Hand crafted labs products

[flute player]

Hi there,

Because I work with the Mirror I thought, what the f..., let me post the clip in my own HCL thread too.
Here the sample with my Cloud microphones JRS-34.
Their phantom powered Cloudlifter is feeded by the Mirror.
I used the pentode tube channel which is a little bit brghter than the pentode channel.
There is a tiny bit of UAD 1073 eq used.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attac...-christmas.mp3

greetz,

Paul

[jeremyglover]

nice jam flute player!
now i'm off to find out about mirrors, clouds and cloud lifters!
jeremy

[flute player]

Originally Posted by passivepeter

nice jam flute player!
now i'm off to find out about mirrors, clouds and cloud lifters!
jeremy

Thanks Jeremy,

All about the Clouds you'll find here : Cloud Microphones &#45 Elevate Your Sound
All abouut Mirrors you'll find here : Hand Crafted
And to clean them up you can use :







Feel free to pm me about more info.

greetz,

Paul

[fez]

hey,

Nice recording! Very defined flute sound. Thanks for the clip. :-)

[flute player]

Originally Posted by fez

hey,

Nice recording! Very defined flute sound. Thanks for the clip. :-)

Dank je Fez, far too kind.
But finaly we got back to were this thread is all about, HCl and the quality of their gear.
The compliments to my clip proofs again that it can result into great recordings.

greetz,

Paul

[HandCrafted Lab]

Nice to hear christmas melodies and warm comments during these cold days,
Paul, Dennis our sincere handshakes!!!
So guys, all dear HCL customers and everyone who love music and stuff -
Merry Christmas Guys!!!

[flute player]

Seems that their website has been hacked.
when I want to open it my virus scan tells me that there has been trying to break into my computer.
Sounds like deep sh..

greetz,

Paul

[HandCrafted Lab]

Well, so we have decided to update our VELVET channel strip, as device which is pretty demanded, last year especially
(we were forced doing some VELVET in red color even, on customer demand, it was cool, LOL) stike

After four years of production we got many ideas for circuitry improvements. Firstly, the VELVET became now part of higher product line (integrating Mirror all balanced preamp, Summing mixer, Distortion box and our newest variable gain compressor VARIS).
Thus, VELVET has not PCB in signal path and utilize point-to-point internal wiring, assembled on metal chassis, like old and rare devices. This is not modern craze, just point-to-point wiring is most preferable for tube devices, as tube device has many high impendance chains pretty sensitive to cross-capacitance and leakage causing different artefacts.

However, it`s pretty heavy for assembling such device and this process take much time vs PCB based devices (in fact, it is possible to manufacture three "usual" devices while we manufacture one device with point-to-point device).
But... it is justified. So, pure hand crafted labor

As for circuit of new Velvet a big change have touched the output stage. Now, this stage became push-pull and pentode based, so VEVLET got 5 tubes now vs 4 in previous version.
Most suitable comparison is circuits of power amps, so sonically this sounds more powerful, we name this as "turbo", in fact this output can drive small speaker, so a lot of honest headroom and overloading capacitance in combination with nice sound signature.

As earlier, the device has two independent devices in fact - preamp section and leveler+EQ module, so you can use each independently and simultaneously, connect and feed your outboard devices to Velvet pre and leveler+EQ, or insert something between pre and leveler+EQ. Thus, direct pre output (as Insert send also) and direct input to leveler, for line level signal, also dual main output, all inputs and outputs are transformer balanced, of course. Amazing mic transformer from glorified Cinemag makes its cool job.

And, the exterior is black now, with rectangular VU meter and mirroring overlay plate on front panel (in processing now) to match with look of Mirror pre and VARIS compressor.

So, enjoy with first pics of new VELVET, (VELVET is upper, VARIS below)

[ArnauTS]

looks great

[fez]

Nice, very nice!

Is there a chance, and I do mean, any chance the summingmixer will get some upgrade as well.

I would be satisfied with some 'Leveller' option and, dare I say, an insert point for putting some...let me think...A Variable-Mu compressor to be pre/post in the output signal chain, ey?

Good stuff from HCL with the Velvet, nicely done.

Greetings from Holland,
Den

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by fez

Nice, very nice!

Is there a chance, and I do mean, any chance the summingmixer will get some upgrade as well.

