Hand crafted labs products

[frans]

Another one in the same vein, but simpler: I have the affinity preamp, apart from being a good allround pre, it excels as a memory-less limiter. Whenever I need a vocal part with some "hair" on, I turn to the HCL. Last week I had this part with long notes and I made sure the pre simply flat-out clipped, needle glued in the red. Allright, but this thing clips with mostly K2 and just some K3 - the singer did NOT hear any clipping at all. The waveform looked sheared off (duration 5 seconds!) all the same. Which other pieces of gear does that job? Not too many. Thumbs up for HCL.

[HandCrafted Lab]

He-he Frans, amusing definition of sounding ..... with "hair", I had year ago hair length 60cm almost

So, yes it`is surprisingly for us why many manufacturers experimenting with different modes and circuit topology, transformers, another manufacturers removing transformers for transformerless sounding or saving for transformer cost (the manufacturers solid state gear installing transformers back though it`s not necessity for solid state devices anymore, only for coloration and transformer sounding.

But pity we not understand why manufacturers mostly install same tubes across all devices and industry, 12AX7, AU7, AT7 and so on, though from diverse brands.. but... enough, more than enough... We know this sounding very well, and you know of course.
We never installed these tubes and never will install. It`s good tubes .... for guitar gear.... but it`s existing a lot of much more perfect tubes for preamps, compressors etc... one set from which was loaded into your haired preamp... (with qualitative long-haired gremlins of course )
Many nicely and original types of tubes are existing except of 12AX7 and others 12 with standard damn sounding which is such very recognizable.....

[Roman Polonsky]

HI THERE!

WANNA KNOW YOUR OPINION OF SOME SAMPLES OF SOME COMPRESSORS AND PRE AMPS OF HCL AND OTHER SUCH AS MANLEY AND SSL!

Here are samples of compressors : VARI S, SOLUTION AND SOLUTION se of HCL and BUS COMPRESSOR G-SERIES of SSL (IN ACCORDANCE OF APPEARANCE)

And these are samples of preamps : AFFINITY, MIRROR, VELVET of HCL and VOXBOX from MANLEY (just preamp sections)
MIC : NEUMAN M 149
COMBO : MESA BOOGIE SUBWAY ROCKET (50 W)

[Musician]

I for one would like to know more on people's experiences with a HCL Tube Summing Mixer (Jules ??)
and what about prices ?

And whats the name and availability of that Stereo Distortion Box ??
Price ??

[rrraaalllfff]

Hey Roman! What's that box above the Mirror?! what compressor is that?

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by Musician

I for one would like to know more on people's experiences with a HCL Tube Summing Mixer (Jules ??) and what about .....?

he is immured by own studio

And whats the name and availability of that Stereo Distortion Box ??
Price ??

near end of June (2009). Name is question still, more headache than device circuitry

As always please PM or e-mail for prices

Originally Posted by rrraaalllfff

Hey Roman! What's that box above the Mirror?! what compressor is that?

It`s newest Variable Mu (Gain, S) compressor VARIS

Some pics of growing up of this compressor from, working building berth online >>>

[rrraaalllfff]

Nice looking comp. can't wait to hear it. I guess you won't be at AES in Munich this weekend with your gear huh? it would be great to see you and your gear in person! a question about your stereo distortion box... Is it planned to be exactly like the TubeSCream but two channels? Or will it lack the preamps or compressors? Thanks!thumbsup

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by rrraaalllfff

Nice looking comp. can't wait to hear it.

thanks thumbsup we have tried
Some first sample posted above as VARI S. New comes soon

I guess you won't be at AES in Munich this weekend with your gear huh? it would be great to see you and your gear in person!

No, pity of cousre. He-he, though if we would visit AES our stuff could become more expensive, so... is it good or bad is not clearly, he-he

a question about your stereo distortion box... Is it planned to be exactly like the TubeSCream but two channels? Or will it lack the preamps or compressors? Thanks!thumbsup

Yes, with sacrificing of preamp.... the front panel and space of rack case are not endless. In the meantime device will has two channels of leveler and distortion stage, usable for buss applications and it is possible to connect outboard preamp (s) for voices/instruments tracking.

[flute player]

Hi There,

Besides the VARIS is looking outstanding, I found it sounds even smoother than the SSL.thumbsup
The SSL sounded a little bit sharper.
This one is realy on my list after the Mirror.

Greetz,

Paul

[androne]

What SSL ?

And its a pity the Mirror has no Ratio/... controls like the Solution.

[flute player]

Originally Posted by androne

What SSL ?

And its a pity the Mirror has no Ratio/... controls like the Solution.

Look, read and hear the post above from Polonsky for the SSL fragment.
And the Mirror is a pre-amp and no compressor.

