ω
Gain Range	30 dB to 80 dB in 5 dB steps
Pad	-20 dB
Phantom Power	+48 V
High Pass Filter	-3 dB at 82 Hz, discrete class A
Polarity Reverse	180°
Output Attenuator	0 to infinity (fully attenuates)
Frequency Response	20 Hz (+0.3 dB) to 20 kHz (-0.2 dB)
THD	<0.025% at 1 kHz, <0.05% at 100 Hz
Equivalent Input Noise	<-125 dBu
Output Stage Noise	<-100 dBu
Power Consumption	<95 mA @ 48 V DC
Power Supply	External HA-PSU04 (included)
Chassis	1RU steel
Dimensions (W x H x D)	482 mm x 44 mm x 184 mm
Weight	Approximately 3 kg
Warranty	2 years limited
Country of Manufacture	Spain
Included Accessories	Power cord (EU & US), power supply, manual

Frequently Asked Questions - Elite Series HA-73 Heritage Audio

What type of device is the Heritage Audio Elite Series HA-73?

It is a single-channel microphone preamp designed to deliver classic vintage sound. It features mic, line, and DI inputs with up to 80 dB of gain, a JFET DI circuit, and Carnhill transformers.

How do I connect a condenser microphone to the HA-73?

Connect your condenser mic to the XLR MIC input and press the +48 V button to activate phantom power. The red light indicates it’s on.

What is the DI input for?

The DI input is a high-impedance instrument input (greater than 2 MΩ) for connecting guitars, basses, or other instruments directly. It uses a Class A JFET circuit for a natural tone.

How can I reduce gain if the signal is too hot?

You can activate the PAD button to apply a -20 dB reduction ahead of the input transformer, or lower the INPUT GAIN switch. The OUTPUT ATTENUATOR can also be used.

Why is there no output from my HA-73?

Check that the OUTPUT ATTENUATOR knob is not fully turned down, and ensure no jack cable is left in the DI input (this mutes the XLR output). Also verify the GAIN knob is not in the 'OFF' position.

Can I use the HA-73 with line-level sources?

Yes, press the LINE button on the front panel to switch from mic/DI to line input mode. This adjusts the impedance for line level signals. Connect line sources to the rear LINE INPUT XLR.

What frequency does the high-pass filter cut?

The high-pass filter cuts at 82 Hz (-3 dB point) and is a discrete class A design. Press the HPF button to engage it.

How do I change the mic input impedance for ribbon microphones?

Press the LOZ button on the front panel to switch the mic input impedance from 1200 Ω to 300 Ω, which is optimal for low-gain ribbon mics.

What key components give the HA-73 its vintage sound?

The HA-73 uses Carnhill input and output transformers (hand-wound in England), a JFET DI circuit, and a fully discrete class A signal path. These components replicate the classic Neve-style sound.

How do I register my HA-73 for warranty?

Visit https://heritageaudio.com/registration/ and complete the form. Keep your proof of purchase. The warranty is 2 years limited and non-transferable.

USER MANUAL Elite Series HA-73 Heritage Audio

USER MANUAL

Thank you for choosing the Elite Series HA-73. 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

The HA-73 Elite single channel microphone preamp is made to the same specifications as the acclaimed 73 JR II and DMA 73 Heritage Audio models at an unheard of price.

Using the expertise and reputation obtained with its popular time-consuming hand soldered series, HA is able to offer a zero compromise, high quality yet very affordable alternative to the growing entry-level brands.

A combination of lean manufacturing, modern construction techniques and mass production, minimizes hand labor and therefore its high associated costs when manufacturing takes place in Western Europe. By passing the savings straight into the end users' pockets, Heritage Audio releases the most affordable outboard preamps and equalizers in its class up to date.

Key components to obtain a true vintage sound are indeed maintained, like the industry standard Carnhill transformers, hand wound in St Ives, England.

Manufactured in the same Spanish facilities as the rest of the HA line of products, the rack mountable HA-73 Elite presents the classic sounding recording preamp that, for generations, has been regarded for its rich, musical qualities and its ability to dramatically improve the sound of almost any source.

Further, it includes the same exact great sounding JFET DI circuit found in the 73 JR II and a fully discrete class A high pass filter.

With 80dB of available gain and dedicated mic, line, and instrument inputs; the HA-73 Elite has everything you need to bring microphones and instruments to life with vintage vibe and thickness.

