This review is for HCL's Affinity A2 dual channel All tube mic preamp. For anyone not familiar with HCL yet, don't worry, you will be really soon. This Ukrainian based, all tube high end studio gear manufacturer knows what they're doing, and are doing it well.
After purchasing the infamous Universal Audio 2-610 pre, very similar in essence last spring for my home studio. I wanted and needed more channels of high end tube preamplification, but was looking to save some money. A friend who had heard of HCL and was ordering another piece of equipment recommended I check them out.
I spoke via e-mail with Albert Sherbina, one of the designer/engineers for HCL and the public relations/ordering person.
Well, after briefly inquiring about the A2, I received a detailed e-mail about the requests including a full SCHEMATIC of my preamp!
I knew I found the right place. So after ordering and waiting for arrival, I opened my A2, plugged her in, fired up my system, placed my mic, and then fell in mad love with it.
Clearer and louder (without harshness or distortion) than the 2-610 which is my favorite pre (especially for guitars), 2 controls and 2 switches (Phantom , HP filter) per channel, so it's extremely easy to use, just check your levels, and adjust your Input Gain to Master Level settings for your sound. You can really push the input gain well beyond where you'd think you'd be safe, and you get nothing but warm sweet gain, no coloring, but warm and big with plenty of punch and clarity. THis is great for vocals, electric guitar and bass, and even acoustic guitar. You can just as easily set your input gain lower and raise your Master level out, if you prefer less tube harmonics and more of the source sound, which is also good for acoustic or electric guitars, and really nice for classical guitars where at least in my studio, they sound crisp and spacious.
I also agree with a few of the other reviewers in that these pres give you the airyness for vocals, guitars etc. without being thin or brittle, or losing any low end. There really user friendly and despite the simple control scheme, are very versatile. I believe the less knobs, switches and buttons the better. I still love my 2-610 and it's darker sound, but the A2 sounds or can sound just about the same, for alot less, and believe me, I'm about as picky as they come with sound, and the A2 is just a monster. If you look inside one of these you realize why. They're handmade with the best components, parts, and materials, cost half the price if not less than any other comparable equipment or manufacturer (e.g. UA, UREI, Manley, etc.)
and easily sound as good if not better than their competition.
I've owned my A2 for over a year, I've used it on 3 upcoming CDs with different projects I'm involved with, and I only wish I could make money faster cause I want another one of these, one of their Tube Opto Limiters, their mic, jeez basically one of everything they make. Then once I do that, I'm going to get a second one of everything they make! Anyone reading this please - go check them out before you buy anything from anyone else.
Long Live HCL!!!
