HHB Radius, Classic, Radius 10, Radius 20, Radius 30 Brochure & Specs

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Tube Processors

HHB

Radius and Classic Series

HHB Tube Processing:

A unique sonic signature

HHB’s pedigree in digital audio is well

documented, with the company playing

a key role in pioneering the acceptance

of DAT, CD-R, MD and MO as profess-

ional recording formats. So why

develop a range of outboard processors

based around a technology that’s more

than 90 years old? The answer is

simple. At HHB, we believe in applying

the right tools for the job and, when it

comes to EQ and dynamics processing,

nothing matches the unique sonic

characteristics of the vacuum tube.

For total flexibility and impeccable

audio performance, the three HHB

Classics set new standards in tube

equalization, compression and

microphone pre amplification. And in

the home and project studio, our highly

affordable Radius Series delivers the

unique sonic signature normally only

associated with big studio productions.

Whether it’s adding depth and warmth

to a stereo mix, breathy presence to a

vocal track or roundness and detail to a

drum track, HHB Tube Processors

provide that extra ingredient to make

your recordings something special.

Nobody does it better

The desire for a ‘vintage’ sound is

rarely accompanied by a nostalgia for

noise. It’s a modern world, so HHB

Tube Processors combine solid state

circuitry, with its superior noise

performance and tube stages to deliver

the vintage tube sound without the

inherent noise which plagued older

tube designs. Careful research into

hybrid circuits ensures that the tubes in

HHB processors achieve their maximum

sonic effect, while noise and distortion

performance, slew rates and bandwidth

remain comparable with other

equipment in the modern recording

facility. Vintage sound. Modern

performance. HHB gives you the best of

both worlds.

Another secret to the HHB sound is the

minimal use of transformers in the

signal path, ensuring none of the

attendant frequency response roll off,

phase errors and distortion. Advanced

transistor circuitry ensures maximum

power transfer between the valve

stages and combines with high HT

voltages used to supply the tubes

(typically 250V DC in the Classics) to

deliver exceptional performance. You’ll

find no low voltage ‘wall wart’ power

supplies on HHB Tube Processors, only

fully stabilised discrete power supplies

with balanced DC heater supplies

where necessary to provide maximum

gain and headroom, and minimum

noise, hum and microphony. The tubes

themselves are military grade

specification, and all components are

of the highest possible quality,

including glass fibre double sided

circuit boards, custom steel cored

toroidal mains transformers, metal film

resistors and high-grade, long life

capacitors.

THE HHB RADIUS SERIES

4321

High performance tube processing used to be the exclusive domain of big budget

recording studios and live sound productions. Not any more. The HHB Radius

Series combines innovative British professional audio design with the finest

components and exacting manufacturing standards to create a range of tube

outboard equipment in which price is the only corner we’ve cut. The HHB Radius

Series consists of a mic pre amp, a four band stereo EQ, a compressor, a voice

processor and a mic pre amp / compressor, bringing the unique warmth and

presence of the vacuum tube to all kinds of recording, mixing, mastering and

performance projects, large and small. Signal interfacing includes balanced XLRs

and unbalanced jacks, making it easy to incorporate Radius processors into your

existing setup, and the clear, consistent layout of the controls means that you’ll be

adding the magic ingredient of an HHB Radius tube processor to your music,

straight out of the box.

KEY FEATURES

• Four channels of high quality mic pre amplification.

• Balanced XLR mic inputs, with both XLR and

unbalanced jack line outputs.

• Variable control of input and output gain allows

optimum signal level through tubes.

• Switchable 90Hz high pass filter.

• Switchable +48V phantom power for connection of

condenser microphones.

• Phase reverse switch allows instant phase correction

for each input signal.

• Drive and peak LEDs indicate the degree of tube

warming and warn of low headroom.

• Twin stage triode vacuum tubes.

• Stabilised 150V DC power supply.

