Compressors

HVA-4K Stereo Bus Compressor

Improving on a Classic

The objective behind the HVA-4K was simple: take a classic stereo bus compressor design and improve upon it.

Hand built in Australia, The HVA-4K is the next generation of our VCA Stereo Bus Compressor. It is the culmination of 12 months of work in redesigning, rebuilding and optimising this classic circuit from the ground up. We took the best parts of our 4000 G-Series compressor and optimised these with performance and an enhanced feature set at the heart of the HVA-4K design.

We listened to engineer’s feedback and we implemented the most requested features in this design. The VCA based compression is renowned for its sonic "glue", providing transparent punch and cohesion to a mix without sacrificing clarity.

New Key Features and Enhancements

  • BLEND Control: the blend control makes it quick and easy to apply parallel compression by adjusting the blend of dry and wet (compressed signal). This negates the need for any complex DAW based routing.
  • Extended RATIO Controls: We've expanded upon the typical 3 ratios to 6, including the most frequently requested 1.5:1 ratio.
  • IMPROVED Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): the circuit redesign and optimisation means a noise floor of -105dB or better.
  • FACELIFT: the feedback from engineers was that they preferred the aesthetics of our EQ6S equalizer. We ditched the collet knobs and enlarged the front panel scales giving the HVA-4k a similar appearance to its sibling.
  • TRUE BYPASS: the bypass circuit was redesigned to provide a relay based bypass mechanism. This means the unit passes audio whilst powered off, and the bypass function skips the entire audio path.
  • AUTO SWITCHING Mains Voltage: rather than a hardwired mains voltage, the HVA-4K is auto switching and EMI filtered for all regions.

Specifications

  • Ratio (6 step rotary switch): 1.5:1, 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, 10:1
  • Attack (6 step rotary switch): 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30 milliseconds
  • Release (5 step rotary switch): 100, 300, 600, 1200, 2400 (Auto) milliseconds
  • Sidechain High Pass Filter (5 step rotary switch): OFF, 60hz, 90hz, 130hz, 200hz
  • Blend Control: adjusts the balance of dry and wet (compressed signal)
  • True Bypass: relay switched bypass
  • Noise Floor: -105db or better
  • THD: 0.02% or better
  • EMI filtered power supply (100-250V AC input), suitable for all regions.
  • Electronically Balanced Outputs
  • Dual illuminated push buttons
  • THAT Corp 2180BL VCAs
  • Rear XLR I/O connectors
  • One Year Warranty

    $1240.00 (AUD)

    SOLD OUT

    The current batch of the HVA-4K Stereo Bus compressor is currently sold out.



    HVA-4K Blend Control Demo Video

    This video showcases the power of the HVA-4K "BLEND" control.



    Audio Samples

    All samples are level matched and are provided in WAV format for highest resolution.

    The individual instrument/bus compression examples are taken from raw multi-track sessions, without any pre or post processing.

    The Mix Bus compression examples are final mixes without any master bus processing.

    Can't play the samples in your browser? Download the entire sample pack here.

    1. Mix Bus Compression - Low vs High Compression Ratios

    Bypass



    Ratio - 2:1, 4db Gain Reduction, Attack: 3mS, Highpass Sidechain: Off



    Ratio - 10:1, 4db Gain Reduction, Attack: 3mS, Highpass Sidechain: Off



    Ratio - 10:1, 8db Gain Reduction, Attack: 10mS, Highpass Sidechain: 130Hz



    2. Drum Bus Compression

    Bypass



    Ratio - 4:1, 4dB Gain Reduction, 0.1mS Attack, Highpass Sidechain: Off



    Ratio - 4:1, 4dB Gain Reduction, 0.1mS Attack, Auto Release, Highpass Sidechain: 130Hz



    3. Drum Bus - Parallel Compression

    Ratio - 2:1, 0.1mS Attack, 0.1s Release, Highpass Sidechain: 130Hz



    4. Acoustic Guitar Compression

    Bypass



    Ratio - 10:1, 3dB Gain Reduction, 10mS Attack, Auto Release, High Pass Sidechain: 90hz



    5. Mix Bus - Comparison of Slow vs Fast Attack Times

    Bypass



    4dB Gain Reduction, Fast Attack - 0.1mS, High Pass Sidechain: Off



    8dB Gain Reduction, Fast Attack - 0.1mS, Highpass Sidechain: 130Hz



    8dB Gain Reduction, Fast Attack - 0.1mS, High Pass Sidechain: Off



    4dB Gain Reduction, Slow Attack - 30mS, High Pass Sidechain: Off



    8dB Gain Reduction, Slow Attack - 30mS, Highpass Sidechain: 130Hz



    8dB Gain Reduction, Slow Attack - 30mS, High Pass Sidechain: Off



    6. Pop Mix Bus Compression (subtle)

    Ratio - 4:1, 3dB Gain Reduction, 3mS Attack, Highpass Sidechain: 130Hz