A-Designs Audio has announced the immediate availability of the HAMMER 2, a new version of the original HM2EQ HAMMER three-band, dual-mono tube/hybrid equalizer for studio applications
“Although the original HAMMER has certainly developed a very loyal fan base over the past eight years, we’ve been asking our customers if there were ways that it could be made even better,” says A-Designs president Peter Montessi. “Based on the input we got back, we’ve extended the frequencies on the new HAMMER 2, as well as added shelving on the lows and highs. So the frequency bands can now nicely overlap into each other and you can really give the bottom end a bit more punch, thanks to the shelving.
“We’ve also now switched over from continuous-sweep pots to 31-detent controls, which will improve setting repeatability,” Montessi continues. “With the new HAMMER 2, musicians and engineers can easily recreate the same sounds they’ve loved with the previous model, but now also have access to even more options and tones. The new version really sounds incredible—especially the shelving—and it’s everything the old HAMMER was and more.”
The HAMMER 2, with an overall frequency range covering 30 Hz to 40 kHz, enhances sound simply by running signal through it due to a filtering system that passes musical, second-order tube harmonics while eliminating unwanted noise. It can also be utilized to add “air” to vocals, punch to instruments, or texture to an overall mix.
Each channel has six detented rotary controls: three frequency selector knobs (Lo, Mid, Hi), which are stepped switches for easy recall, each with an accompanying gain knob providing continuously variable boost or cut of 12 dB. Each band has a selectable center frequency and overlaps with the other bands that provide a seamless transition throughout the entire spectrum.
Both channels also offer individual toggle switches for EQ In/Out as well as Lo Cut (84 Hz) and Hi Cut (8 kHz), filters that allow engineers to perform utilitarian EQ chores while still being able to utilize the HAMMER 2’s three bands. Mainly intended as a “broad stroke” equalizer, the product’s bandwidth (Q) is self-adjusting (floating), based on a combination of the amount of gain applied and the dynamics and frequency content of the program material.
Along with its tube-harmonic filtering circuit, a pair of carefully selected 12AT7 tubes—offering the most consistent control of any tube—and a custom, heavy-duty toroidal power transformer add the final touches to the signal path.
The HAMMER 2 is housed in a black, custom-milled, brushed 2RU faceplate with custom-milled aluminum control knobs, a Carling toggle power switch, and a big blue jewel power indicator lamp. It’s Immediately available, carrying a street price identical to that of its predecessor—$2,495 USD.
“The HAMMER 2 is an inspired design whose sonic signature is far greater than the sum of its components,” Montessi adds. “Equally at home in tracking applications or as an insert effect on individual channels, the product is the ultimate full-range finishing device for submixes and master outputs.”