The HA-73 Elite features gain, output trim, -20 db pad, polarity reverse, a high pass filter, and +48 V phantom power. It comes housed in a rugged 1RU British steel chassis and utilizes an external power supply for low noise operation. The HA-73 features Carnhill input and output transformers, high quality pots and switches, and best of all is 100 % made by Heritage Audio.

Interior view of an electronic control panel with green circuit board and wiring (no readable text or symbols)

1	2	3	4	5
D.I. INPUTHigh Impedance Class A JFET	INPUT GAIN SWITCH5 dB Steps From 30 to 80	MIC PAD20 dB Reduction Ahead of Input Transformer	PHANTOM POWERActivates 48 V	HIGH PASS FILTER-3 dB at 82 Hz, Discrete Class A

6	7	8	9	10
OUTPUT ATTENUATORAttenuates from 0 to Infinity	MIC INPUT IMPEDANCE1200 Ω or 300 Ω when pressed	LINESwitches from MIC/D.I. to Line	PHASEFlips phase 180°	POWERActivates Unit

1	2	3	4
POWER INPUTTo Be Connected to the HA PSU04Power Supply	LINE OUTPUTMale XLR Connector	LINE INPUTFemale XLR Connector	MIC INPUTFemale XLR Connector

All XLRs are:	MALE XLR FEMALE XLR	D.I. Jack:	Tip Tip=Signal
Pin 1: GNDPin 2: HotPin 3: Cold		Tip: SignalSleeve: Ground	Sleeve-Sleeve=Ground/Shield

graph TD
    A["CONDENSER MIC"] --> B["HA-73 MICROPHONE AMPTUER"]
    B --> C["ELITE SERIES"]
    C --> D["USB - COMPUTER"]
    D --> E["Line INPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE"]
    E --> F["MIC INPUT"]
    F --> G["OUTPUT"]
    G --> H["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    H --> I["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    I --> J["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    J --> K["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    K --> L["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    L --> M["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    M --> N["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    N --> O["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    O --> P["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    P --> Q["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    Q --> R["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    R --> S["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    S --> T["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    T --> U["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    U --> V["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    V --> W["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    W --> X["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    X --> Y["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    Y --> Z["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    Z --> AA["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AA --> AB["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AB --> AC["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AC --> AD["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AD --> AE["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AE --> AF["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AF --> AG["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AG --> AH["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AH --> AI["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AI --> AJ["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AJ --> AK["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AK --> AL["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AL --> AM["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AM --> AN["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AN --> AO["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AO --> AP["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AP --> AQ["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AQ --> AR["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AR --> AS["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AS --> AT["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AT --> AU["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AU --> AV["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AV --> AW["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AW --> AX["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AX --> AY["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AY --> AZ["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    AZ --> BA["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BA --> BB["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BB --> BC["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BC --> BD["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BD --> BE["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BE --> BF["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BF --> BG["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BG --> BH["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BH --> BI["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BI --> BJ["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BJ --> BK["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BK --> BL["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BL --> BM["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BM --> BN["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BN --> BO["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BO --> BP["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BP --> BQ["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BQ --> BR["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BR --> BS["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BS --> BT["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BT --> BU["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BU --> BV["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BV --> BW["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BW --> BX["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BX --> BY["Line Input - Audio Interface"]
    BY --> BZ["Line Input - Audio Interface"]

graph TD
    A["Guitar FX PEDAL"] -->|D.I. INPUT| B["Heritage Audio® HA-73 SOFTWARE INPUT"]
    B --> C["OUTPUT"]
    C --> D["Line INPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE"]
    D --> E["USB - COMPUTER"]
    E --> F["Computer Interface"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style E fill:#cff,stroke:#333
    style F fill:#ffc,stroke:#333