Greetz,

Paul

[rrraaalllfff]

Originally Posted by HandCrafted Lab

Yes, with sacrificing of preamp.... the front panel and space of rack case are not endless. In the meantime device will has two channels of leveler and distortion stage, usable for buss applications and it is possible to connect outboard preamp (s) for voices/instruments tracking.

very exciting. I could certainly use a box like that.

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by flute player

...... I found it sounds even smoother than the SSL.thumbsup
The SSL sounded a little bit sharper

This one is realy on my list after the Mirror.

Originally Posted by androne

What SSL ?

And its a pity the Mirror has no Ratio/... controls like the Solution.

Originally Posted by flute player

Look, read and hear the post above from Polonsky for the SSL fragment.
And the Mirror is a pre-amp and no compressor.

Yes, thanks Paul - Mirror is a preamp. VARIS - compressor with VARIABLE GAIN - i.e RATIO,

Actually, it`s main sense of the compressors with variable Ratio - so called Vari Mu. Therefore, these compressors have not Ratio knob in 90%..... Ratio knob of variable Ratio (though it was installed into old Urei-s).

(in turn, Solution is optical leveler based on the another idea absolutely and where Ratio knob is very usable).

So, to be honest we not see sense Ratio knob in the compressors with variable Ratio (as well as many other engineers/manufacturers).... i.e. guys.... less knobs more music, not knobs make a music. We are smiling when customers think - "obviously manufacturers not know regarding sound processing and therefore not instal important knobs" .
You just will not use these knobs, take a word.

thumbsup

[androne]

Sorry, my mistake


What differences between the Affinity2 and the Mirror, next to the transformers ?
Also different in sound ?

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by androne

Sorry, my mistake

What differences between the Affinity2 and the Mirror, next to the transformers ?
Also different in sound ?

I can`t to describe difference and ideology of both by two words..... Affinity has classical single end (SE) circuitry, a Mirror has classical all balanced circuitry (or Push-Pull), Affinity has more vintage sounding, Mirror has more close, direct, fast, linear sounding due to all balanced circuitry and cancellation of non musical harmonics ..... with high headroom up to +28dB - if to say by two words yet for both.

Both ideology of circuitries were used by all legendary manufacturers of past. Key words across Gogle (or GS) - single end and push-pull.

Of cousre, both devices have transformer balanced ins/outs.

Actually, more information is presented on web-site, with audio also.

[drezz]

wow!!!.....

that Vai-Mu looks wicked.........!!!

what is sound like? compared for example to 660/670? or say, something like Gyraf or Manley?

Looking forward to this one.........

any ideas on a rough ballpark figure for the price? and availability?

cheers...........

[Roman Polonsky]

Originally Posted by rrraaalllfff

Hey Roman! What's that box above the Mirror?! what compressor is that?

Hi, Ralf!
That one is one of my favorite! It's a vari Mu compressor of HCL, named "SKY FIRE"!
I put it on my master rack, after SSL buss compressor! It adds some depth to the mix in lows and highs! When treshold is lower then 15 you can here it clearly!

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by drezz

wow!!!.....

that Vai-Mu looks wicked.........!!!

what is sound like? compared for example to 660/670? or say, something like Gyraf or Manley?

Looking forward to this one.........

We are proud for comparison, of course, thanks especially if to remember Rein Narma who are 670 inventor was former soviet also (estonian more exactly, but Estonia was part of USSR). Pity, we never heard an original 670, we have not sureness whether someone own 670 in areas of former USSR.

Anyway, all compressors with variable ratio have identical circuit ideology. Though diverse realisations of course, starting from tubes. As always, we not use traditional tubes, I have meant "people tubes" of 12 series and so on. Though, it`s usual tubes types enough but another.

Not think it would be correct to compare as well as to compare Ibanez Fender or Gibson between each other. Each thing has own character and sound signature, so we hope it will have same value as marked by our another stuff till now.

And one from main control features is dual mode side chain of course, Feedback/Feedforward modes

any ideas on a rough ballpark figure for the price? and availability? cheers...........

PM or e-mail directly

[fez]

Hey,

I've bought the Vari-Mu compressor. It will probably be here in ten days.

What I am planning to do for the demo is quite thorough. There will be a lot of little parts of older tracks and recent programmed beats/synthesizer lead and basses that will be having different settings. Mild compression, heavy compression and the S2 Leveller with the Vari-Mu Combined on mild and heavy setting.

It will electronic music only. I don't have a guitar or anything like that, just hardware processed samples. I can however make samples with a mic as percussion. If you people have any wish which fits my description? Let me know and I will make something in that direction that I am capable of.

Thanks for making this possible HCL! It really is quite something you know, my first 'real' Vari-Mu. I wanted one for years. And now it is possible.

