Hakanai 10|8Q , 200 series Limited Edition

[hakanai]

So here it is, the product no one but me has been asking for! The Hakanai 10|8Q. This is a dual stage HPF, first order LPF, and single band parametric EQ. All in a single slot of the API 200 series format. I spent the last year working on this with Fred Forssell doing all of the circuit design to my spec. More specifically, this is what the unit has to offer:

The high pass filter is actually two filters working in series. The first stage of the unit is a passive first order high pass filter. There are 9 corner frequencies to choose from: 20, 40, 60, 90, 135, 170, 220, 300, 450. There is then a second order filter with corner frequencies of 30, 80, 120.

The lowpass filter has 10 frequencies to choose from: 100k, 15k, 10k, 6.2k, 4.7k, 3.15k, 2k, 1.25k, 760, 400. The 100k position is essentially a bypass, but for disclosure sake, it is just a REALLY high corner frequency.

The parametric section has 20 frequencies, 3 Q's, and 10db of boost and cut. The frequencies are: 40, 78, 125, 200, 315, 470, 620, 800, 1k, 1.6k and a 10x multiplier. The Q values are .3, 1.5, and 4. the Gain steps are in 2db increments for boost and 2db for the first two steps of cut and then 3db for the last two steps.

The thing that stands out here is the HPF arrangement. I have often found that a 1st order response is far more natural sounding for shaping the low end of a signal but it is not always totally adequate for really killing low end crud. So having both filters works out to be the ideal. By using the 1st order filter to shape the sound, you can use the 2nd order filter more transparently. I equate the two filters to a saw and a plane in woodworking These are very different tools and when you try and do everything with either one, it becomes a compromise. So here's both.

I think the other thing that stands out here is the fact that it is in the API 200 series format. Why did I do that? Well, it's simply a matter of real estate. I do location work primarily and the ability to carry 12 in 2 spaces, or 6 with 6 mic pre's is very appealing.

Other things of note:
All functions are on switches, no pots. Units match very well for stereo work.
The extreme filter settings are very subtle and can sound quite good on a lot of things. One thing I have been playing with is using a pair on the mix bus with the HPF's set at 20/30, LPF set to 15k, and a 2db boost at 40hz. It's not for everything but it does sound cool on some things. I have to say the LPF at 15k on the mix may seem like sacrilege, but it works in a very natural way.

So there you have it. I'm sure some 200 series aficionados will be wondering why I didn't just do a 2 band EQ, considering the format already has some highly regarded filters. Well, the answer to that lies in how I think of this unit. When coming from ITB to OTB mixing I was looking for an EQ to cover most channels and small things, but I wanted filters. The only things that really fit that bill are full featured (and full priced) units. The thinking became, if I have a dozen of these, 4-6 of something like the Great River Harrison EQ and one or two channels of specialized shmancy EQ, I'll have 20 or so channels covered and not have to sell body parts to do it. But that's me.

The units are available now and will be priced at $450.00 (plus shipping and tax if you are in New York) If you get a pair, I'll cover shipping. If you want to order more that 2 we will work out some better pricing. This is a limited run of units. I have no plans of doing another run, unless they are wildly popular. That said I will be keeping a few in the box for warranty.

Thanks for checking it out.
Don Fierro
Hakanai LLC

info@hakanairecording.com

[rapfreak]

Very cool looking unit. Congrats!

[tapehiss]

Excellent work and great looking unit. Sounds indeed like a useful tool.

Your the first that I know of to make a 200 series outside the API label..... maybe you'll start a trend.

I could see the 200 series becoming more popular with some more 3rd party modules. They are really nice for (as you mention) their lack of real-estate.

Great looking module!!!!!

[hakanai]

Thanks guys, and yeah, I think the 200 series has a lot of potential. Compact modular system already integrated into world class consoles? Sounds good to me! Who knows how API will feel about this though. Hopefully they will go all VPR on the 200 series and we will see another proliferation of units.

Don

[soypancho]

SWEEET! Love the look.

[Major_League]

shud i buy this?

I am a proffessinoal hip-hop mix engineer

[dubrichie]

extremely cool, i love it, fair play to you!