A-Designs EM-Gold Preamp Module
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy soundThe A-Designs Audio Erickson Montessi - Gold microphone preamp module is designed to complement the other A-Designs preamp modules and further expand the sonic palette with its own unique frequencies. In solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With a rack full of EM series preamps, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. Another color for the EM paletteThe EM-Gold combines the output transformer of the A-Designs EM-Silver, which will translate into a darker sound, and the input transformer of the A-Designs EM-Red, which gives you "up-front" mids. As a result, the EM-Gold brings more midrange frequencies to the lower end of the sonic spectrum, which makes it an excellent choice for drum miking (toms in particular). It also excels on various guitars (especially if you want that midrange "chunk" that moves the speakers), vocals, MP3/drum machines, and bass — and if you've ever heard the A Designs REDDI, you know that nobody knows their way around bass tone better than A Designs Audio. Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Gold features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of a...details

A-Designs HM2EQ HAMMER Dual-Mono 3-Band Tube Equalizer
The HM2EQ is a world-class tube/hybrid 3-band equalizer with a dual-mono design. The A-Design's HAMMER is built to sound musical for larger EQ functions typically found on expensive mastering EQs. It features continuously variable boost and cut controls, but with fixed frequency settings. The HAMMER is engineered with a filtering system that allows the even harmonics to flow through the 12AT7 tubes, filtering out unwanted noise.Some notable users who've dropped the Hammer on their tracks are "Golden Ears" Bruce Maddocks, who's mastered mastered Hans Zimmer film scores for Pirates of the Caribbean, The Last Samurai, and Batman Begins, and renowned engineer/producer Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Terry Bozio) who says, "The Hammer is all about gorgeous smooth top and high mids. It totally opens up the top and brings high mids forward in a really pleasing way. . . . I am just not used to being able crank the top on the rock cymbals so much and have them stay so smooth. Another engineer I really respect described the EQ as "the best EQ" he had ever used . . ."The unit is housed in a 2U metal chassis with an aluminum faceplate and features a toroidal power transformer. Each channel features identical controls, including switches for bypass, high cut and low cut, as well as six large aluminum rotaries for the EQ section - knobs for the LF (30/50/100/200/300/400), MF (250/500/1.2k/1.6k/2k) and HF (2.5k/3.5k/5k/7.5k/10k/15k) bands, plus accompanying knobs offering ±13dB of boost/cut for each frequency range.Connections to and from the product are accomplished on the rear panel via a pair of balanced Neutrik XLR input jacks and pair of balanced XLR output jacks.The HM2EQ is designed for applying broad-shaping EQ across many octaves while sounding beautiful without adverse effects on tone. Very low noise floor. It also has hi-cut at 8Khz and lo-cut at 84Hz filters. There is no other EQ available quite like this.Channel Strips of the Stars: Dylan "3D" DresdowPrimarily a mixer these days, Dylan Dresdow's list of credits includes Black-Eyed Peas, Usher, Michael Jackson, Fergie, and Flo Rida. Dylan was kind enough to share his some of his gear secrets for processing background vocals and kick drum. For my BG vocal chain, I typically use the Crane Song STC-8 compressor into the HAMMER EQ. Sometimes I'll run a high-pass filter pre compression. The (A Designs Audio) EM-PEQ (#241581) usually ends up on my "'main" kick drum track. I can get more punch and click out of it, versus a typical Pultec EQP-1. I used these setups for songs I've mixed recently for Usher ("Revolver", "What's Your Name?"), Michael Jackson ("Starting Something remake 2008"), Fergie ("Clubsy Remix", "Pick It Up"), and Flo Rida ("Ayer")."Channel Strips of the Stars: Ted Perlman Ted Perlman, renowned Grammy-winning producer, musician, arrange...details