And by the way. Roman Polonsky thanks for the samples, man! Highly appreciated. :-)

Greetings From Holland,
Dennis

[fez]

Hey,

Still have to receive the unit. It is being held by customs at the moment for four days now. I expect to be here next week, maximum.

I'll will send you a PM when my demo's are ready, aight?

[flute player]

Hi Fez,

I hope you've received the unit.
Don't know were you live here in The Netherlands.
But if you're near Amsterdam you might consider to pick it up there by yourself.
You can pay the handling and tax directly or by PIN.
The TNT building is in the harbour area and from the RING A10 very easy to find.
I wants waited for allmost four weeks when my summing mixer "Summy" was held there.
Then the TNT building was a Schiphol airport, so I drove to it and picked it up.

Greetz,

Paul (Lelystad)

[fez]

Hey Paul,

Well I have underestimated the time needed for them to send it to me. It's being held by customs since the 25th of May and, like you said, can take up to four weeks, bummer. Anyway if it is going to take 3/4 weeks I am almost there, though. Can hardly wait you know.

I have finished two demo 'beat-tracks' by the way with a total amount of 6 minutes. I just continue making demo's and with a bit of luck will post the demo's on the same day of arrival because the amount of work I did before-hand.

I will keep you people updated, obviously. :-)

Greetings,
Dennis from "de randstad"

EDIT : Just got noticed my unit is underway. Today it will be delivered and today will post the first demo.

[fez]

Gearslutz,

Here's the demo featuring three 'beat-tracks'. Done with mild compression and only the VariS added later, the Leveller is on all six tracks. The demo with the Leveller and VariS separately and combined with an 'untouched' mix will come later on with other beats.

Feel free to leave a comment. Personally I find the unit very transparent just like the Leveller in the beginning. After two years of use the S2's sound has changed a lot, I expect the same with the Mu. :-)

Enjoy.

[HandCrafted Lab]

Dennis

so, well, glad to hear it, you got compressor at last

yes sounding seems transparent, may be due to high headroom - i.e high overloading capacity. In fact, fully balanced circuitry operating by twice plate voltage, cancelling non musical harmonic - by two words, yes, it can sound transparently.

But please comment settings you choose - Feedback or Feedforward mode, Threshold, Attack/Release , Low Cut switch

[fez]

Hey HCL,

I have the unit for a couple of days and had a lot of on-time in that period. I'm starting to realize more and more what it does with the mix and I can say it is getting more of the thick tone what I expected from the unit.

A explanation what I think is the way I need to approach these kind of units and maybe it needs time to break-in because of the tubes? I don't know how to describe it but when enabled the unit's added tones getting more and more by the day, man! You have any explanation Albert?

I've almost ordered a new Audio Interface (Saffire 56) and ditching the M-Audio 1010 after, yes yes, SEVEN years! There will be an improvement for sure conversion-wise. Better ADDA converters, more VariS goodness.

I have decided to wait some time for another demo, need more time getting acquainted with the Vari-Mu. And about the settings. It was feedback-mode with the punchiest settings possible at that time with about 2~3db compression. Yet again I need more time with the unit for another demonstration, and to have any decent objective opinion.

[fragletrollet]

I just wanted to add that Ive gotten very good guidance and information by these people. I sent them an email, and got several long, in depth answer on their products. Seems like very good guys

I would like to ask for abit more guidance on the different type of compressors when thinking of usage:
Id say a FET with a hard knee is very good for percussive sounds,
while opto's (slow?) would work more on longer sounds like bass and pads. How does Vari-Mu / S (?) compare?
If I would be looking for my first outboard compressor (Id like it to be versatile, Im making electronic trance music, so Id be compressing alot of punchy percussives, but I want smoothe warm basses and pads too what should I look for?

Im actually going down to Ucraine (again ) in the middle of july... through Kiev and down to Odessa


Lotsa love

Mag

[fragletrollet]

anyone?

[RobJB06]

Guys, i have an HCL Possessed DI/Preamp for sale this thing is awesome for tracking synths and instruments.
4 channels, 2 Low-Z, 2 High-Z. Transformer balanced outputs.

Info here:
Di Box

On Ebay, great price:
HCL Possessed 4 channel tube preamp/ DI on eBay, also Signal Processors, Outboards Effects, Pro Audio Equipment, Musical Instruments (end time 20-Jun-09 14:24:42 BST)

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by fez

Hey HCL,

I have the unit for a couple of days and had a lot of on-time in that period. I'm starting to realize more and more what it does with the mix and I can say it is getting more of the thick tone what I expected from the unit.

We glad. The Gremlins make job a twice more. So, whether you checked Feedforward mode yet? Customers which own and tested device already were pleased for FF mode.

