Hand Crafted Lab Tube micamp and compressor, Blind test against 1176,v72,ADL and more

[HandCrafted Lab]

And So....we ended update almost

This is preview pics of updated DI-Box "Possessed p2" (such as at Synthi)
thumbsup

XXL Photo


and updated "Affintity a2 " Preamp

XXL Photo

Our main top in "New Product Alert"

[Synthi]

Hey!! Thats my possessed box!

Waiting for the Affinity...

Synthi.

[funka]

It seems I like the compression with the ADL(on acoustic guitar and vocal but not on bass)... thumbsup

[funka]

...but the HCL seems to be better sounding

[HandCrafted Lab]

Thanx,funka and Synthi thumbsup

[HandCrafted Lab]

With Xmass!!!

Hand Crafted Lab.

[Tetness]

I liked D.

[MarkRogers]

I gotta say, I am now a HUGE fan of HCL. In every test, it was one of my top 2 choices, but never a "numer 2" choice as I liked both very much.
The only pre and compressor I decidely did NOT like, were the 72 pre and the 1176. That really surprised me.
I just want to say thanks a ton for this little test, too. I've never been one to trust gear based soley on reputation, name or price... I prefer to trust my ears in a blind test, and posts like these make it possible to do just that. Yes, there are a ton of variables that could be affecting this or that blah blah blah, but this gives enough of an idea for one to make a purchasing decision I think, so thanks again.
I would really like to see (hear) similar tests with with some FMR gear thrown into the mix. I think most people agree that they are an amazing value considering the quality, but just how do they stackup to say, oh I don't know, HCL???
HCL, you guys rock! So do you, Lowswing!

[lowswing]

Originally Posted by MarkRogers

I gotta say, I am now a HUGE fan of HCL. In every test, it was one of my top 2 choices, but never a "numer 2" choice as I liked both very much.
The only pre and compressor I decidely did NOT like, were the 72 pre and the 1176. That really surprised me.
I would really like to see (hear) similar tests with with some FMR gear thrown into the mix. I think most people agree that they are an amazing value considering the quality, but just how do they stackup to say, oh I don't know, HCL???
HCL, you guys rock! So do you, Lowswing!

thanks mark I'm happy to hear that you could enjoy this little test I did in my studio.
by the way also we in the studio were not impress with the v72 so much especially considering that it is in great condition and recaped.
what you can't hear is how good v72 takes eq so if you just try the v72 file with ca. 4db shelf at aroung 10-12khz you will be surprise how good it sounds and can appriciate the mid color it has.

[Paul David]

Hey HCL, I like your stuff homie. I might pick up some of your gears.

[Paul David]

I just looked into scooping up some new tube gears and your ebay score is less than stellar. If you're going to do business like that customer relations are MAD important... Not just good gears.

I'll hold off for a while.

[iflyinmymind]

I too am interested in this gear, but i think that I will wait on purchasing anything.

If there is bad ebay feedback, this is a bad sign.

Hopefully some more individuals will purchase this gear and give some reviews, or maybe HCL should really look into giving their gear on loan to one of the well respected engineers here.

Until there is an unbiased review here in America, I fail too see how HCL will increase their sales here!

If the gear is comparable to more expensive gear, I would buy it in a second.

I am just going to have to wait and see!

_____________

Todd Seibel

[Synthi]

I just can speak for myself but my experience with HCL was great. I just received the affinity I ordered next day of testing the "possesed" di box.

As a customer, Albert@hcl always was helpful with all my questions and they reply my messages same day or next day at last, even they sent me photos for the packages with my address written in the top and the receipt for the shipping including a translation. Also in my last order, they emailed me because a delay of one day in the shipping! all of this without asking.... thumbsup

Best Regards,

Synthi.

[s-boogie]

Originally Posted by Paul David

I just looked into scooping up some new tube gears and your ebay score is less than stellar. If you're going to do business like that customer relations are MAD important... Not just good gears.

I'll hold off for a while.

do as you like....

i got the HCL-leveller in my rack and record with the HCL-mic...
i saw the gear,got in personal contact and just did it!!
nice people,great gear,no disappointment at all.
i´m proud that i have bought these units and i think i supported the
real thing.
i wonder if uli behringer would have started on ebay

greetings to them ded moroz

[iflyinmymind]

Have you compared the tube leveller or done any tracking/mixing through it? I am interested and am glad everyone had good experiences.


I am looking for some more solid user experience...although the tests posted here are great!!

Thanks
_______
Todd Seibel

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by MarkRogers

I gotta say, I am now a HUGE fan of HCL. In every test, it was one of my top 2 choices, but never a "numer 2" choice as I liked both very much.
The only pre and compressor I decidely did NOT like, were the 72 pre and the 1176. That really surprised me.
I just want to say thanks a ton for this little test, too. I've never been one to trust gear based soley on reputation, name or price... I prefer to trust my ears in a blind test, and posts like these make it possible to do just that. Yes, there are a ton of variables that could be affecting this or that blah blah blah, but this gives enough of an idea for one to make a purchasing decision I think, so thanks again.
I would really like to see (hear) similar tests with with some FMR gear thrown into the mix. I think most people agree that they are an amazing value considering the quality, but just how do they stackup to say, oh I don't know, HCL???
HCL, you guys rock! So do you, Lowswing!