A-Designs MP-2A Stereo Tube Microphone Preamplifier
There aren't many companies that can design and build one preamp that engineers and producers feel that they could make an entire record with. A Designs Audio has built two. The all-tube MP-2A and the solid-state Pacifica, but we're here to talk about the MP-2A (you can check out the Pacifica later). With A Designs Audio's MP-2A, not only do you get a never-ending sweetspot and sonic majesty, it also gets top marks in "works and plays well with others." Meaning, while some preamps are picky when it comes to mics, the MP-2A welcomes all — and sounds great no matter what you put through it — ribbon, dynamic, or condenser. Better still, while the MP-2A falls squarely into the realm of "color" preamp, it never overwhelms a track with too much character. If you've been searching for an all-tube preamp with a rich bottom end, sweet and airy top end and enough tonal versatility to record all of your tracks without over-colorization at mixdown, think A designs Audio MP-2A.A Designs Audio MP-2A, First Take: True tube in, tube out stereo mic preamp World-class custom-wound transformers Two "tone" switches, give you four unique tone signatures. Audiophile quality and components and a price below comparable boutique preampsTrue tube mic preampThe MP-2A is a classic 2-channel tube mic pre based on the celebrated MP-1. It offers the same true tube in/tube out design, plus the same quality that made the original MP-1 and MP-2 the buzz of the professional audio industry. New features include a -20 db pad switch, two selectable tone switches for four possible tones, plus 60db of gain (perfect for next generation ribbon mics) Classic features include a world-class Cinemag input transformer coupled with a custom wound output transformer, delivering the low noise and top quality sound that you demand from a high-end, high-priced mic-pre. Additional features include a balanced combo XLR/1/4 inch input, a true VU meter, phantom power and phase reverse switches, and a front panel line level input jack.Custom transformers, the key to punchy sound and quiet operationA lot of preamp builders believe that transformers are things to be avoided, but in reality, they're responsible for the sound we prefer in rock/pop music. The trick is finding good ones. Bad transformers can ring or decimate the upper frequency range, but when a transformer is properly designed and built, such as those by Cinemag (whose lineage includes making transformers for the top consoles in recording history) they are a thing of beauty, delivering a full, punchy sound like no other. Plus, thanks to the superior electronic isolation of transformers, noise and hum is reduced. That's why you can overdrive an MP-2A and get rich, milky distortion without the extra noise. The transformers you find in A Designs Audio's preasmps are hand- and "ear-" built by Tom Reichenbach of Cinemag. Tom is the son of the designer of the legendar...details

A-Designs ATTY Volume Attenuator
The A Designs Audio ATTY (rhymes with "Patty") is a economical, no-noise, compact unit for controlling your audio level. ATTY can be connected to any audio system requiring output gain control, giving you additional power over your sound environment. The ATTY is easy to use and seamless to connect. It is a convenient solution for controlling audio from a variety of sources. It features dual audio ins and outs, a level control knob, and a mute button.Applications •Line Level Control for output to prevent clipping. Use it between mic preamp and the inputs of your A/D converter. •Place it in back of one of our tube preamps and explore different in/out level combinations without overloading your other gear. •Use it as a Level Control to control a pair of powered monitors. The quick mute switch can come in handy as a cough drop! •Use it as a passive line level control for guitar, bass, or keyboard amp extension speakers.•Explore the many possibilities that ATTY has to offer in a recording envirnoment... OR check out our rackmount version, the ATTY2'D...details

