Hairball audio Power Mar 9, 2016 · Between Wes Audio and MNATS/Hairball stuff, both are going to be an asset to your workflow - you just gotta pick one and roll with it and don't look back. 4 circuit, designed by Siegfried Linkwitz, replaces the DSP in an LX521. Expected Value. Also confirm their leads are not shorting to the Q8 and Q9 clips.   Fantastic for getting vocals out in front, impactful drums and generally just good at making things sound good. With an input from an analog source, it means that the entire signal chain can be Hand-built at Hairball Audio, fully assembled units arrive ready to plug into your rack with a 1-year warranty. Sign me up. (Don't worry they sell fully assembled units too!) I knew Hairball Audio sold great stuff cause I already made a couple of their 1176 kits but I really had no idea what this pre was gonna sound like. We got your back! We offer flat rate repair on all of our DIY builds if you get stuck. Have no fear; we'll help you get it fixed. They sit in series with the audio signal and have an audible effect on the sound of the compressor. 3. $100. Parts Included: 1 set of Revision A, D, or F main and meter PCB (choose after adding to cart) designed by Mako Natsume; 1 black faceplate made from Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. I've built a large number of these and have heard nothing but rave reviews. I have a few UA/Urei 1176’s of different revisions, plus two modern clones: a UA Classics (and this one is amongst the first 25 units made and uses older/more correct transformers and caps than the production run) and a Hairball (that I built with vintage components in the audio path, most important of which are the transformers and transistors). Reverb es un mercado que une a una gran comunidad para comprar, vender y discutir todo lo relacionado con la música y los equipos musicales. It is based on the famed UREI 1176 compressor designed by Bill Putnam in 1967. I bought the SIFAM AL29WF VU-meter and the two Lundahl transformers LL1540, LL5402 from Canford (they've got OEPs, too). The Revision F includes two larger TO-266 type transistors. The most famous of these may be the LA-2A optical compressor. After staring at it on the internet for quite a while I decided to take a chance and get the LOLA kit. If you've ever used an original URIE FET compressor, you might notice that the input pot on our version is a little hotter. One is active for the positive swing of the audio wave (NPN) and the other is active for the negative wave (PNP). The reason is that the original Allen Bradley pots had a very unique loga May 5, 2025 · Transform your studio at a fraction of the cost. The skills and knowledge you attain along the way will help you better understand how your gear works and can help you gain troubleshooting skills should something you own fail in the middle of a session. Clean and open while adding a thick richness, it’s unlike anything else in your rack. This revision covers the REV B thru E units. These units were the first commercial revision and have a silver panel wi The ASP. Obtaining the rest of the parts is up to you. Learn how to assemble your DIY-990 op-amp. com Rev A Often referred to as a “Blue Stripe”. The Hairball Audio 990 is assembled in the USA and built to the specifications of Deane Jensen’s now famous JE-990 paper published in the February 1980 AES journal. Description. Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. The customer pays for all replacement parts and return shipping. Title Alibre Drawing Author: Administrator Created Date: 7/8/2011 10:06:32 PM Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. ” They offer a range of pre-made mic pres and compressors that keep with this ethos, but are also involved in the DIY community with full kits available. Trace Audio is a professional audio company based in Nashville, Tennessee that offers pro audio equipment, studio install services, and assembly of DIY gear from companies like CAPI, AML, Hairball Audio, SoundSkulptor, and many others. Named Lola, after the founder's dog, Hairball offers various kit and assembled forms of the 500-series unit. Classic circuit without Compromise: The FET/500 is the same FET Compressor found in the MNATS rack version sold at Hairball Audio. The Purple Audio MC77 and current reissue are based on this revision. Originally $1,350, now $1,080 ($270 price drop) $1,350. May 22, 2015 · A walk through of building a hairball audio 1176. Sounding unlike anything else currently available, the Lola mic pre is an original design by Hairball Aud Nov 17, 2015 · Hairball consulted with Eisen Audio to adapt the LA-3A output amp for the 2520 format. One hand built to order 1176 blue stripe compressor from Hairball Audio. Feb 28, 2018 · Hairball Audio is a company based out of Seattle, WA an In this video I talk about my experience with building the Hairball Audio 1176 Revision A Compressor. The Lola is our signature mic pre and a modern classic. &nbs Hairball Audio worked with Jens Jungkurth of Eisen Audio, leaning on his years of rebuild and design work, to select parts for dependability and performance. To apply the discount, click the ‘copy code’ button next to the code on this page, and paste it into the ‘coupon code’ box at the checkout and click ‘apply’. The Common Build Errors and Troubleshooting Techniques article is the best place to start. The primary winding needs to be rated for your local mains voltage (120/240). 