HM2EQ

The award-winning A-Designs Audio HM2EQ "Hammer" is a dual-mono, three-band equalizer that absolutely sparkles on the 2-bus.

It's one of a very select few audio tools that breathe the rarified air of enhancing sound simply by running signal through it—thanks in part to an ingenious filtering system that passes the consonant and musical 2nd order tube harmonics while eliminating unwanted noise—just the heating blanket your DAW needs for those cold winter nights.

And speaking of rarified air, adding "air" to vocals, instruments, or an overall mix is where the Hammer particularly shines. Yet another result of its innovative design is the ability to bring the Hammer down as hard as you like—it's near impossible to make it sound bad.

 

Each channel of the Hammer features six rotary controls: three gain knobs with continuously variable boost or cut of 12dB, and three frequency-selector knobs detented for easy recall. The Hammer's selectable frequencies range from 30Hz to 15kHz. The low, mid, and high bands have a selectable center frequency, and the bands themselves overlap in such a way that makes for a very smooth transition throughout the entire frequency spectrum. Also on each channel are toggle switches for EQ In/Out, plus low-cut (84Hz) and high-cut (8kHZ), filters, which allow the engineer to perform utilitarian EQ chores while still being able to bring the full power of The Hammer's three bands to bear. Bandwidth (Q) is self-adjusting (floating) based on both the amount of gain applied and in response to the behavior of the program material at the selected frequencies. The Hammer's unique ability to have its Q "move with the music" is one the secrets to its highly musical response, and also a reason for why its near impossible to make the Hammer sound bad at any frequency or gain setting.

 

Like its twin, the A-Designs Audio HM2 Compressor "Nail," the Hammer boasts a black, custom-milled, brushed faceplate, which plays host to its custom-milled aluminum control knobs; big, blue jewel power indicator lamp; and heavy-duty Carling toggle power switch—overall, a stunning combination of modern-retro looks that jump out of the rack.

 

Not just another pretty face, it's what's inside the Hammer that counts, which, along with its clever tube-harmonic filtering circuit, are two transformer-less 12AT7 tubes (offering the most consistent control of any tube), and a custom toroidal power transformer. But most importantly, the Hammer is an inspired design whose sonic majesty is far greater than the sum of its components. As producer-mixer Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Terry Bozio) says, "The Hammer is all about gorgeous, smooth top and high mids. 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 HM2EQ as "the best EQ" he had ever used . . ."

 

Not just for the 2-bus, the Hammer's dual-mono operation makes it a marvelous tool for tracking as well. Whether it's 2-bus, submix, voice, or instrument, just reach for the A-Designs Audio HMEQ2 Hammer when you want great sounds—and you want them quickly and easily.