Hlabs CS169 - PRE+EQ169 Recording Channel in a 1U Rack Package

Hlabs CS169 - PRE+EQ169 Recording Channel in a 1U Rack Package

The Hlabs CS169 packs the PRE169 and EQ169 circuits that were inspired by the Studer© 169 console in a convenient 1U rack format. This makes it a versatile channel strip with very high quality sound and construction - your next deserted island preamp.

INSPIRATION
While "vintage sound" is often synonymous with warmth (lack of highs...) and harmonic distortion, the Studer© 169 console offers a neutral, very open and wide sound, true to the recorded sources. This is what has made it so successful for recording classical and jazz music, and what makes it so sought-after today. It sounds really different from what you can record through a 1073 or 312 - surely, a must-have addition to your preamplifier rack.

3 MAIN FEATURES YOU WILL LOVE

• The perfect input section for ribbon mics and low level sources, with more than 67dB gain.
• The perfect combination of our tunable high-pass Filter and the 3-band EQ section to get the spark right from the recording.
• A simple front panel DI input, but try it... you could fall in love with that big transformer sound!

WONDERING WHAT'S INSIDE ?

• A massive Carnhill VT24499 transformers that gives the PRE169 it's unique character.
• Independent inputs and outputs for PRE & EQ section for flexible routing - recording, mixing, reamping...
• An old-fashioned assembly of 100% discrete THT components through the audio path.

Hlabs CS169 Specifications:

Versatile microphone preamp & DI :

• Max Gain: 67dB
  
• Pad: -33dB
  
• Output level: 0 to -30dB
  
• +48V Phantom Power (independent for each channel)
  
• Polarity switch
  
• Discrete 12dB/octave HPF (High Pass Filter) variable from 20Hz to 315Hz
  
• Input transformer: Neutrik NTM-4
  
• Output transformer: Carnhill VT24499
  
• Frequency response (1kΩ load): ±1dB from 6.2Hz to 25KHz
  
• Mic input impedance: 1.2kΩ
  
• DI input impedance: > 1.0MΩ
  
• Output impedance: < 20Ω - Transformer balanced
  
• Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): -125dBu @ max gain (Mic input)
  
• Max input level: +9dBU without PAD | +18dBU with PAD
  
• Max output level: +22dBU without PAD | +19dBU with PAD

Classic semi-parametric EQ based on the original Studer 169 console circuit :

• High Shelf : ±15dB @ 20kHz
  
• "Presence" filter : ±11dB @ 150 to 7000Hz (continuously variable) - Q ≈ 1.0
  
• Low Shelf : ±15dB @ 20Hz
  
• Transformerless input & output for a transparent sound
  
• Max level (input & output) : +22dBU
  
• Input impedance: 48kΩ
  
• Output impedance: 50Ω
  
• Frequency response (1kΩ load): ±0.5dB from 5.4Hz to 25kHz
  
• SNR : >105dB (0.2% THD)
  
• Bypass on relay for transparent sound
  
• Earth lift on the XLR outputs to avoid ground loops (independent for each channel)
  
• Worldwide compatible power supply: 100-240V | 50-60Hz
  
• Dimensions (1U rack) : 483x260x44mm | 19.0x10.2x1.7in
  
• Weight : 3.9kg | 8.6lb
  
• Included accessory : small XLR cable for Channel Strip use