In fact summing mixer circuit had initially possibility to install different tube types into input and output stages (here three different tube types even), each type has own character, more aggressive or soft (only not ask for installing all tube types at once, with super-switch between each type..... it would alike installing three different engines into car hood - mercedes, audi, porshe.
Only one engine can be installed - but with possibility of change... with device hood unscrewing

I would be satisfied with some 'Leveller' option and, dare I say, an insert point for putting some...let me think...A Variable-Mu compressor to be pre/post in the output signal chain, ey?

As rule insert point has sense between different devices, like pre and compressor, EQ and compressor..... but inserting point inside of compressor...between what devices?
On my opinion the best Inserting is Bypass switch, you always can interconnect different devices serially and operate Bypass switch, believe me this more correctly from technical side.
Less contacts, connectors, cables degrading a sound path....

Originally Posted by ArnauTS

looks great

Originally Posted by fez

Good stuff from HCL with the Velvet, nicely done.

Greetings from Holland,
Den

Thanks, though point-to-point wiring is labor not for thin nerves. Not casully, at former soviet military plants this slow and hard work was done by women..., who were especially selected and learned for this slow and responsible work, as very patient beings, he-he...

[fez]

Heya,

Will post more audio demo's with the Vari-Mu and Leveller on the chain after some tube swaps with Amperex 6DJ8 (output S2) and TAD E88CC (output VariS) and some WE D-getter Mu tube in the VariS. The TAD tube will be here friday. So with a bit of luck this weekend new beat-only tracks with a good idea of the unit's functioning on the mixbus. Smashing overprogrammed edit drums yes.

But HCL any product news? Like about the EQ or stereo, yes stereo, distortion units. Highly appreciated your feedback. Will be buying something great this year from you. thumbsup

Albert and HCL crew your devices rock!

[rhythminmind]

I had the top off my Varis this morn, so I took the opportunity to take some pics.
I should have some audio examples soon as well.

[fez]

Nice Shots!

Here is a demo with the VariS and Leveller on the mixbus on and off.

Enjoy

[Lindell]

Originally Posted by fez

Nice Shots!

Here is a demo with the VariS and Leveller on the mixbus on and off.

Enjoy

That "unprocessed" track gots to be the most "processed, unprocessed" track I've ever heard!

(any drugs involved in the bounce?)

[fez]

Originally Posted by Lindell

That "unprocessed" track gots to be the most "processed, unprocessed" track I've ever heard!

(any drugs involved in the bounce?)

Haha. Well perhaps I named the files not clear enough. The idea is just the two units on and off the mixbus chain.

Later,
Den

[George Necola]

Originally Posted by fez

Haha. Well perhaps I named the files not clear enough. The idea is just the two units on and off the mixbus chain.

Later,
Den

haha.. you definitly have an affilation to make drug-influenced music..

the processed one sound tiny compared to the unprocessed one.. if that was the intention it's cool.

[Tardis]

Originally Posted by fez

Nice Shots!

Here is a demo with the VariS and Leveller on the mixbus on and off.

Enjoy

Reminds me of a Gus Gus track...

[HandCrafted Lab]

Well some test files (non compressed WAV 10.6mB each) through VARIS here, with FeedBack & FeedForward modes of side chain, triode/pentode modes of the compression stage and HPF Off/75Hz in side chain (in the bottom of page) -

vari gain compressor varis

[RobAcid]

VARIS is KING , no question.....

my main mastering comp now !!!

i love it !

[HandCrafted Lab]

Robert

post something audio/pic here, please-please, we wanna hear and see our fatso in center of your sweet cake at last, he-he :

[rhythminmind]

+1 it's now my go to mastering & mix bus comp.
For bus duties I have it setup as a classic feedback limiter.

• Feed-Back
• TP mode
• 75hz sidechain HPF. (I think theres a type-o on the site "LPF"?)
• compress around 2-6db depending

Sounds great.

[HandCrafted Lab]

Wow, it`s a holiday today!
Eric
thanks for comments

So, we just have greedy wishes to hear/see our fatsoes in new homes , who sing a merry melodies

[sikkis]

hello,
i am looking for a very warm thick compressor for ethnic and pop vocals and acoustic guitars....maybe on some percussions too.
I did a research and my affordable list,includes:
0)ART VLA PRO II(the cheapest)
1)FMR PBC-6a(x2) or RNLA
2)ADL-1500 or 1000
3)500 series BAC-500 or API 525(much more expensive)
4)The HAND CRAFTED SOLUTION (the most beautiful )

Has the HCL S2 that fat rich and warm tube sound?Has anybody compared it to all these units from this list?
thanks a lot....