Originally Posted by iflyinmymind

Have you compared the tube leveller or done any tracking/mixing through it? I am interested and am glad everyone had good experiences.

I am looking for some more solid user experience...although the tests posted here are great!!

Originally Posted by lowswing

thanks mark I'm happy to hear that you could enjoy this little test I did in my studio.
by the way also we in the studio were not impress with the v72 so much especially considering that it is in great condition and recaped.
what you can't hear is how good v72 takes eq so if you just try the v72 file with ca. 4db shelf at aroung 10-12khz you will be surprise how good it sounds and can appriciate the mid color it has.

Yes, really, to us too it would be interesting. Now we have made v2 of Solution Opto Leveller (pics coming soon-new racks detail in waiting)- have added second fast optocouple - hard/soft now (s-bogie have such Leveller already). And if earlier, with optocouple paar - lamp+photoresistor is well worked with instruments and voice (by analogy with LA2 - the device is constructed on its ideology - but we have removed "suspicious" capasitors and any feedbacks+full A class) now, with fast optocouple - not bad sounds and on total mix, in our opinion. But the discharged test would be interesting and to us.
btw,now we in developing of noise-gate,on similar ideology.Tube, of course.

Thanks Mark, lowswing Rock around o`clock

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by Paul David

Hey HCL, I like your stuff homie. I might pick up some of your gears.

I just looked into scooping up some new tube gears and your ebay score is less than stellar. If you're going to do business like that customer relations are MAD important... Not just good gears.

I'll hold off for a while.

Originally Posted by iflyinmymind

I too am interested in this gear, but i think that I will wait on purchasing anything.

If there is bad ebay feedback, this is a bad sign.

Hopefully some more individuals will purchase this gear and give some reviews, or maybe HCL should really look into giving their gear on loan to one of the well respected engineers here.

Until there is an unbiased review here in America, I fail too see how HCL will increase their sales here!

If the gear is comparable to more expensive gear, I would buy it in a second.

I am just going to have to wait and see!

O.K. certainly
As a whole we are now loaded enough by orders - is especial before Xmass, and some turn for January already. The matter is that in the "open" offer we began to represent our devices not so long ago- May 05. As well through Ebay. Before we many years made individual devices, especially to order, for expensive studios all over the world - and the information on our devices was distributed from the person to the person, between friends and colleagues - from one studio to another (which, btw did not hasten to share the information on our devices with strangers) - and it provided and provides to us a continuous stream of orders many years. Basically, it already was more wish of our old clients - that we have opened to the mass market at last.
What concern Ebay feedbacks - yes, couple of negative f-backs is unpleasantly, but we shall not change anything - what for? - if and so all know about it. To be justified is senseless - but a brief information it will be probably interesting - to our devices these feedbacks have no relation.
First case - when I have bought popular Video NLE - and before payment the Seller informed me, that this card has ISA slot (there were 2 versions - PCI and ISA older). Hmmm.... I have refused, naturally.... (the old stuff has remained with the owner) - he appeared sensitive. Second case - I have bought phone for 30eur - but in Ukraine is such holidays - when the days off make 10 days. I have sent payment, but the Ukrainian bank has postponed it before the ending of holidays - the Seller has not believed, that there are such holidays, and not waiting payment - has left negative feedback.
Well and small statistics - for half-year we have received the paid orders through Ebay directly - 2, directly - about 100. Basically, I do not see sense to change a member name on clean.
We now in negotiate with several editions/big dealers be relative review in USA - probably, soon it will take place in this or that seen - where precisely - it is not known yet. But we inform, certainly, here.

[iflyinmymind]

I look forward to more cool gear from HCL!!!

I am really interested in a stereo linked version of the tube leveller.

Do you have this as an option?

Ebay is great...and there is nothing wrong with a few negavtive feedback.

You represent your company with high integrity....and that is the greatest asset of any business! thumbsup

_____________
Todd Seibel

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by iflyinmymind

I look forward to more cool gear from HCL!!!

I am really interested in a stereo linked version of the tube leveller.

Do you have this as an option?

Ye,of course - link option cost+33$ (full tube curcuit-exept of VU-Meters circuit)
we can consider all - specification,total assembly time & cost,delivery time&cost in PM, or here also

Originally Posted by iflyinmymind

Ebay is great...and there is nothing wrong with a few negavtive feedback.

You represent your company with high integrity....and that is the greatest asset of any business! thumbsup

Yes, we count similarly too. In anyone it case - will be found out both good, and not so good. Therefore our imagination we direct on creation of devices, instead of creation of beautiful and faultless legends about the company. So it does not happen with any company. But at any moment we can answer for quality of ours gears-and if our client has complexities - fast to help him, in all accessible ways. thumbsup

[Snatchman]

So...how much is the 4-channel DI " possessed"? In US currency..please!