Whether recording in the studio or performing live on stage, the Radius 10 will add great life to even the cheapest of dynamic microphones, producing a more rounded, open sound which compares favourably with the quality of expensive tube condenser microphones. With four channels of high quality tube mic pre amplification, vocals and instruments are instantly warmed, with the extra presence loved by artists and recording engineers alike. Each channel features input and output level controls, switchable +48V phantom power, phase reverse and a 90Hz high pass filter, ensuring each signal may be quickly and easily processed, adding the required level of rich, harmonic overtones associated with vacuum tubes. Drive and peak LEDs indicate the operational status of these twin stage tubes, displaying at a glance whether they are being driven at their optimum level. This, coupled with variable input and output gain, means that signal levels through the tubes may always be optimized.

KEY FEATURES

• Two channels of four band parametric tube

equalization.

• Balanced and unbalanced line inputs and outputs with

gain controls.

• 1/4" jack instrument input on the front panel for each

channel.

• EQ has ±15dB gain, variable Q and variable frequency:

LF band - 30Hz and 1kHz, LM band - 100Hz and 3kHz, HM band - 1kHz and 12kHz, HF band - 3kHz and 20kHz.

• EQ bypass switch for each channel.

• Drive and peak LEDs indicate the degree of tube

warming and warn of low headroom.

• Stabilised 150V DC power supply.

The Radius 20, with its combination of solid state circuitry and vacuum tube technology, will not only alter the sound of an input when required, but also improve its tonality, ensuring every instrument or mix sounds just the way it’s intended to. Drums become tighter and more punchy, guitars are made to cut through any texture, and many different vocal effects may be achieved, limited only by your imagination. Four bands of fully parametric equalization provide complete control. With variable gain, frequency and bandwidth, the Radius 20’s comprehensive controls are designed for familiarity and ease of use. And with the addition of an EQ bypass switch, any added equalization may be removed for instant A/B signal comparison. Both channels feature a front panel 1/4" jack instrument input so that, when rack mounted in the studio, the Radius 20 is quickly accessible. Overall levels are managed by the input and output gain controls, controlling the amount of tube effect required.

KEY FEATURES

• Two channels of variable ratio tube compression.

• Balanced and unbalanced line inputs and outputs with

gain controls.

• 1/4" jack instrument inputs on the front panel.

• Sidechain inserts for frequency controlled compression.

• Variable threshold, compression ratio and gain make-

up for each channel.

• Drive and peak LEDs indicate the degree of tube

warming and warn of low headroom.

• Stereo link mode for compressing stereo signals.

• Compressor bypass switch.

• Variable threshold control on the expander / gate helps

reduce noise during quiet sections in the signal. The red LED indicates when this gate is closed.

• VU monitoring of output level or gain reduction.

• Stabilised 150V DC power supply.

OUTPUT LEVEL

INPUT LEVEL

With two separate channels of compression, the Radius 30 will soon become an indispensable part of your studio setup, adding the finishing touch to the sound of individual instruments or compressing an entire stereo mix. Vocals take on a different character when compressed - quiet singing becomes incredibly intimate thanks to the unique combination of the Radius 30’s tube technology and solid state circuitry. Even screaming vocal lines are controlled; only the tone of the voice shows the true levels. Backlit VU meters for each channel monitor either the output level or the amount of gain reduction. The Radius 30 has all the benefits of the vacuum tube without the additional noise, due to HHB’s unique transconductance amplifier design which avoids using VCAs. With control of input and output gain for each channel, and variable threshold, ratio, gain and attack / release times, the Radius 30 will control and compress every input to your exact requirements, without missing a single beat.

KEY FEATURES

• Tube voice processor with four stages - a pre amp,

compressor, expander and equalizer.

• Balanced XLR mic inputs and both XLR and unbalanced

jack line outputs.

• Input and output gain control.

• Bypassable compressor, featuring variable threshold,

ratio, gain, attack and release times.

• A four band bypassable equalizer section, each with

12dB cut / boost:

LF band - 60Hz, 120Hz, 250Hz or 500Hz, LM band - 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz or 2.2kHz, HM band - 1.5kHz, 2.2kHz, 3.6kHz or 5kHz, HF band - 2.2kHz, 5kHz, 8kHz or 12kHz.

• EQ may be switched before or after the compressor.

• Stereo link for connecting two Radius 40s.

• Stabilised 150V DC power supply.