0 PCBs professionally assembled with through-hole components by hand at Hairball Audio, LLC in Seattle, USA. The shop will reopen March 8. May 1, 2025 · ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 14-21 DAYS. Measure differentially: 1. Handbuilt at Hairball Audio using your choice of op-amps. However, we’ve decided to approach this differently. COM The famous and highly regarded Hairball 1176 needs no introduction basically if you want an accurate reproduction of the 1176, this is the way to go. A Modern Classic. Transform your studio at a fraction of the cost. Hairball Audio recommends polystyrene and MICA capacitors for Zobel networks. Hairball Audio kits are sold without support. Copper is the sound that every engineer and manufacturer chases. These Hairball Audio is closed February 18 - March 7 2025. This means that each transistor should show approximately 0. Even if you have worked carefully, accurately and patiently on your DIY project, it is possible that it still won’t work properly when you flip the switch. We're Offline. Line relay output poles. Build Support Services. Hairball audio kits Transform your studio at a fraction of the cost. Parts are available for all versions-- estimated turnaround time: 2 weeks. and Millenia, while adding low end girth and drive capabilities. Prior to 1967 Putnam, like many, was using vacuum tubes for his preamp and compressor designs. . Our time for repair work is offered at a flat rate fee. Our time for repair work is offered at a flat-rate fee. Here is a fresh built Hairball 1176 in the F Revision, tested and in perfect working order. 4 revision 1. Features: - Genuine complete kit from Hairball Audio - Built with multicore Weller high-quality solder (no silver!) and professional soldering iron for a cleaner pcb surface and better performance Sounding unlike anything else currently available, the Lola mic pre is an original design by Hairball Audio offered in 500 series format. $320. Revision A Parts Kit. The 990 op-amp has become the GOLD standard for discrete op-amp performance. Pad switch output. For the Hairball method, you'll need a decent DMM that can read AC at 1KHz accurately. You’ll receive all of the hard-to-source parts for the build in the Hairball Audio partial kit. Revisions C-E had a black front panel while the Rev B retained the silver and blue stripe panel. We're taking a much needed break. Hairball Audio Logo T-Shirt. The Hairball Audio version of the JE-990 utilizes a bottom layer mounted SSM2212 Analog Devices dual matched transistor. See transformer datasheet. Then I bought the toroidal transformer from Hairball Audio and the 19″ 2U chassis and blank PCBs from a local store. Having Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. One for the +30VDC rail and one for the -10VDC rail. The Lola mic pre borrows from hi-fi classics offered by the John Hardy Co. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are manufactured for soldering and solder removal done by professionals. Hairball Audio The Blue Stripe Rev A – 1176 – FET compressor with Active Link Not Sure. Using the ground pin on the 500 series edge card will produce incorrect readings. See why our authentic, approachable DIY equipment is second to none. I share your thoughts in describing the preamp. 4 Loudspeakers as well as other Linkwitz projects, please visit linkwitzlab. If you built your own 990s, you likely have Q8/Q9 location and orientation issues, or CR9 and CR10 orientation. Jul 8, 2011 · Hairball Audio LLC A 1 of 1 Date All dimensions in millimeters 8020 Meter 07/8/2011. Hairball Audio Mug. C505/506 are Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. You have a choice between two op-amp topologies, the Jensen 990 and the Eisen Audio BA512. We chose the blue stripe because it’s very different than our UA 1176LN, and we wanted an added flavor for tracking and mixing. The result was dubbed the Raindog op-amp. Works like a charm!Sadly I'm selling it because I'm looki Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Op-Amps arrive fully test. Because Hairball Audio ships all over the world, we’ve selected a transformer with dual 120V primary windings as well. A Cinemag CM-2511 input transformer in combination with an Ed Anderson B11148 output transformer gives you a lot of color. What is different is the power supply. A I’ve got all semiconductors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, potentiometer, knobs, etc… from Mouser. $6. Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Questions? Give us a shout. These components form the feedback/gain network. Parallel Compression 101 Learn how to route and add parallel Jul 15, 2011 · Hairball offers kits for black face and blue stripe 1176 models. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides Hairball Audio is closed February 18 - March 7 2025. Learn how to place an order, get technical support, and access FAQ articles. Drums, vox, piano, guitars, bass these compressors are incredibly versatile, from May 5, 2025 · Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. The FET/500 series of analog FET Compressors is available exclusively through Hairball Audio. With the new FET/RACK series, the transistor pin Calibrating your compressor is a crucial step to ensure its proper operation. Accurate clones of microphones, preamps Hard to find parts and case are available from Hairball audio. Newer DIY builders, particularly when troubleshooting an issue, can easily damage PCBs. This is a brand new,"Build To Order" hand-wired Hairball Audio Lola microphone preamp with the Jensen-style 990 op amps option (there's a BA-512 "Neve" style op amp option available a… read more Hairball Audio, LLC disclaims any and all liability for injuries or damage resulting from the assembly or use of this DIY project, including any consequential damages. Building your own gear can be a very rewarding and valuable experience. An inexpensive model is better than nothing, but a good model will be a trusted tool on your bench and in your studio for years. Above shows a TO-92 inserted. F – 1176 – Compressor; HAIRBALL the Blue Stripe Rev A – 1176 – FET compressor; Hairball the Black Face Rev D -1176-FET Compressor; Hairball The Red Stripe REV F – 1176 – FET Compressor; CA-0252 Capi vintage API 2520 rev. Hairball Audio is a company based May 1, 2025 · (1) Rev D In stock and ready to ship. Please allow 1 week for shipping. FET Compressor Hardware Bundle. We believe the Lola will become your go-to mic pre. Contact Us Aug 1, 2021 · I build a pair of their blackface era 500 modules, and got rid of a pair of API 527 compressor modules in the process. Apr 28, 2025 · Currently, 8 active Hairball Audio coupons for use on the Hairball Audio website. A complete system requires these PCBs, 1 x ASP. Please support my Patreon so I don't end up destitute! https://patreon. One of the key features of the Lola Microphone Preamplifier is the inclusion of two 990 op-amps. I’m very pleased with the Hairballs! I’ve built quite a few amps, pedals, TT patch bays and such but for me these were still more difficult to build than I expected. In the D and F kit these are cream or electrolytic and in the A kit these are the large orange drops and cream. Jul 27, 2016 · Seattle’s Hairball Audio is dedicated to building gear made from quality components with “sonic impact. 0 printed circuit boards. $15. Having trouble wiring your BI/Bourns attenuator? This simple PCB will take care of everything for you including linking the middle lugs. Hairball Audio, LLC currently offers repairs on kit builds. The Hairball Audio FET Compressor Kits and MNATS printed circuit boards (PCBs) are based on the famed UREI 1176 compressor designed by Bill Putnam in 1967. While you’re here, check out our custom microphone modifications and rebuilds. Edge card inputs. Deane Jensen’s now famous JE-990 paper describing the design, testing, and theory behind a powerful ultra low noise operation amplifier, was first introduced in the February 1980 AES journal. In audio, a balanced signal line will often utilize differential signaling but not always. This review will be on the latest incarnation of 1176-style compressor kits by Seattle based Hairball Audio, who offer DIY kits based on Universal Audio's 1176 (Rev A, Rev D, and now F) alongside several 500 Series mic preamps. They look identical, but one is a PNP and the other is an NPN. The FET/500 series uses an elaborate grounding scheme for audio and +30VDC rail ground. This is our guide to our build of a Hairball Audio 1176. Anyone assembling or using this DIY project does so at their own risk. This kit includes the PCB and all of the parts needed to build your own JE-990 op-amp. Mako has years of PCB layout experience and spent six years developing the FET/500 concept. That sucks. These are used to drive the push-pull output. For nearly a decade Hairball Audio has focused on delivering the highest quality audio equipment with no compromises. Designed to the specifications of Deane Jensen’s now famous JE-990 paper published in the February 1980 AES journal. HAIRBALL Black Faceplate – FET/500 Rev. Read More An inexpensive