Hand Crafted Laboratories Affinity

I've been playing and recording for almost 20 years now, since I was a child.
I use vintage outboard gear (pres, comps, and EQs (if necessary)running into a ProTools interface. (Digi 001)
I have KRK V8s and Tannoy Reveal monitors to listen back on.

This review is for HCL's Affinity A2 dual channel All tube mic preamp. For anyone not familiar with HCL yet, don't worry, you will be really soon. This Ukrainian based, all tube high end studio gear manufacturer knows what they're doing, and are doing it well.
After purchasing the infamous Universal Audio 2-610 pre, very similar in essence last spring for my home studio. I wanted and needed more channels of high end tube preamplification, but was looking to save some money. A friend who had heard of HCL and was ordering another piece of equipment recommended I check them out.
I spoke via e-mail with Albert Sherbina, one of the designer/engineers for HCL and the public relations/ordering person.
Well, after briefly inquiring about the A2, I received a detailed e-mail about the requests including a full SCHEMATIC of my preamp!
I knew I found the right place. So after ordering and waiting for arrival, I opened my A2, plugged her in, fired up my system, placed my mic, and then fell in mad love with it.
Clearer and louder (without harshness or distortion) than the 2-610 which is my favorite pre (especially for guitars), 2 controls and 2 switches (Phantom , HP filter) per channel, so it's extremely easy to use, just check your levels, and adjust your Input Gain to Master Level settings for your sound. You can really push the input gain well beyond where you'd think you'd be safe, and you get nothing but warm sweet gain, no coloring, but warm and big with plenty of punch and clarity. THis is great for vocals, electric guitar and bass, and even acoustic guitar. You can just as easily set your input gain lower and raise your Master level out, if you prefer less tube harmonics and more of the source sound, which is also good for acoustic or electric guitars, and really nice for classical guitars where at least in my studio, they sound crisp and spacious.
I also agree with a few of the other reviewers in that these pres give you the airyness for vocals, guitars etc. without being thin or brittle, or losing any low end. There really user friendly and despite the simple control scheme, are very versatile. I believe the less knobs, switches and buttons the better. I still love my 2-610 and it's darker sound, but the A2 sounds or can sound just about the same, for alot less, and believe me, I'm about as picky as they come with sound, and the A2 is just a monster. If you look inside one of these you realize why. They're handmade with the best components, parts, and materials, cost half the price if not less than any other comparable equipment or manufacturer (e.g. UA, UREI, Manley, etc.)
and easily sound as good if not better than their competition.
I've owned my A2 for over a year, I've used it on 3 upcoming CDs with different projects I'm involved with, and I only wish I could make money faster cause I want another one of these, one of their Tube Opto Limiters, their mic, jeez basically one of everything they make. Then once I do that, I'm going to get a second one of everything they make! Anyone reading this please - go check them out before you buy anything from anyone else.
Long Live HCL!!!

Live sound & recording music for nearly 20 years

I had a few mods done, therfore it cost more (+20 gain, etc.etc.) It's a high voltage tube preamp for microphones with a stepped gain switch on input and a very, very high quality pot on output. HiPass filter and phantompower switches, that's it.
It sits next to my Manley mic/eq 500 combo and it is a bit different but of similar quality. For all of you who never heard anything than cheap "starved plate" preamps - this is the REAL thing. Plenty of creamy and very clean till driven, then it adds even harmonics for another 10 dB or so before it clips with k3 and other audible distortion...and that is also useful if you need a little grit.

I'm recording since about 6 years -
playing instruments way longer (bout 16 years).

to answer HC's questions:
>having a pair of extraordinairy ears ;)
>digital multitracking through RME multiface
>genelec 8030

I like a kind of airy vintage sounds without harshnesses- found the manifacturer over the web.
-!- that gear is so great-!-
the affinity produces a directly open sound, always precise and soulful but never sterile. it could be a bit to brittle in the highs with the wrong mic -- like using a c414. also problematic with "low output" mics.
i got a mxl 992 now after experimenting with a wide range of microphones which works great (also the price). a royer would be awesome i suggest.

its awesome for vintage basses, etc!

overall: not the superflexibel gear but you will not give it away ever again- sound is too delicate.

I've been recording for over 10 years in different recording situations:
live bands, solo projects, film score, music for commercials.
Meanwhile I produce music in my own studio, my gear is Cubase SX3, RME Fireface 800, different mics and preamps.

Affinity is an all tube stereo mic/line preamp with 4 russian, military tubes. I use this preamp for recording bass (line input), guitars and vocals. This thing sounds amazing ! Very direct, in your face - sound.
For bass it sounds beautifully deep and still rich with harmonics.
When miking guitars or vocals you get a very smooth, brilliant sound which is so good that you don't need further EQs or dynamics.
And the wonderful thing is: You just turn it on and it sounds great, you don't have to adjust anything.
I recorded already with SPL, RME and Millenia preamps, but Affinity is really state of art, the best thing I've ever had.