A-Designs Pacifica Solid State Stereo Microphone Preamplifier
Consider the A-Designs Pacifica solid state stereo microphone preamplifier if you're ready for your first really good preamp-or the last one you may ever need. How often in life do you encounter someone or something that no one has anything bad to say about? We haven't met that "someone" yet, but the "something" is the A Designs Audio Pacifica solid state, dual-channel preamp. This Tec Award nominated beauty has won more praise from engineers and producers than just about any other preamp to hit the streets in a long, long time. A Designs Audio Pacifica, First Take: 2-channel, solid state preamp with 2 x front-panel hi-Z inputs Custom-wound input and output transformers Captures the sound quality of the legendary Quad Eight console but with more presence and high end Balanced XLR I/O, phase reversal, -20dB pad, +48V phantom powerThe Sound of the '70s RebornThe 1970s was a time of great music and great change in pro audio-a golden age if you will. The introduction of "solid state" electronics led to an explosion in development and a very different sound than the tube gear of previous decades. The recording console in a high-end 1970s studio was likely a Neve, API, or Quad Eight. These companies set the standards for audio quality - with a unique sound firmly imprinted on the popular recordings of the era. Even though the Quad Eight mysteriously faded from view, many engineers firmly believe that the Quad eight Ventura, Coronado, and Pacifica consoles were the very best sounding of the big three. Boston's "More Than a Feeling" and Pink Floyd's The Wall were mixed on a Quad Eight!But rather than just crank out another clone, A Designs Audio's Peter Montessi and audio designer Jon Erickson (who spent years bringing vintage gear back to life for LA studios), added their own touch to bring the preamps of the glory days to serve the present-day needs of the recording world. The result is the Pacifica, a fabulous-sounding preamp the captures the heart and soul of the California and takes the LA sound a step further.Custom Transformers, the Key to a Big Punchy SoundIn solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. (Ed Reichenbach was also one of the designers of the Quad Eight console on which the Pacifica is based.) Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also ear-made" by Jon and Peter, who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. After extensive listening tests and redesign after redesign, they finally found the sound they were looking for. And herein is the most im...details

A-Designs REDDI Tube Direct Box
What do world-class bassists Reggie Hamilton and Justin Meldal-Johnsen have in common with producer/engineers Tony Shepperd, Ted Perlman, and Dylan Dresdow? The answer is using the A-Designs REDDI Tube Direct Box as their go-to DI. The REDDI has been field tested and referred to by recording engineers as the "best tube DI ever made." With wider bandwidth and just the right amount of gain, the REDDI stands clear and clean above the competition. Great for basses, guitars, synths, and electronic instruments that require a direct box for recording, the REDDI is ready to give you sound for recording or live performance that you won't ever want to be without. A Designs Audio REDDI, First Take: All-tube direct box with custom output transformer Based on the Ampeg B-15 with an ultra-wide frequency range New version adds a 1/4" thru jack Field-tested by notable engineers/producers before releaseAll-tube and custom transformers - the key to big, punchy sound Inside its unmistakable fire-engine red case, the REDDI houses a toroid power transformer, which offers the quietest operation, and a 6N1P tube-driven amplifier that feeds signal direct into a massive custom output transformer. Therein lies the secret to its sound. It's a well-known fact that transformers are responsible for a truly big, punchy sound (also called the "big iron" sound of the '70s). By sending the tube-amplified, harmonically rich signal direct to a transformer that is hand and "ear" built you get a sound like no other. (You don't have to take our word for it, see what the pros are saying below.) Ultra-wide Frequency Range Based on the sound of the legendary Ampeg B15 all-tube bass amp, The REDDI's tone is tight, focused, and deep - in essence, right in the pocket. It's ultra wide frequency range is another reason for the depth and clarity of the bass, as well as its unique ability to add a sense of dimensionality to whatever instrument is played through it. Another thing that professional bassists have discovered, is that rather than combining the DI sound with an amp, as is customary in bass recording, that sound of the REDDI alone is just perfect. On guitar, keyboards, and other electronic instruments, the REDDI works its particular brand of magic just as effectively as it does on bass. In fact, once you own a REDDI, you'll be tempted to put just about anything you can through it. (In fact, Grammy-winning producer Ted Perlman, has even used the REDDI with a Shure Green Bullet mic to record harmonica!) New version adds a 1/4" thru jack In order to keep the focus of the REDDI on sound quality, A Designs included only the most necessary features. On the original version of the REDDI, A Designs Audio had eliminated the 1/4" thru-put. The reason was because the REDDI sounded so good on its own, A Designs wanted users to realize that they didn't need to combine a miked amp with the direct sound of the REDDI. But A...details