I am confused.................

[fez]

Hey,

The Solution S2 Leveller sounds amazing. But that is easy to say you know. Send me a track and I will run it thru my Leveller for you.

Later,
Den

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by sikkis

hello............

Has the HCL S2 that fat rich and warm tube sound?Has anybody compared it to all these units from this list?
thanks a lot....

I am confused.................

It`s pretty different ways in which goes usual customers and soundengineers to pick up the device..... customers acting by brands and sums, in turn an engineers acting through reviewing tubes/transformers/circuits.... but target is same for all - a perfect sound with reasonable expenses. Who will make most correct choosing and win?

I can`t imagine how to compare pretty different pieces - i.e. yes, it`s possible make a comparison, but error percent will so high, so this comparison have not any sense..... yes:
Solution s2 sounds in pretty other way vs ART, but s2 cost higher (obviously, I don`t know for ART prices), so this mean bad... or good? because has radically another sound signature, with all tube path, with no solidstate in sound path?
So, which categories we compare yet - cash or sound?

Thus, what`s better - Audi TT, Toyota Land Cruiser or MERCEDES SLK?

Yes, Solution s2 has unique warm, fat thick tube sound with noble compression in two modes - created by us with installing of nontraditional 12XXX tubes in conjunction with custom wound transformers, also with lowest noise floor and THD and with reasonable costs.

Say an other words - if you have another opinion.


In morning post you have asked regarding VARIS sound too. So Fez own both units, near.

Dennis -

[mahasandi]

Yes the s2 has a fat rich sound.

Usually such comments are so vague though that noone knows what the other really means.

Talking about audio is always like that. Take up fez on running something thru it.

My experience with the S2 though is that it has a very rich sound
It's very transparent if in class a mode. More character in cascode driver.

I did switch the tubes out for bugle boys from the included russian tubes.
The russian tubes have a brightness that can be interesting but borders on plasticy...?> anyway the bugle boys were old but in great shape the S2
took on a more balanced natural sound with them.

Also its an opto comp so keep in mind they are always a little one trick pony to my ears, its how well they do that trick.
This is where you have to decide.

[sikkis]

Hello guys and many thanks for your reply and your help..

Yes,i will post to you FEZ a track, as soon as possible....

The point of buying is one:
'''To get the ''Sound'' you pay for''...and if you are lucky,maybe more'''......most of the times,its not only a matter of taste.......

I do not expect for a 1000 euro unit the sound of a 3000 euro unit...but i also believe that there are companies who sell their units like they are gold, according to their sound quality(thats not for you Han crafted labs)

I am not a sound engineer and i can't test these units....i am trying to achive the best results for my home studio...according to my low budget.

So my conclusion after my research to all these forums and samples about HCL is,that ....
this company is honest and gives more(functions and sound quality),to an affordable price.
Still worrying about shipping and custom taxes to Greece.....but i think,i will have to save some money for this stuff(S2 compressor)

thanks a lot

[azzzy]

Originally Posted by sikkis

I do not expect for a 1000 euro unit the sound of a 3000 euro unit...

With HCL you might be pleasantly surprised. HCL stuff compares very favorably with other gear costing twice as much. For example I have a Manley pre and I have not turned it on even once since I got the HCL pre. I also know of at least two engineers working with major stars (one in rock/metal genre, the other in RnB/pop) who have access to any compressor imaginable and they both own (and use) the S2.

[flute player]

Originally Posted by azzzy

With HCL you might be pleasantly surprised. HCL stuff compares very favorably with other gear costing twice as much. For example I have a Manley pre and I have not turned it on even once since I got the HCL pre. I also know of at least two engineers working with major stars (one in rock/metal genre, the other in RnB/pop) who have access to any compressor imaginable and they both own (and use) the S2.

Very true,

The sound price quality was the main reason for me to ask HCL to make a custom Mirror device. I can imagine that indeed pro's are using their gear above bigger brands. I have two HCL pre's and am very happy with it.
The S2 compressor sounds amazing on drums and 2 buss. From what I hear for all the Varis samples is great too.
Besides that the build quality has improved too through all the years.
The photo's from the Varris inside are awesome.
And know I do not have an agenda with HCL but I realy prefer their gear.

greetz,

Paul