A explanation what I think is the way I need to approach these kind of units and maybe it needs time to break-in because of the tubes? I don't know how to describe it but when enabled the unit's added tones getting more and more by the day, man! You have any explanation Albert?

I can assume when you apply device with more high resolution you start to recognize more nuances than earlier and some things which you have not heard earlier - have appeared and become some news for you. Like old TV - you could not see many nuances and noises since it was masked by low resolution but new digital TV for instance pictured many new things for you - however if picture is bad on TV with high resolution it look very ugly, more ugly than on old TV where it was masked by low resolution.
It is famous casus when after pushing into sound path high resolution device you can find many bad voices, instruments and drum notes and have surprize - how you could not listen all this horror earlier?
So, some devices demand more perfect playing in all

I've almost ordered a new Audio Interface (Saffire 56) and ditching the M-Audio 1010 after, yes yes, SEVEN years! There will be an improvement for sure conversion-wise. Better ADDA converters, more VariS goodness.

my God, seven years... you are man.
Yes, of course, more higher convertor is good thoughts.

I have decided to wait some time for another demo, need more time getting acquainted with the Vari-Mu. And about the settings. It was feedback-mode with the punchiest settings possible at that time with about 2~3db compression. Yet again I need more time with the unit for another demonstration, and to have any decent objective opinion.

Well, it`s correct compression degree basically. Try FF mode, and if it would possible also just for presentation - make simple and usual powerfull drum-beat or groove - 4/4, like 30 sec and with/without VARIS, we appreciate sounding for all our devices in this way usually, in first viewing.

Originally Posted by fragletrollet

I just wanted to add that Ive gotten very good guidance and information by these people. I sent them an email, and got several long, in depth answer on their products. Seems like very good guys

Yes, thanks. We just love our business

I would like to ask for abit more guidance on the different type of compressors when thinking of usage:
Id say a FET with a hard knee is very good for percussive sounds,
while opto's (slow?) would work more on longer sounds like bass and pads. How does Vari-Mu / S (?) compare?
If I would be looking for my first outboard compressor (Id like it to be versatile, Im making electronic trance music, so Id be compressing alot of punchy percussives, but I want smoothe warm basses and pads too what should I look for?

Short answer - all. Invite three superb vocalists with idea them for singing same song, and invite 30 listeners. All vocalists will make their job and all listeners will be pleased. But... each vocalist will sing in own manner as well as - each group of listeners will prefer own vocalist. So, which vocalist was better?

Just each vocalist - like above stated devices make same job - in good way and but in different manner yet. Thus, it is not correct to compare in this way, I think. Each (note : good) compressor can be adjusted for excellent results.... like good vocalist can sing any song. Listener impressions is another thing... and here we stumble onto another thing who can not be measured or compared - tastes

So, this forum intended for digging same questions - in what way variable Mu compressors work, there is a huge explanations... for 660 670 for instance.

I can not agree FET is good for percussive only... it is perfect on voices or guitars for instance. One of main feature of FET - big degree of compression up to 90 db or near. But it`s not free of charge, in turn FET has more non-linear distortions... upss, though so many compression degree is not each day necessity, it can be used like effect.
Optical compressors can be slow. But can not be - we install quick enough optical couple (besides slow couple) with rise time 5 msec and release time 10 msec, so it was found by customers and we could not to ban use this leveler on mix bus as mastering device. However, this leveler able to work like lazy on voices or basses, ask here who own Solution.

Variable Mu. So, all these devices have identical circuit ideology in fact - i.e fully balanced sound path or push-pull circuit. One of main features of these circuits is operating by twice voltage for plate in fact. To avoidance of long explanation these circuitries cancel non musical harmonics, it sounds powerful, transparent, clean, airy, quick, closest.
However, all compressors sound with own sound signature of course. As always, we not use traditional tube sets - since we are not limited by market rules with market uniform and unification for more simplest tube replacements. However the tubes which we install have western analogue, so no problem for tubes replacements. Just we would like another sounding. Perfectly, of course, he-he...

Also, we installed dual mode side chain - Feedback and Feedforward. Each mode has own compression curve and character of course.
So, we hope for more comments of first users of VARIS who rack devices right now. Meanwhile, some pics from working table >>>

Im actually going down to Ucraine (again ) in the middle of july... through Kiev and down to Odessa

Lotsa love

Mag

Well
btw Ukraine have in start of August Open Air metal rock festival here, in Kiev, so we would be glad to meet with musicians who will invited on this Open Air, guys please update us if you will (Scandinavia - hey?! )

[JDM]

Wow, this is some good looking gear! This stuff looks like it is built like a tank and heavy as heck! I have never heard of HCL. This stuff is very intriguing to me.