A-Designs P1 Single Channel Microphone Preamp Module
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy soundIn solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights. A single, affordable channel of the incredible Pacifica for your A Designs lunchboxAccording to A Designs owner Peter Montessi, the P-1 was created in order to make the sound of the Pacifica, which has garnered nothing but rave reviews, accessible to more people. For those not familiar, the Pacifica has the sound of the already legendary Quad Eight console as its inspiration - and that's a very important distinction. The P-1 and Pacifica are NOT clones of the Quad Eight. They have a sound all their own that's reminiscent of the Quad Eight (used to mix Pink Floyd's The Wall and Boston's "More Than a Feeling"), and according to Quad Eight owners, the Pacifica sounds better. Like the Pacifica, the P-1 rules on guitars, is excellent for vocals and makes acoustic guitars shimmer. It's one of the most versatile preamps there is. This affordable high-end solid-state pre features 48V switchable phantom power, -20dB pad switch, and phase reversal. Custom wound output and input transformers, and direct inject hi-Z input for instruments. As with all A Designs Audio Modular preamps, the P-1 is VPR Alliance compliant.Requires the A Designs R52 (product # 180038) dual slot external power supply (See accessory box below)....details

A-Designs ATTY2 D Passive Audio Line Level Control 5.1
The A-Designs ATTY2'D (pronounced "Attitude"), is the big brother of the successful ATTY passive audio line level controller. Think of the ATTY2'D as an ATTY on steroids. It offers fully independent control over 2 stereo pairs and 2 mono signals.The applications have now expanded from a passive line level controller to a host of other uses such as controlling output between multiple products like microphone preamps, CD players, talk backs, and audio surge protectors. It can also be used in a surround sound environment....details

A-Designs 500-Red Microphone Preamplifier
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy soundIn solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights.The sound of the EM-Red The A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Red comes with a 50/50 output transformer. A Designs Audio added a little kick to this one by changing the input transformer as well. The result is more "up front mids"! You'll find this very useful when recording acoustic guitar with a condenser microphone. You can also use the EM-Red for recording toms, both rack and floor. As with all the A Designs Audio modules, the EM-Red is VPR Alliance compliant, and features a 48V phantom power switch, DI input, and phase reversal switch. Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Red features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of all, the EM-Red is another stellar example of the A Designs Audio mission: pro audio made affordable, and quality without compromise.Requires the A Designs R52 (product # 180038) dual slot extern...details

A-Designs 500-Blue Microphone Preamplifier
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy soundIn solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights.The sound of the EM-BlueThe A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Blue is equipped with a nickel custom-wound output transformer. This emphasizes the highs and produces a much more "airy" top end tone. When used with a "dark"-sounding microphone or an alto vocalist, it can produce an absolutely heavenly sound. You will also find this pre useful for recording a snare drum for that crisp "crack" sound. Plus, you just might want to hear what an electric guitar sounds like going thru nickel transformers (trust us, you do!). So, to get down and dirty with an electric guitar you'll want to use the EM-Blue's DI and —20dB pad, and crank the gain for a slight growl.Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Blue features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phantom power (with LED indicator), -20dB pad and phase reversal, 62dB of gain, a large aluminum cast knob for gain, custom-wound input and output transformers, two thumb screws for easy installation, and an extremely solid build quality. Most of all, the EM-Blue is another stellar example of the...details