[HandCrafted Lab]

base price( all 4 ch. - Hi-z, from-10dBu) - 680,0$

gear can be optimized for line,instrumental,or in combination - 2 ch Low-z line,from -30dBu+2 ch Hi-z instrumental,from -36dBu,for example. But this need specify,for indication of total cost of ordered device.

Delivery time(UkrPost postservice) ab. 7-10days WA,for ex.,delivery cost ~50$. Assembly time 2-7 days(depend from suppliers of components),testing period-sounding,electrical,thermal-7 days (device working non-stop 3-4 days,without power Off,around o`clock).

[iflyinmymind]

How awesome is this!! Truly....ask and ye shall anser!

[C/G]

Is the tube leveller available with a mic pre option as well? Did I read that correctly on the HCL site? If so, I wonder how much more it would be in price? I am interested in a 2ch leveller with stereo link. Seems interesting at a grat price. I might have to bite soon.

[HandCrafted Lab]

Ye,this possible,though we do such versions seldom. Specification from you here is necessary - as will be used Leveller - for mic only, or for mic and for plugging in mix bus, or other. From it depend construction of Leveller/cost of options - different input levels, in particulary, and additional switches or connectors on rear panel - phantom, stereolink, btw - really need +4/-10dBu options? Mic inputs have low level input, line - hi level - 0,775mv, for example. It needs to be specified from you. thumbsup

[MarkRogers]

Originally Posted by lowswing

thanks mark I'm happy to hear that you could enjoy this little test I did in my studio.
by the way also we in the studio were not impress with the v72 so much especially considering that it is in great condition and recaped.
what you can't hear is how good v72 takes eq so if you just try the v72 file with ca. 4db shelf at aroung 10-12khz you will be surprise how good it sounds and can appriciate the mid color it has.

Ya, I bet that helps it a lot, which leads me to another thought: So many high end (and some not so high end) pre amps really do sound fantastic in their own right, but with slight differences in character, which (to me) is mainly an EQ thing, but you have to listen pretty carefully to pick up on it. Also, we are all probably going to do at least a little EQing on the vocal track, for example, in the mix. So really, probably any of these pres will do the job just fine even if some are a little more suited to a particular situation. Given that, I tend to favor anything ( and I mean anything!) that is quiet, clean and represents all spectrums in "EQ land" as equally as possible. That gives me the most flexibility to get the sound I want. As long as the offending/pleasing frequency is in there, you can cut or boost it all day long.
Anyway, the HCL is definitely my next purchase given the bang for the buck factor.
I'd still love to hear those pres up against some cheapos. I've never seen it done, but its the first thing I'm going to do with the HCL so I'll post that up when the time comes.

[Snatchman]

Originally Posted by HandCrafted Lab

base price( all 4 ch. - Hi-z, from-10dBu) - 579,0$

gear can be optimized for line,instrumental,or in combination - 2 ch Low-z line,from -30dBu+2 ch Hi-z instrumental,from -36dBu,for example. But this need specify,for indication of total cost of ordered device.

Delivery time(UkrPost postservice) ab. 7-10days WA,for ex.,delivery cost ~50$. Assembly time 2-7 days(depend from suppliers of components),testing period-sounding,electrical,thermal-7 days (device working non-stop 3-4 days,without power Off,around o`clock).

Hey HandCrafted Labs, is this price you quoted ($579.00 US.) for the 4 -channel instrument Hi-Z , and ($50.00) delivery to US? I'm just checking to make sure this is correct! Thanks...... thumbsup

[HandCrafted Lab]

Ye,579,0$+50,0$ - this base configuration. But cost of assembly has achieved the limit - therefore we are compelled to establish new cost - 689,0+50$ delivery of since January 2006, nevertheless it`s 4 channels...

This 4 Hi-Z input(s),and it input level can be adjusted for your instruments from -10dBu,for example,or other - from -10,20dBu etc.,or in combination. These 4 Hi-Z input (s), and them input levels can be it`s adjusted for your instruments,from-10dBu, for example, or other - from - 10,20dBu etc., or in combination. It`s necessary for specifying simply, under the concrete specification and the order, and until of order, certainly.

[HandCrafted Lab]

We continue...


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[HandCrafted Lab]

...and present new updated opto leveller "Solution s2"


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[HCL Trading]

Hi folks,

I have recorded some new tests with the newest version of Affinity a2 and the omni capsule version of the mic Faust f2.

Also some testing with my wonderful, handbuilt Musima bass and my Hamer Special guitar, that is from the first series Hamer has built with replaced humbuckers from Tom Holmes.

Again, I used no compression & no effects, tutt
only the straight signal.

Check out the tests:
www.hcl-trading.de.vu

Comments welcome.

Cheers,
HCL-Trading