Tube-Tech HLT2AM
MPN #HTL 2AM
Mastering stereo tube equalizer with stepped pots, low and high shelving, passive T-filter with smaller and more detailed range and passive Hi/Lo cut filters
The TUBE-TECH HLT 2A is an all-new kind of Equalizer, combining High and Low shelving Eq plus Hi and Low cut filters with an innovative T filter "tilt" midrange Eq. It's the first time this combination of filters has been designed in the analog domain.
The midrange T-Filter "tilts" the entire spectrum around a selectable midrange frequency point. Frequencies above that point increase (or decrease) while frequencies below that point decrease (or increase). This unique topology, provides a powerful and uniquely efficient way to get beautiful-sounding overall equalization. As such, the Tube-Tech HLT-2A is destined to become a "go-to" equalizer in high-end mastering houses,smaller project studios, and everything in between.
Like all Tube-Tech processors, the stereo HLT-2A possesses a warmth and character that breathes life into a track and gives it an organic body that somehow manages to occupy real physical space inside a stereo mix.
However, the functionality of the HLT-2A is unique in the Tube-Tech line " and indeed in the world of analog processing. Users will find that the HLT-2A generates quick, intuitive results that can range from mild to extreme, and it sounds great on individual tracks or strapped across the drum bus or the mix bus.
HLT 2A is a stereo unit, featuring active low and high shelving EQ and a passive T-filter plus passive Hi/Lo cut filters. The shelving EQ's are designed around a high gain tube amplifier, and the T- filter and Hi/Lo filters are passive filters placed after the active shelving EQ and before the output amplifier. All sections are supplied with a bypass switch. The HLT2A furthermore features an overall bypass switch.
The low and high cut filters are also passive with a slope of 6dB/octave. A bypass switches the whole filter section out of the amplifier circuit, keeping the output stage in the circuit. The T-filter is like a seesaw. When the low end goes up, the high end goes down and visa versa.
When the potentiometer is turned clockwise, the high frequencies are boosted and the low frequencies are attenuated. When the potentiometer is turned counter clockwise, the low frequencies are boosted and the high frequencies are attenuated.
The unit is all tube based except for the power supply, input and output have fully floating transformers and all DC voltages are stabilized, except the anode voltage for the output stage.
How Does It Sound
The TUBE-TECH HLT 2A marks a different approach to EQ'ing. It is a very powerful overall shaping EQ, yet extremely simple to operate. Simply put, the HLT2A will yield good results for basically any material and application, ranging from the demanding mastering engineer to the sound quality hungry project studio owner. The combination of Hi and Lo shelf and Lo/Mid frequency T just creates a ton of very nice EQ shaping possibilities!
Description
TUBE-TECH HLT 2A is a stereo unit, featuring low and high cut filters, low and high shelving filters and a T-filter. The shelving filters are designed around a high gain tube amplifier. The T-filter is a passive filter placed between the shelving filters and the output amplifier. All three sections are supplied with a in/out switch. The low and high cut filters are also passive with a slope of 6dB/octave.
A bypass switches the whole filter section out of the amplifier circuit, keeping the output stage in the circuit. The T-filter is like a seesaw. When the low end goes up, the high end goes down and visa versa. When the potentiometer is turned clockwise, the high frequencies are boosted and the low frequencies are attenuated. When the potentiometer is turned counter clockwise, the low frequencies are boosted and the high frequencies are attenuated.
The unit is all tube based except for the power supply. Input and output have fully floating transformers. All DC voltages are stabilized, except the anode voltage for the output stage.
Specifications
Tube based push-pull amplifier
Freq. resp. @ -3 dB: 5 Hz " 55 kHz
Low noise: < -80 dBU @ 0 dB gain
CMRR: > 60 dB @ 10 kHz
All-tube active/passive EQ
FILTERS:
Low cut: 18, 25, 40, 60, 85 Hz, 6db/octave
Low shelving: 18, 37, 80, 180, 370, 800 Hz. Gain: +/'12dB
High shelving: 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 22 kHz Gain: +/'12dB
T.-filter: 0,5, 1, 2kHz. Gain: +4/-7 dB
High cut: 12, 15, 18, 20, 25 kHz, 6db/octave
Tracking between channels: +/-0,3 dB
Input impedance: >10 k?
Output impedance: < 60?
Conductive plastic potentiometers
In- and output are transformer balanced and fully floating
Write a review about the Tube-Tech HLT2AM
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4.5
Frank Dumas
Montreal
May 29, 2022
Really unique piece of gear
Got the chance to add this beast to my mastering gear.
The high and low cut have a super clean circuit. The shelves are warm and musical. The T Passive filter is the creative portion of the unit and is really cool when it feels in the vibe. I recommend
Read morethis over the well known Bax EQ.
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