A-Designs 500-Silver Microphone Preamplifier
In recording, there are certain things that you can only know through years of experience, such as which preamp works best on vocals, which one rules on guitar, or what preamp to use if you have a dark-sounding instrument or mic that needs some brightening. With A Designs Audio's EM series preamps you can let the 60 years of combined experience and super tone-sensitive ears of Jon Erickson and Pete Montessi save you years trying eek secrets out of pro engineers and lurking on forums. Each preamp in the series is designed to handle specific recording chores with the remarkable sound quality that A Designs Audio is now famous for. (Read the buzz on the forums, you'll find nothing but raves.) Best of all, you get high-quality audio in a space-saving and affordable package. Custom transformers, the key to a big punchy soundIn solid-state preamp design, the key to a big punchy sound rests in the input and output transformers. (That's where you get what is known as the "big iron" sound of the '70s). To ensure top-quality sound, A Designs has their transformers custom-built by Tom Reichenbach of Cine-Mag, whose lineage extends back the days when his father Ed built transformers for Altec-Lansing in the '40s. Not only are the transformer hand-made, they're also "ear-made" by Jon (who spent years rebuilding vintage gear for LA studios), and Peter (longtime LA musician and preamp guru), who won't okay a transformer design until they get exactly the sound they're looking for. With the A Designs P1, you can put those ears and 60 years of combined experience to work for you and bring your recordings to new sonic heights.The sound of the EM-SilverThe A Designs EM Series is a twist on the P-1 (based on the best-selling Pacifica). Each color has its own sound. This was accomplished by using different custom wound output and input transformers. The EM-Silver has a custom wound steel output transformer, which outputs a darker sound than the P-1, EM-Red, and EM-Blue, great for adding body to thin vocals. The EM-Silver is also very good match with ribbon microphones, which makes sense because steel transformers were widely used in the early days of recording and broadcast along with ribbon microphones. The sound/color/flavor you'll receive depends which ribbon mic you have. With today's influx of ribbon microphones there is a wide choice of character range available for you to determine which tone you are looking for or need. Another feature of the EM-Silver is a DI (direct inject) for use with electric instruments. Thanks to the DI and its darker sound, the EM-Silver is a great pre for bass guitar and keyboards. Also, you may like to try the EM-Silver (depending on microphone) for your kick when recording drums! All in all, the Silver is a very versatile tool.Solid build quality and functionality The A-Designs EM-Silver features a 1/4-inch Hi-Z direct inject input for instruments, switches for 48-volt phan...details

A-Designs 500HR Rackmount Frame for 500 Series Modules
The 500HR is a dual-slot, single-space, rack-mounted frame with power supply for A-Designs and other 500 Series compatible audio modules including:A-Designs EM-PEQ Equalizer #241581A-Designs EM-Gold Preamp Module #180029A-Designs P1 Single Channel Microphone Preamp Module #189906A-Designs 500-Red Microphone Preamplifier #189907A-Designs 500-Blue Microphone Preamplifier #189908A-Designs 500-Silver Microphone Preamplifier #189909You are able to use the 500HR and A-Designs module combinations in four basic ways: Loaded with two preamps it becomes a dual-channel mic preamp Loaded with two EQs, it is a dual-channel EQ Loaded with one preamp and one EQ it is a complete pre/post EQ recording channel Use one preamp and the EQ in the 500HR and bypass your pre on your guitar/bass/keyboard amplifier and have a totally different amp for any live situation!...details

