Hairball audio Then I bought the toroidal transformer from Hairball Audio and the 19″ 2U chassis and blank PCBs from a local store. 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. The 990 op-amp has become the GOLD standard for discrete op-amp performance. 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. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides The FET compressor requires a secondary that has two separate (dual) windings. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides Hairball Audio is closed February 18 - March 7 2025. C505/506 are Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Two ASP. In audio, a balanced signal line will often utilize differential signaling but not always. I bought the SIFAM AL29WF VU-meter and the two Lundahl transformers LL1540, LL5402 from Canford (they've got OEPs, too). Hairball Audio is closed February 18 - March 7 2025. PCB layout by MNATs in 2520 format. 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. We can be reached by emailing info@hairballaudio. Line relay output poles. 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. The customer pays for all replacement parts and return shipping. Hairball Audio The Blue Stripe Rev A – 1176 – FET compressor with Active Link Not Sure. Because Hairball Audio ships all over the world, we’ve selected a transformer with dual 120V primary windings as well. Is this normal? Yes. HAIRBALL Black Faceplate – FET/500 Rev. 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. Ground reference for all FET/500 series units can be found at the anode (+) of D4. 4 revision 1. Pad switch output. . 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. You can utilize our pre-loaded mouser cart, located in the "Mouser BOMS" tab below, or go your own route. For nearly a decade Hairball Audio has focused on delivering the highest quality audio equipment with no compromises. The Common Build Errors and Troubleshooting Techniques article is the best place to start. 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. Parallel Compression 101 Learn how to route and add parallel Jul 15, 2011 · Hairball offers kits for black face and blue stripe 1176 models. That sucks. If you purchased assembled DOAs from Hairball Audio, contact us for replacement. Mako has years of PCB layout experience and spent six years developing the FET/500 concept. 7 volts drop across the base and emitter terminals. 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. 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. Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface 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. The result was dubbed the Raindog op-amp. In audio we like to deal with 1KHz test signals so get a nice meter. In audio we like to deal with 1KHz test signals, so get a nice meter. 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. Stay updated & informed Receive product updates and DIY Tips. 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. They do kits for the Rev A, Rev D, Rev F and Rev G. Hairball Audio, with the help of many amazing industry collaborators and local manufactures has shaped itself into a leader offering handmade audio products. 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. 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. Parallel Compression 101 Learn how to route and add parallel This product is a stereo set of ASP. 0. These values are dependent on the transformer used. The Black Faceplate. Jens’ years of experience with classic recording boxes and consoles was invaluable for the capacitor selection and resistor trimming. Obtaining the rest of the parts is up to you. Also confirm their leads are not shorting to the Q8 and Q9 clips. Classic circuit without Compromise: The FET/500 is the same FET Compressor found in the MNATS rack version sold at Hairball Audio. 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). The Lola is our signature mic pre and a modern classic. One is active for the positive swing of the audio wave (NPN) and the other is active for the negative wave (PNP). One of the key features of the Lola Microphone Preamplifier is the inclusion of two 990 op-amps. 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. While you’re here, check out our custom microphone modifications and rebuilds. FET Compressor Hardware Bundle. The Hairball Audio version of the JE-990 utilizes a bottom layer mounted SSM2212 Analog Devices dual matched transistor. 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. Build Guides. Having Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Parts are available for all versions-- estimated turnaround time: 2 weeks. You mentioned that the preamp is slightly ' open ' at the top. (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. Originally $1,350, now $1,080 ($270 price drop) $1,350. Using the ground pin on the 500 series edge card will produce incorrect readings. After staring at it on the internet for quite a while I decided to take a chance and get the LOLA kit. $6. Prior to 1967 Putnam, like many, was using vacuum tubes for his preamp and compressor designs. Sign me up. After reviewing the Common Build Errors, proceed to the Troubleshooting Guide for your specific product. Lots of information including Ben talking about the build process, function, and use of the Hairball Audio, LLC currently offers repairs on kit builds. Hairball Audio Mug. They sit in series with the audio signal and have an audible effect on the sound of the compressor. I share your thoughts in describing the preamp. Jul 27, 2016 · Seattle’s Hairball Audio is dedicated to building gear made from quality components with “sonic impact. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides Puremix. Read More Find answers to your questions about Hairball Audio products, such as FET/RACK and FET/500 compressors. 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. Please refer to #2. 