model is better than nothing, but a good model will be a trusted tool on your bench and in your studio for years. Balanced inputs optional. For more information about Linkwitz LX521. This guide is set up to help you isolate the issue. D – 1176 – Compressor; HAIRBALL The Silverface – FET/500 Rev. They do kits for the Rev A, Rev D, Rev F and Rev G. Fully discrete audio path including capacitors selected by ear from Cornell Dubilier (Orange Drop), Kemet, Nichicon, Panasonic, Vishay, United Chemi-Con and Elna; Bourns trim pots; Neutrik XLR connectors; JST connectors and pre-assembled wire harnesses; 120/240 voltage select switch; 1% metal film resistors; Matched FETs; Authentic control knobs So what's with the cream and orange caps? The cream caps are used to couple or connect one part of the audio circuit to another. This unit was just assembled and therefore is ready to ship. We can be reached by emailing info@hairballaudio. Parallel Compression 101 Learn how to route and add parallel This product is a stereo set of ASP. Read More. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides The FET compressor requires a secondary that has two separate (dual) windings. Ground reference for all FET/500 series units can be found at the anode (+) of D4. Read More Find answers to your questions about Hairball Audio products, such as FET/RACK and FET/500 compressors. They also do a version for Gyraf's 1176 that transforms the Gyraf DIY version into a Rev F or G with reproduction transformers and t-pad attenuators. Parallel Compression 101 Learn how to route and add parallel May 1, 2025 · Professionally Assembled DIY Audio Gear from CAPI, JLM, Hairball, AML, Sound Skulptor, DIYRE, Don Audio, and other brands. In audio we like to deal with 1KHz test signals, so get a nice meter. FET/RACK Troubleshooting Guide You're finally at the end of your FET Compressor build and it's not working right. Read More Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Used – Very Good. Designed to fill the gap between HiFi and colored, the Lola is truly the best of both worlds. May 16, 2020 · After a lot of consideration, I decided that the something else would be the Lola from Hairball Audio in Seattle. There are 1 offers was verified for you, and today‘s biggest coupon is 80% off. Tested for 12V-24V bipolar supplies. It looks the part, and more importantly, sounds the part! Choose fr Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. This is the Hairball Audio's faithful recreation of the well know 1176 Rev A compressor (with the latest PCB revision by Hairball). The c Build Guides. Usually, any meter over $30 can read 1KHz AC signals well Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. If you purchased assembled DOAs from Hairball Audio, contact us for replacement. If you look at the specifications of your meter, many cheap meters will only accurately measure up to 200-500Hz. Kept in a Smoke-Free Studio, always mounted in a rack. com. 4. 2. These values are dependent on the transformer used. After reviewing the Common Build Errors, proceed to the Troubleshooting Guide for your specific product. This section contains the output transformer load resistor (R607) and zobel network (R608 and C600). There are several approaches to complete the four calibrations and I'll provide the way we like to do it here at Hairball. You will have the option to add a balanced in/power PCB once you click "select options" above. 4 speaker system. Hand-built at Hairball Audio, fully assembled units arrive ready to plug into your rack with a 1-year warranty. Build Guides. Everything you need to build the Lola Mic Pre by Hairball Audio. We're not around, but we'd love to chat another time. Sep 11, 2013 · Hairball had just come out with this preamp. All Products; Lola Mic Pres; Elements Mic Pres Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Jens’ years of experience with classic recording boxes and consoles was invaluable for the capacitor selection and resistor trimming. 00. PCB layout by MNATs in 2520 format. Unless specified, measure all voltages in this guide using D4 anode as your ground reference. I'm looking for something similar but with more of a ' neutral ' or ' closed ' top. The unit can be powered with the Mean Well GP50A14E-R1B power adaptor. Shop Now. 200 VAC. Hairball Audio, LLC; Order Support; FET/RACK and FET/500 Compressors; The audio portion on the circuit is identical. Parallel Compression 101 Learn how to route and add parallel Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Hairball Elements Copper is our take on the classic British console sound. Dec 6, 2016 · I saw your review of the Hairball Audio Elements Gold Mic Preamp. Low noise, or “LN” circuitry, was added to this and all future Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Copper is the sound every engineer and manufacturer chases. A balanced