A-Designs EM-PEQ Equalizer in compact 500 Series Module
The classic all-tube Pultec PEQ-1A goes down on the record books as one of the most venerated equalizers of all time, cherished by recording and mastering engineers for its almost mythical ability to improve the sound of just about anything running through it. Finally, after much research and development, A-Designs Audio announces that it has managed to capture much of the essence of the famed EQ in a new product—-and one that fits in a compact 500 Series module frame size, no less! In fact, as you'll see below in our Channel Strips of the Stars segment, the EM-PEQ goes the legendary Pultec one better. Dubbed the EM-PEQ, A-Designs Audio was able to shrink this highly sought after filter design into the now red-hot 500 Series format without compromise to either build quality or sonic caliber. The EQ section design and control layout of the classic PEQ-1A has been meticulously maintained, as well as its wonderfully smooth musicality.Makeup amplification is achieved through the use of the same discrete Class AB amplifier found in A-Designs Audio's popular solid-state Pacifica mic preamp, putting a slightly unique twist on the classic design of yesteryear.Additional features include a nickel core output transformer, gold Grayhill rotary switches, Wima caps, and a true hard bypass. Instead of using common off-the-shelf chokes, A-Designs uses a custom-wound tapped inductor wound to the original values. Fully-balanced, noise-free operation with modern impedance specs make for dummy-proof operation and fast studio integration.The new EM-PEQ is an approved API VPR Alliance product and may also be used in Brent Averill Enterprises racks and A-Designs Audio's R52 manufactured by Avedis Audio Electronics.Channel Strips of the Stars: Dylan "3D" DresdowPrimarily a mixer these days, Dylan Dresdow's list of credits includes Black-Eyed Peas, Usher, Michael Jackson, Fergie, and Flo Rida. Dylan was kind enough to share his some of his gear secrets for processing background vocals and kick drum. For my BG vocal chain, I typically use the Crane Song STC-8 compressor into the HAMMER EQ (#180185). Sometimes I'll run a high-pass filter pre compression. The (A Designs Audio) EM-PEQ usually ends up on my "'main" kick drum track. I can get more punch and click out of it, versus a typical Pultec EQP-1. I used these setups for songs I've mixed recently for Usher ("Revolver", "What's Your Name?"), Michael Jackson ("Starting Something remake 2008"), Fergie ("Clubsy Remix", "Pick It Up"), and Flo Rida ("Ayer")."...details

"A-Designs HM2 Compressor"Nail""
A Designs Audio HM2 Compressor "NAIL"—After taking the recording industry by storm with the Pacifica preamp, A Designs Audio has once again outdone themselves with the HM2 Compressor "NAIL." It's exceedingly rare for a new piece of recording equipment to arrive on the pro audio scene that's truly ahead of its time or sets a new standard. The A Designs HM2 Compressor "NAIL" does both. And they're not alone on that. Almost immediately after its debut to the audio world, The NAIL compressor was awarded a "Mix Certified Hit" by Mix magazine.The NAIL is a feedback-, diode-based design. In building the NAIL, A Designs' goal was to create a hybrid of tube and solid-state technology that would integrate with the digital world, yet deliver analog warmth with a hint of color and richness to your recordings.What makes The NAIL compressor unique? Three features that set the NAIL apart from ordinary compressors are Hard Threshold, Filter, and Mix. Due to the unique nature of the design, the NAIL will take you to places you have not experienced before, offering endless possibilities for controlling compression and envelope shaping. This new design doesn't require you to relearn compression from the ground up, but it will teach you some new tricks that are guaranteed to expand your sonic horizons. Among the unique controls of the NAIL compressor is the Hard Threshold, which works with three stages, Threshold, Hard Threshold, and Filter. With the Hard Threshold in the off-position the Threshold feature acts more like a Gain Reduction control. With the Hard Threshold engaged, you have your choice of filter frequencies and amount of compression. The Hard Threshold control ranges from Off to +18dB.The A Designs NAIL compressor has the Attack, Release, Threshold, and Gain controls found on standard compressors. However, ratio is not set by a front-panel control. The NAIL features a variable ratio that changes in relation to settings of the Threshold and Hard Threshold controls, as well as the amount of gain reduction. In this way, the NAIL compressor provides a much more musical-sounding style of compression instead of simply stonewalling an input signal. Mix The A Designs compressor's Mix feature is very a powerful tool providing an extremely valuable function for producers and mix engineers. It provides endless combinations of mixing the sound of the NAIL's compression with your audio signal path. You can go from "dry" to full-on compression, depending upon your needs or taste.With the Mix control, you can perform maximum compression on a signal, such as drums, and then blend it into the audio path. This is also referred to as parallel compression. You won't find this option on most compressors, and without it, you find yourself fighting the mix to achieve the right balance between normal and compressed signal. The NAIL compressor takes the fight out of it, and makes it easy to...details