HHB’s Radius 40 tube processor, although designed primarily for voice processing, will also enhance the sound of any input, from instruments, keyboards, samplers or workstations, since it combines both a high quality mic pre amp and line input with a compressor, expander / gate and an equalizer. These comprehensive features make the Radius 40 ideal for use in any project or professional studio environment when recording directly to tape, as all processing takes place within the machine itself. The mic pre amp has switchable 48V phantom power and a 90Hz high pass filter, with a 1/4" jack instrument input for keyboards or guitars. A backlit VU meter, displaying either the input, output or gain reduction, is all you need for confidence in your recording levels. With clearly laid out compressor and equalization functions along with balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, including a sidechain insertion point for frequency controlled processing, the Radius 40 is an all-round performer.

KEY FEATURES

• High quality pre amp and compressor.

• Balanced mic / line input with jack output.

• Comprehensive mic input gain control from +16 to

+60dB, with the large output fader providing an extra +15dB of gain.

• Switchable 48V phantom power.

• Switchable high pass filter in the mic pre amp.

• Compressor allows control of threshold, ratio and gain

make-up, with two attack and release times.

• Compressor can be bypassed for quick A/B signal

comparison.

• Two eight-segment LED meters indicate gain reduction

and output gain.

• Stabilised 150V DC power supply.

Probably the most reasonably priced tube mic pre amp / compressor available, the HHB Radius 50 adds extra weight and presence to every input. A 1/4" jack instrument input allows any keyboard or guitar to benefit from the on-board tubes, producing a warm, rounded sound characteristic of this style of processing. Direct to tape recording from any microphone source, from dynamic to condenser, is made simple due to the logical layout of all analogue controls, providing at-a-glance confirmation of applied compression and pre amplification. The compressor has fully variable control of threshold, ratio and gain, and features switchable attack and release times from ‘fast’ to ‘slow’. Two LEDs indicate power on and compressor on, with segmented LED meters displaying gain reduction and output level, which can be controlled by a large rotary fader.

THE HHB CLASSIC SERIES

The HHB Classic Series tube processors are designed for demanding, high-end

applications necessitating the highest possible levels of sonic performance. From

their heavy gauge front panels to their massive power supplies, the Classic Series

processors ooze quality, delivering their vintage tube tone under precision control,

and with none of the noise normally associated with tube processor designs. All

tubes are the finest, military grade specification, including General Electric 12AX7

and Siemens EF86 pentode devices, with a 250V DC voltage to ensure maximum

gain and minimum noise, further enhanced by minimal use of transformers in the

signal path. Comprising a tube compressor of exceptional quality, a wonderfully

sweet-sounding parametric equalizer and a mic pre amp which enhances the

sound of even the most expensive studio microphones, the HHB Classic Series

brings a unique sonic signature to any recording or performance project.

KEY FEATURES

• Two channels of variable ratio compression.

• Balanced mic inputs with phantom power, balanced

and unbalanced line inputs and outputs.

• Switchable 90Hz high pass filter on all inputs.

• 1/4" jack instrument inputs on the front panel with gain

control and sensitivity switch.

• Each compressor channel features variable input gain,

threshold, attack / release times, compression ratio and gain make-up for complete signal control.

• Sidechain inserts for frequency controlled compression.

• Both channels of the compressor may be linked to

apply identical processing for stereo signals.

• Flexible backlit VU monitoring of either the output level

or gain reduction.

• 250V HT voltage rail.

Exceptional sound quality and unrivalled flexibility combine in the HHB Classic 60 to produce a 2 channel tube compressor that’s equally suited to tracking vocals or adding warmth and depth to an entire stereo mix. High quality on-board mic pre amps allow direct to tape recording of microphone sources and 1/4" jack instrument inputs are front panel mounted so guitars or keyboards can be plugged straight in. All controls are continuously variable, unlike inferior devices which use switched parameters, and the absence of VCAs results in a particularly transparent sound, with distortion across the full bandwidth virtually constant at a very low figure of 0.05%. The frequency response is virtually flat between 20Hz and 40kHz and, measured between -3dB points, is an incredible 5Hz to 70kHz. Use it once and you’ll never want to be without the HHB Classic 60 tube compressor again.

KEY FEATURES

• 2 channels of four band parametric tube equalization.

• Balanced mic and line inputs with variable gain.

• Dual sensitivity 1/4" jack instrument inputs on the front

panel for each channel.