line may have one conductor with an audio signal, and the other with no signal (0V) or each conductor may carry the same signal at opposite polarity (differential). Have no fear; we’ll help you get it fixed. This is a brand new,"Build To Order" hand-wired Hairball 1176 "FET Rack" Revision D compressor. Changes were made to the stage and line amps so a bipolar transistor was used as the first active component. About Hairball Audio A Passion for Quality Audio and Local Manufacturing. Is this normal? Yes. This is their first product designed from scratch. Hairball Audio is closed February 18 - March 7 2025. When I power the FET/RACK in GR metering mode, the needle sits one-half to one full dB short of zero. Lots of information including Ben talking about the build process, function, and use of the Hairball Audio, LLC currently offers repairs on kit builds. Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. The 1176 is one of the most classic compressors ever, invented by Bill Putnam, Sr. Angesichts der etwas kostspieligen Re-Issue von Universal Audio liegt der Gedanke nahe, selbst Hand anzulegen und die DIY-Szene ist auch hier nicht untätig Build Guides. Hairball Audio worked with Jens Jungkurth of Eisen Audio, leaning on his years of rebuild and design work, to select parts for dependability and performance. You mentioned that the preamp is slightly ' open ' at the top. We also offer custom cables, snakes, and harnesses for studio and concert sound. The FET/RACK, like the original, has a fully discrete meter circuit. Test Points. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides Puremix. com/ShoeTiqueA professionally built sock puppet and I take a look at the Hairball Audi Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Built to the specifications of Deane Jensen’s now famous JE-990 paper published in the February 1980 AES journal. Dec 25, 2017 · DIY-FET-Kompressor von Hairball Audio Das von Universal-Audio-Mastermind Bill Putnam erschaffene Kompressor/Limiter-Design des 1176 ist legendär, und das Gerät hat seit den 70ern seine Signatur in unzähligen Aufnahmen hinterlassen. One of the mysteries surrounding a DIY 1176 is sorting out the numerous revisions the circuit has seen over the decades. If you have a neglected MXL 990, MXL 910 or similar mic in your locker, we can very affordably turn it into a “go-to”. Hairball kits are available here. You can utilize our pre-loaded mouser cart, located in the "Mouser BOMS" tab below, or go your own route. Amazing character, nothing comparable to the plugin. Simply attach your XLR and input transformer "+" and "-" to the pads provided. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides. Faithfully recreated by Ed Anderson, the 5002 is a reproduction of the output transformer used in the early Revision A-E FET compressor models. It’s important to note that cheap meters generally do not measure AC (audio) level accurately above a few hundred Hertz at best. PLEASE SEND US A MESSAGE FOR LATEST ETA: INFO@RESISTANCEAUDIO. In audio we like to deal with 1KHz test signals so get a nice meter. Most current reissues are based on this revision. 4 power/balanced input PCB, and an enclosure. The Black Faceplate. Two ASP. 4 Rev 1. 1-206-922-3313; Products. Hairball Audio, with the help of many amazing industry collaborators and local manufactures has shaped itself into a leader offering handmade audio products. I personally own a stereo pair that gets used all the time. Rather than simply copying a schematic, loading it with obvious component choices and hoping for the best, we chased the sound. 0. That being said, if you would like to send me an audio file, and some guidance on settings, I would be more than happy to process it with my Rev F and send it back to you. Jan 15, 2013 · airball Audio is the Seattle Company responsible for bringing us key elements for the DIY version of the 1176 Blue Stripe [Tape Op #84]. Stay updated & informed Receive product updates and DIY Tips. Digital Multi-Meters are a must have for DIY audio however, they have limitations when measuring AC signal. Please refer to #2. For additional information and latest ETAs, send a message to info@resistanceaudio. 7 volts drop across the base and emitter terminals. If you don't have smoking resistors but no audio, try different op-amps if you have some. net created a cool little video with NYC producer Ben Lindell talking about building your own FET compressor using a Hairball kit with MNATs PCBs. 200 VAC An inexpensive model is better than nothing, but a good model will be a trusted tool on your bench and in your studio for years. Hairball Audio, LLC makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the assembly or use of this DIY You’re finally at the end of your FET Compressor build and it’s not working right. pwtqun prmlsmo szctjz vwdp uxxk oubbf rqpjca pbwlf izdg lepjy