Dual Mono / Stereo Tube Equalizer

The Tube-Tech HLT 2AM is a stereo tube equalizer specifically designed for mastering. It builds on the HLT 2A’s approach, adding stepped controls and increased precision to meet the demands of stereo work. Its design relies on broad, musical curves along with a Tilt filter for quickly rebalancing the frequency spectrum.

A different approach to equalization

The HLT 2AM is conceived as a global tone-shaping tool. It is not intended for surgical correction, but rather for shaping the overall balance of the signal. The shelving filters and Tilt filter allow fast tonal adjustments while maintaining strong coherence.

The Tilt filter

The T-filter boosts high frequencies while attenuating lows, or vice versa. This approach is particularly effective in mastering, where subtle adjustments can significantly impact the overall perception of a mix. The stepped controls ensure perfect repeatability.

An optimized version for mastering

The HLT 2AM stands out thanks to its stepped controls and precise matching between the left and right channels. This enables reliable, recallable settings perfectly suited to professional mastering workflows.

A tube-based design

The HLT 2AM is built around an active/passive architecture with transformers and tube stages. This design delivers a smooth sound, with a sense of depth and gentle handling of high frequencies.

Applications

The HLT 2AM is intended for mastering and demanding stereo processing. It allows precise adjustment of a mix or master’s tonal balance without resorting to complex corrections.

Technical specifications

• Analog stereo tube equalizer
• Mastering version with stepped controls
• Active/passive architecture with transformers
• 19" rack format – 2U
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 55 kHz
• Headroom: greater than +26 dBu
• Harmonic distortion: < 0.1%
• Noise: < -80 dBu
• Low shelving: 18 / 37 / 80 / 180 / 370 / 800 Hz
• High shelving: 1 / 2 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 22 kHz
• Shelving gain: ±12 dB (stepped)
• Tilt filter (T-filter): 0.5 / 1 / 2 kHz
• Tilt gain: +4 / -7 dB (stepped)
• Low cut: 18 / 25 / 40 / 60 / 85 Hz (6 dB/oct)
• High cut: 12 / 15 / 18 / 20 / 25 kHz (6 dB/oct)
• Tubes: 2x ECC82, 4x ECC83
• Input impedance: > 10 kΩ
• Output impedance: < 60 Ω
• Weight: approx. 4.3 k