00. Questions? Give us a shout. Changes were made to the stage and line amps so a bipolar transistor was used as the first active component. Faithfully recreated by Ed Anderson, the 5002 is a reproduction of the output transformer used in the early Revision A-E FET compressor models. Hairball Elements Copper is our take on the classic British console sound. 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. Hairball kits are available here. One for the +30VDC rail and one for the -10VDC rail. Above shows a TO-92 inserted. If you look at the specifications of your meter, many cheap meters will only accurately measure up to 200-500Hz. A complete system requires these PCBs, 1 x ASP. com. Have no fear; we’ll help you get it fixed. The 1176 is one of the most classic compressors ever, invented by Bill Putnam, Sr. Build Support Services. The Lola mic pre borrows from hi-fi classics offered by the John Hardy Co. &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. This revision covers the REV B thru E units. When I power the FET/RACK in GR metering mode, the needle sits one-half to one full dB short of zero. This guide is set up to help you isolate the issue. These components form the feedback/gain network. A I’ve got all semiconductors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, potentiometer, knobs, etc… from Mouser. Handbuilt at Hairball Audio using your choice of op-amps. $320. 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. 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. May 1, 2025 · ESTIMATED TURNAROUND: 14-21 DAYS. Please support my Patreon so I don't end up destitute! https://patreon. 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. 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. Tested for 12V-24V bipolar supplies. Anyone assembling or using this DIY project does so at their own risk. Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. You will have the option to add a balanced in/power PCB once you click "select options" above. We also offer custom cables, snakes, and harnesses for studio and concert sound. PLEASE SEND US A MESSAGE FOR LATEST ETA: INFO@RESISTANCEAUDIO. 0 printed circuit boards. One of the mysteries surrounding a DIY 1176 is sorting out the numerous revisions the circuit has seen over the decades. One hand built to order 1176 blue stripe compressor from Hairball Audio. Clean and open while adding a thick richness, it’s unlike anything else in your rack. 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. These are used to drive the push-pull output. $100. What is different is the power supply. Description. FET/RACK Troubleshooting Guide You're finally at the end of your FET Compressor build and it's not working right. 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. If you don't have smoking resistors but no audio, try different op-amps if you have some. The FET/500 series uses an elaborate grounding scheme for audio and +30VDC rail ground. 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. Rather than simply copying a schematic, loading it with obvious component choices and hoping for the best, we chased the sound. 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. These units were the first commercial revision and have a silver panel wi The ASP. Learn how to assemble your DIY-990 op-amp. 4 power/balanced input PCB, and an enclosure. Dec 6, 2016 · I saw your review of the Hairball Audio Elements Gold Mic Preamp. 4 Rev 1. If you built your own 990s, you likely have Q8/Q9 location and orientation issues, or CR9 and CR10 orientation. Sep 11, 2013 · Hairball had just come out with this preamp. Shop Now. In the D and F kit these are cream or electrolytic and in the A kit these are the large orange drops and cream. A Cinemag CM-2511 input transformer in combination with an Ed Anderson B11148 output transformer gives you a lot of color. This section contains the output transformer load resistor (R607) and zobel network (R608 and C600). We're not around, but we'd love to chat another time. Read More Connecting an External Microphone Preamplifier to Your Interface Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Apr 28, 2025 · Currently, 8 active Hairball Audio coupons for use on the Hairball Audio website. Hairball Audio kits are sold without support. 2. This is the Hairball Audio's faithful recreation of the well know 1176 Rev A compressor (with the latest PCB revision by Hairball). 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. 4 circuit, designed by Siegfried Linkwitz, replaces the DSP in an LX521. 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. Please allow 1 week for shipping. com Rev A Often referred to as a “Blue Stripe”. Measure differentially: 1. 3. Most current reissues are based on this revision. 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]. Building your own gear can be a very rewarding and valuable experience. Hairball audio kits Transform your studio at a fraction of the cost. 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”. Read More. Fantastic for getting vocals out in front, impactful drums and generally just good at making things sound good. Copper is the sound every engineer and manufacturer chases. The shop will reopen March 8. Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. 4. Jul 8, 2011 · Hairball Audio LLC A 1 of 1 Date All dimensions in millimeters 8020 Meter 07/8/2011. Edge card inputs. 4 speaker system. Used – Very Good. Designed to the specifications of Deane Jensen’s now famous JE-990 paper published in the February 1980 AES journal. ” 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. All Products; Lola Mic Pres; Elements Mic Pres Learn how to use and connect your Hairball Audio microphone preamplifier to your interface. Amazing character, nothing comparable to the plugin. May 22, 2015 · A walk through of building a hairball audio 1176. We believe the Lola will become your go-to mic pre. You have a choice between two op-amp topologies, the Jensen 990 and the Eisen Audio BA512. I'm looking for something similar but with more of a ' neutral ' or ' closed ' top. We're taking a much needed break. Hairball Audio is a company based May 1, 2025 · (1) Rev D In stock and ready to ship. 