Heritage Audio HA-81A Elite
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Heritage Audio
HA-81A Elite
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The HA-81A Elite is a serious piece of gear, bringing that classic '70s British console vibe to your tracking chain. It's perfect for engineers and vocalists chasing a warm, colored sound with precise EQ control – think soulful vocals, gritty guitars, or anything needing a touch of vintage magic. This isn't a plugin replacement; it's the real deal.
Product Description
- Heritage Audio HA-81A Elite
- 1-Channel Channel Strip
- '73 style Microphone preamplifier
- Equalizer in '81 style
- Max. gain: +80 dB
- Discrete class A technology with Carnhill and St. Ives input and output transformers
- Output control
- -20 dB pad
- Phase reverse switch
- Phantom power: +48 V
- Induction-based 4-band EQ
- Low-pass filter: 3.9 - 5.6 - 8.2 - 12 - 18 kHz
- High-pass filter: 27 - 47 - 82 - 150 - 270 kHz
- Low EQ (peak or shelving): 33 - 56 - 100 - 180 - 330 Hz
- Low-Mid EQ points (with Hi-Q): 220 - 270 - 330 - 390 - 470 - 560 - 680 - 820 - 1000 - 1200 Hz
- High-Mid EQ points (with Hi-Q): 1.5 - 1.8 - 2.2 - 2.7 - 3.3 - 3.9 - 4.7 - 5.6 - 6.8 - 8.2 kHz
- High EQ (peak or shelving): 3.3 - 4.7 - 6.8 - 10 - 15 kHz
- 1 Microphone input: XLR
- 1 Line input: XLR
- 1 DI input: 6
- 3 mm jack
- 1 Line output: XLR
- Format: 19" / 1 U
PROS
- • Carnhill/St. Ives transformers deliver exceptional warmth and harmonic richness
- • Discrete Class A design provides a powerful, clean gain stage
- • Induction EQ offers precise shaping with a vintage character
- • Robust build quality and premium components ensure long-term reliability
CONS
- • Limited to a single channel, restricting multi-mic tracking
- • The EQ can be complex, requiring practice to master effectively
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for smaller studios
Product Video
Key Features
Channels
1
Preamp Type
'73 Style Microphone Preamp
Gain Range
+80 dB
Phantom Power
+48 V
Connections
XLR, 6.3 mm jack, Line outputs
Weight
Approximately 7 lbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Heritage Audio has meticulously recreated the original inductor-based EQ design, offering a more authentic and nuanced response than many digital emulations or solid-state alternatives.
Yes, the generous gain range handles even low-output dynamic microphones with ease, allowing for plenty of headroom and clean amplification.
The DI input is surprisingly good, offering a warm and musical tone, though a dedicated, high-end DI box might offer slightly more pristine signal – but at a significant cost.
