Building on the reputation of its HM2EQ Hammer a three-band, dual-mono tube/hybrid equaliser – praised in the studio for tracking as well as across the main mix outputs – A-Designs has unveiled the Hammer 2.
Although the original Hammer has developed a loyal fan base over the past eight years, we’ve been asking our customers if there were ways that it could be made even better,’ says A-Designs Audio President, Peter Montessi. ‘Based on the input we got, we’ve extended the frequencies on the Hammer 2, as well as added shelving on the lows and highs. So the frequency bands can now nicely overlap into each other and you can really give the bottom end a bit more punch, thanks to the shelving.
‘We’ve also now switched over from continuous-sweep pots to 31-detent controls, which will improve setting repeatability. With the new Hammer 2, musicians and engineers can easily recreate the same sounds they’ve loved with the previous model, but now also have access to even more options and tones.’
A-Designs’ Hammer 2 can add ‘air’ to vocals, punch to instruments, or texture an overall mix. With a frequency range covering 30Hz to 40kHz, each channel features six detented rotary controls – three frequency selector knobs (Lo, Mid, Hi), which are stepped switches for recall, each with an accompanying gain knob providing continuously variable boost or cut of 12dB. Each band has a selectable centre frequency and overlaps with the other bands.
Both channels also feature individual toggle switches for EQ In/Out as well as Lo Cut (84Hz) and Hi Cut (8kHz). Mainly intended as a ‘broad stroke’ equaliser, the bandwidth (Q) is self-adjusting (floating), based on a combination of the amount of gain applied and the dynamics and frequency content of the program material. Along with its tube-harmonic filtering circuit, a pair of carefully selected 12AT7 tubes and a custom, heavy-duty toroidal power transformer add the final touches to the Hammer 2’s signal path.
Immediately available, the Hammer 2 carries the same street price as its predecessor – US$2,495.
More: www.adesignsaudio.com