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. The unit can be powered with the Mean Well GP50A14E-R1B power adaptor. Everything you need to build the Lola Mic Pre by Hairball Audio. I've built a large number of these and have heard nothing but rave reviews. See why our authentic, approachable DIY equipment is second to none. This kit includes the PCB and all of the parts needed to build your own JE-990 op-amp. Expected Value. Hairball Audio recommends polystyrene and MICA capacitors for Zobel networks. Digital Multi-Meters are a must have for DIY audio however, they have limitations when measuring AC signal. They look identical, but one is a PNP and the other is an NPN. This is our guide to our build of a Hairball Audio 1176. Here is a fresh built Hairball 1176 in the F Revision, tested and in perfect working order. 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. 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. Op-Amps arrive fully test. Kept in a Smoke-Free Studio, always mounted in a rack. The Revision F includes two larger TO-266 type transistors. For additional information and latest ETAs, send a message to info@resistanceaudio. Have no fear; we'll help you get it fixed. The primary winding needs to be rated for your local mains voltage (120/240). 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. There are 1 offers was verified for you, and today‘s biggest coupon is 80% off. 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. Balanced inputs optional. Copper is the sound that every engineer and manufacturer chases. 1-206-922-3313; Products. 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. For more information about Linkwitz LX521. This is a brand new,"Build To Order" hand-wired Hairball 1176 "FET Rack" Revision D compressor. For the Hairball method, you'll need a decent DMM that can read AC at 1KHz accurately. Learn how to place an order, get technical support, and access FAQ articles. Yes, you can with our step by step build guides. Transform your studio at a fraction of the cost. Named Lola, after the founder's dog, Hairball offers various kit and assembled forms of the 500-series unit. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are manufactured for soldering and solder removal done by professionals. The FET/RACK, like the original, has a fully discrete meter circuit. Having trouble wiring your BI/Bourns attenuator? This simple PCB will take care of everything for you including linking the middle lugs. We're Offline. Hairball Audio, LLC currently offers repairs on kit builds. 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. 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. Revision A Parts Kit. We got your back! We offer flat rate repair on all of our DIY builds if you get stuck. 0 PCBs professionally assembled with through-hole components by hand at Hairball Audio, LLC in Seattle, USA. This is their first product designed from scratch. 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. With the new FET/RACK series, the transistor pin Calibrating your compressor is a crucial step to ensure its proper operation. This unit was just assembled and therefore is ready to ship. These Hairball Audio is closed February 18 - March 7 2025. Built to the specifications of Deane Jensen’s now famous JE-990 paper published in the February 1980 AES journal. About Hairball Audio A Passion for Quality Audio and Local Manufacturing. Hairball Audio Logo T-Shirt. Test Points. D – 1176 – Compressor; HAIRBALL The Silverface – FET/500 Rev. A Modern Classic. and Millenia, while adding low end girth and drive capabilities. May 16, 2020 · After a lot of consideration, I decided that the something else would be the Lola from Hairball Audio in Seattle. However, we’ve decided to approach this differently. $15. If you've ever used an original URIE FET compressor, you might notice that the input pot on our version is a little hotter. The c Build Guides. Our time for repair work is offered at a flat-rate fee. 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’. This means that each transistor should show approximately 0. Newer DIY builders, particularly when troubleshooting an issue, can easily damage PCBs. Hand-built at Hairball Audio, fully assembled units arrive ready to plug into your rack with a 1-year warranty. The most famous of these may be the LA-2A optical compressor. Unless specified, measure all voltages in this guide using D4 anode as your ground reference. Designed to fill the gap between HiFi and colored, the Lola is truly the best of both worlds. The Purple Audio MC77 and current reissue are based on this revision. 200 VAC. It’s important to note that cheap meters generally do not measure AC (audio) level accurately above a few hundred Hertz at best. Simply attach your XLR and input transformer "+" and "-" to the pads provided. 4 Loudspeakers as well as other Linkwitz projects, please visit linkwitzlab. We chose the blue stripe because it’s very different than our UA 1176LN, and we wanted an added flavor for tracking and mixing. 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. See transformer datasheet. I personally own a stereo pair that gets used all the time. There are several approaches to complete the four calibrations and I'll provide the way we like to do it here at Hairball. 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. 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. It is based on the famed UREI 1176 compressor designed by Bill Putnam in 1967. Accurate clones of microphones, preamps Hard to find parts and case are available from Hairball audio. Hairball Audio, LLC; Order Support; FET/RACK and FET/500 Compressors; The audio portion on the circuit is identical. 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. 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. 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). Our time for repair work is offered at a flat rate fee. tzmlgmofbmywrxaurzvuthmacjdjhwdxjtbrtamgwepgpfewoeg