Heritage Audio HA81A Microphone Preamp & EQ Reviews
The Heritage Audio HA-81A gives you what generations of recording engineers have lusted after. The legendary 1073 console module wrote the book on characterful microphone preamplification, but arriving as it did in the early ’70s, it was paired with a three-band equalizer that sounded incredible, but left something to be desired in terms of flexibility. Then the mighty 1081 EQ arrived with four overlapping bands and under-the-bonnet enhancements that made it sound better than ever. It still possessed the ability to transform iron-poor sources into powerhouse tracks, plus it offered the surgical precision its predecessor did not. Now, the Heritage Audio HA-81A packs the best of the best: an all-discrete, Class A 73-style mic preamp and a powerful 81-style EQ, all in a tidy 1U rackmount chassis decked out in classic RAF gray livery.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Great sound and value
I originally tried the 1073-style EQ from Heritage Audio, but found the 3-bands were too limiting, especially for something like recording acoustic guitar where the low end can be tricky to balance. This 1081-style EQ is much more flexible, and mated with the 1073-style class A preamp, it's a great-sounding and flexible tool.
Quality-wise, it appears to be typical Heritage, which is a good thing. High-quality electronic components are used where they matter.
Heritage Ha-81a
As luck would have it... I ordered a Heritage 1073eqx2 originally. I waited the normal time and when I got my package I opened it only to find the Heritage HA 1073x2. The day after I returned it I learned this 1081 had released. My guy Mike Defraties went out of his way to help me change the order asap. I had G.A.S. big time.
Anywho these units (I ordered 2 BTW) are fantastic sounding and match each other in output perfectly from what my ears can hear. The pres can add so much color to them. Too good. The EQ section is amazing. Every position on the EQ has it's own character. Oh be aware that the volume pots are not detented. The selectors are though. I really wish it had detented pots so I could be more precise while working in stereo, but not the worst thing in the world. I haven't experienced any phase issues running these in stereo and the transients are very snappy also which I enjoy. 5 Stars Heritage is leading the charge in the battle of the Clone Wars. I'm really impressed with their gear.
Excellent design Peter. Good job and plz enjoy my money lol
Can't Say Enough
I now own 3 of these. Incredible sounding pre's. Top notch EQ... I love having the HP and LP to carve out those highs and lows accurately. This is just an incredible unit. The most transparent pre I've ever had the pleasure of using. I had the Neve 511's but I'll go to these every time.
