|
|
Post by WKG on Nov 8, 2022 17:22:42 GMT -6
Anybody have any experience with Handcrafted Labs gear? I've been wanting to add an opto comp, or two, for awhile and ran across this: www.handcraftedlabs.pl/products/solution-tube-opto-leveling-amplifier-compressorFound some sample clips that sounded great. Two channels, interesting options, hand made in Ukraine and a great price. Seems like a better option than the WA-2A or K&T units. What's not to like? I've got one inbound, should be here later in the week. Anybody running or have any experience with these? |
|
|
|
Post by WKG on Nov 20, 2022 15:00:38 GMT -6
So I have had the Solution in for a few days now.
Ran a few mixes and a bit of acoustic through it, looking forward to putting it to work on vocals in the next week or so. Haven't been able to get a bad sound out of it no matter how hard I hit it, just a great sound.
I am curious what they used for the opto in it. Sometimes I feel like I'd like just a little bit slower on the release but it's not a complaint.
Being the incessant tinkerer that I am I'm curious if any users have swapped tubes and if so what they used. It comes with Russian tubes installed, 2 per channel. I believe they are 6N14P for input, 6N5P for output.
I was initially concerned that I'd come in to the studio the morning after it arrived to find bits and pieces of it and my Soyuz mics scattered about after getting in a fight. I am happy to report that they are blissfully unaware of any conflict and enjoy making music together. I will add that the Solution does seem to have a particular enjoyment squashing any signal coming from the Soyuz however it does so with brotherly love.
I am now plotting how to rearrange for rack space, I'm looking at picking up one of their tube pres. Not that I need one but, you know...
|
|
|
|
Post by kcatthedog on Nov 20, 2022 15:06:08 GMT -6
Fun, glad you are pleased.
|
|
|
|
Post by jacobamerritt on Nov 20, 2022 20:45:50 GMT -6
So I have had the Solution in for a few days now. I am now plotting how to rearrange for rack space, I'm looking at picking up one of their tube pres. Not that I need one but, you know... How is the build quality? Seemed a few years ago there were some issues. |
|
|
|
Post by WKG on Nov 20, 2022 21:01:07 GMT -6
So I have had the Solution in for a few days now. I am now plotting how to rearrange for rack space, I'm looking at picking up one of their tube pres. Not that I need one but, you know... How is the build quality? Seemed a few years ago there were some issues. I haven't followed them over the years but I believe most of those discussions around 2006-07 or so revolved around sloppy wiring and actually many of those pics posted criticizing them were actually from a product made by another manufacturer. No problems I can see with this thing. Switches/pots are fine and the overall build is pretty solid. |
|
|
|
Post by WKG on Nov 23, 2022 19:02:27 GMT -6
Handcrafted Labs Affinity mic pre arrived today. I didn't want to start another HCL thread so just tagging along in this one.
Stepped input switches, phase, 80hz low cut, 20 DB pad and a DI. Set it up and played around with a bit of acoustic through a Soyuz 013FET. This thing has a ton of headroom and is clean, 3D and detailed but if you crank the input and dial back the master level and hit it a bit it goes into a very smooth creamy clipping. Very nice. It pairs very well with the Solution comp.
Nobody else running any HCL gear?
|
|
|
|
Post by EmRR on Nov 23, 2022 20:54:44 GMT -6
Good looking stuff, unique. Don’t really know about them other than hearing the name. Prices reasonable at a glance. Sale prices now!
|
|
|
|
Post by craigmorris74 on Nov 23, 2022 21:41:48 GMT -6
I have the Varis compressor and it’s my favorite to use on the mix bus. I have VCA, diode bridge, and opto comps, but he Varis gets chosen most often. Great box tone and can do a lot of compression before it starts to mess things up.
|
|
|
|
Post by thehightenor on Nov 24, 2022 3:03:58 GMT -6
My dealer recommended their LA2A clone, but I read so many negative things about the brand that I got put off
If you contrast that with Audioscape where I’ve never read a single negative thing. Ever.
I’m not sure if it’s internet rumour or just issue’s they had early on?
|
|
|
|
Post by WKG on Nov 24, 2022 9:50:12 GMT -6
My dealer recommended their LA2A clone, but I read so many negative things about the brand that I got put off If you contrast that with Audioscape where I’ve never read a single negative thing. Ever. I’m not sure if it’s internet rumour or just issue’s they had early on? The LA2A clone, Solutions comp is great. I'd like to grab the Varis but I've blown my little budget for now. If I did I'd add another Affinity preamp too. I read through those 17 year old comments. They mostly turned out to be referring to internal pics of a product from an entirely different brand. That's not to suggest they may not have had growing pains/issues as they are a small company and manufacturing entirely by hand. I have no issues with either unit I have and would not hesitate to purchase again especially since they seem to be stocking in the US. |
|
|
|
Post by thehightenor on Dec 6, 2022 3:04:15 GMT -6
My dealer recommended their LA2A clone, but I read so many negative things about the brand that I got put off If you contrast that with Audioscape where I’ve never read a single negative thing. Ever. I’m not sure if it’s internet rumour or just issue’s they had early on? The LA2A clone, Solutions comp is great. I'd like to grab the Varis but I've blown my little budget for now. If I did I'd add another Affinity preamp too. I read through those 17 year old comments. They mostly turned out to be referring to internal pics of a product from an entirely different brand. That's not to suggest they may not have had growing pains/issues as they are a small company and manufacturing entirely by hand. I have no issues with either unit I have and would not hesitate to purchase again especially since they seem to be stocking in the US. Thanks for the feedback. One point in their favour, my local pro audio dealer always has stock of their products to deliver on next day delivery. I wonder how they source components where other boutique manufacturers are struggling. |
|