• EQ has ±15dB gain, variable Q and variable frequency:

LF band - 30Hz to 3kHz, LM band - 30Hz to 3kHz, HM band - 1kHz to 20kHz, HF band - 1kHz to 20kHz.

• LF and HF bands switchable peaking / shelving.

• High and low pass variable filters and EQ bypass

switch for signal comparison.

• Insert points before the EQ section on each channel.

• Drive and peak LEDs indicate the degree of tube

warming and warn of low headroom.

• 250V HT voltage rail.

With two channels of fully parametric 4-band tube equalization operating in conjunction with variable high and low pass filters, the HHB Classic 70 provides total control over any audio source. Continuously variable controls mean that the choice of frequency is not limited to switched settings, and the inclusion of 2 mic pre amps with phantom power enable direct to tape recording, with 1/4" jack instrument inputs also provided. Ideal for the precise equalization of stereo sources or an entire stereo mix, the Classic 70 features a stereo mode switch, linking both channels to the controls of channel 1 and applying identical processing to both. Stunning warmth and clarity is assured by the use of six tube stages per channel; one in each of the 4 EQ bands followed by a pair in the outboard stage, with top quality ECC83 and 12AX7A tubes specified throughout.

KEY FEATURES

• High quality, 2 channel tube pre amp.

• Balanced mic inputs with 48V phantom power,

balanced and unbalanced line inputs and outputs.

• Input gain control, with variable fine gain trim.

• Dedicated 1/4" jack instrument input on the front panel

for simple connection of guitars and keyboards.

• High and low pass filters on both mic and line inputs

with three switchable cut off frequencies:

HPF - 50Hz, 100Hz or 150Hz, LPF - 5kHz, 10kHz or 15kHz.

• Phase reverse on channel 1.

• Drive and peak LEDs indicate the degree of tube

warming and will warn of low headroom.

• Large rotary output faders.

• Illuminated VU meters showing output level.

• 250V HT voltage rail.

From a dynamic microphone to the most expensive studio condenser, the sound of any microphone source will gain an extraordinary openness, presence and clarity from the HHB Classic 80 tube mic pre amp. And a 1/4" jack instrument input on the front panel ensures that guitars and keyboards can also benefit from the added weight of HHB Classic tube processing. Each transformer coupled mic input is followed by a high gain, low noise EF86 pentode tube, with 2 further triode tube stages in each channel, and the precise amount of harmonic contribution from the tubes can be controlled through the use of separate input and output level controls. Switchable +48V phantom power, high and low pass filters and a phase reverse switch on channel 1 make the Classic 80 perfect for use in track laying or for direct to tape recording.

TECHNICAL DATA

RADIUS 10

TUBE MIC PRE AMP

RADIUS 20

TUBE PARAMETRIC

EQUALIZER

RADIUS 30

TUBE COMPRESSOR

RADIUS 40

TUBE VOICE PROCESSOR

Balanced XLR mic I/P: Impedance / gain range . . . . . >2kΩ / +16 to +60dB

Balanced XLR O/P: O/P impedance / max level . . . . . . . . 47Ω / +26dBu

Unbalanced jack O/P: O/P impedance / max level . 47Ω / 18dBu into 10kΩ

Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Hz to 40kHz, +0, -1dB

Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110-120V 60Hz or 220-240V 50Hz

Power consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20VA typical

Dimensions (WxDxH) 19.0" x 7.9" x 3.5" (483 x 200 x 88mm), 2U rackmountable

Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5lbs (2.5kg)

Balanced XLR line I/P: Impedance / gain range . . . . . >5kΩ / -20 to +20dB

Unbalanced jack line I/P: Impedance / gain range . . . . . >5kΩ / -20 to +20dB

Instrument jack I/P: Gain control range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40dB

Balanced XLR O/P: O/P impedance / max level . . . . . . . . 47Ω / +26dBu

Unbalanced jack O/P: O/P impedance / max level . 47Ω / 18dBu into 10kΩ

Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Hz to 40kHz, +0, -1dB

Noise . . . . . . . . . . -80dBu (22Hz to 22kHz), line I/P @ 0dB gain, EQ on and flat

Dynamic range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106dB (line I/P @ 0dB gain)