graph TD
    A["Line OUTPUT - KEYBOARD"] --> B["HA73 NETWORKS AMPLIFIER"]
    B --> C["ELITE SERIES"]
    C --> D["USB - COMPUTER"]
    D --> E["LINE INPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE"]
    E --> F["Line INPUT"]
    F --> G["Line OUTPUT"]
    G --> H["Heitage Audio® HA73 NETWORKS AMPLIFIER"]
    H --> I["OUTPUT"]
    I --> J["Line INPUT"]
    J --> K["Line OUTPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE"]
    K --> L["Line INPUT - AUDIO INTERFACE"]
    L --> M["Line OUTPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    M --> N["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    N --> O["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    O --> P["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    P --> Q["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    Q --> R["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    R --> S["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    S --> T["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    T --> U["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    U --> V["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    V --> W["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    W --> X["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    X --> Y["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    Y --> Z["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    Z --> AA["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AA --> AB["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AB --> AC["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AC --> AD["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AD --> AE["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AE --> AF["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AF --> AG["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AG --> AH["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AH --> AI["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AI --> AJ["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AJ --> AK["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AK --> AL["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AL --> AM["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AM --> AN["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AN --> AO["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AO --> AP["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AP --> AQ["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AQ --> AR["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AR --> AS["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AS --> AT["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AT --> AU["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AU --> AV["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AV --> AW["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AW --> AX["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AX --> AY["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AY --> AZ["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    AZ --> BA["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BA --> BB["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BB --> BC["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BC --> BD["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BD --> BE["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BE --> BF["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BF --> BG["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BG --> BH["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BH --> BI["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BI --> BJ["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BJ --> BK["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BK --> BL["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BL --> BM["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BM --> BN["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BN --> BO["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BO --> BP["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BP --> BQ["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BQ --> BR["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BR --> BS["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BS --> BT["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BT --> BU["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BU --> BV["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BV --> BW["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BW --> BX["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BX --> BY["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]
    BY --> BZ["Line INPUT - HEAVY MODE"]

• Microphone input impedance: High=1200 Ω minimum; Low=300 Ω minimum. Higher gain positions gradually have greater impedances, optimum for low gain ribbon mics. Input is transformer balanced and floating.
  • Line input impedance: 10 kΩ bridging, transformer balanced and floating.
• Output impedance: Less than 75 Ω, transformer balanced and floating, to drive a load of 600 Ω.
  • D.I. input impedance: Greater than 2 MΩ, unbalanced.
  • 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).
  • Maximum Gain: Slightly greater than 80 dB.
  • Equivalent Input Noise: Less than -125 dBu.
• Output stage noise: Less than -100 dBu.
  • Power consumption: Less than 95 mA @ 48 V DC.
• Dimensions (W x H x L): 482 mm x 44 mm (1 Rack unit) x 184 mm.

SIGNAL FLOW

graph LR
    A["MIC/LINE INPUT"] --> B["INPUT AMP"]
    C["D.I."] --> B
    D["PD"] --> B
    E["LOZ"] --> B
    B --> F["HIGH PASS FILTER"]
    F --> G["OUTPUT AMP"]
    G --> H["LINE OUTPUT"]
    I["PHASE"] --> H
    H --> J["CARSHILL"]

Abstract black-and-white graphic of a question mark with a human profile silhouette and a small 'H' symbol (no text or symbols present)

Illustration of a glowing light bulb with a stylized 'H' symbol on its side (no text or labels)

PROBLEMS	SOLUTIONS
There doesn’t appear to be any signal at all arriving at the back XLR.	Make sure the GAIN knob is not in the ‘Off’ position.
There still doesn’t appear to be any signal at all arriving at the back XLR.	Check to see if a jack cable has been left plugged into the front panel D.I.
Even at the lowest position on the GAIN knob I still have too much gain.	When this happens you should activate the PAD button. This will reduce the input by 20dB ahead of the input transformer.
Condenser microphones don’t seem to work with HA-73.	Make sure the red +48 V button is pressed in to activate the phantom power sent to the microphone.
There doesn’t seem to be any output at all from the unit.	Check to see if the OUTPUT knob is fully turned down as this will attenuate the signal completely.
Sending a signal to the unit from a DAW overloads it terrible.	It is necessary to press the LINE button when sending it a line level source.If not, it is expecting a Microphone signal with a very different impedance.

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

LIMITED 2 YEAR WARRANTY

Heritage Audio HA-73 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.

Interior of a audio workstation with heritage audio and elite series audio equipment, no visible text or symbols on the main components.

REGISTRATION

Please visit our website: https://heritageaudio.com/registration/

Session / Title: ____ Track: ____ Connected Equipment: ____ Date: ____ Instrument: ____ Notes: ____ Switch ON Switch OFF

Session / Title: ____ Track: ____ Connected Equipment: ____ Date: ____ Instrument: ____ Notes: ____ Switch ON Switch OFF

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www.heritageaudio.com

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

[e-mail]